At the head of the Angeluzzi-Corbo family stands Lucia Santa, wife, widow and mother of two families. It is her formidable will that steers them through the Depression, but even she cannot prevent the violence which follows.

The Godfather is the Mafia leader Vito Corleone, a benevolent despot who stops at nothing to gain and hold power. Set in Long Island, Hollywood and Sicily this is a story of a feudal society within society which does not hesitate to consolidate its power.