Context

This line is spoken by Don Corleone, played by Marlon Brando, in the film The Godfather, directed by Francis Ford Coppola (1972).

In The Godfather, Frank Sina—er…Johnny Fontane goes to his non-fairy godfather, Don Vito Corleone, wanting help getting a new film role.

Don Corleone promises to make the head of the film studio "an offer he can't refuse." What's the offer? Buy 2 get 1 free knee socks at American Apparel? A $90 PS4? Nope, it's a horse at 85% off—a.k.a. horse's neck and head tucked into bed with the studio exec. 

Sweet dreams!

Where you've heard it

According to the American Film Institute, this is the second-most famous movie quote of all time, so you've heard it everywhere. 

But if someone says it to you, run away. Fast. 

And lock your bedroom door.

Pretentious Factor

If you were to drop this quote at a dinner party, would you get an in-unison "awww" or would everyone roll their eyes and never invite you back? Here it is, on a scale of 1-10.

You're not Vito Corleone, so don't say this one with gravity. The only acceptable way to sling this quote around is with absolute irony.