Francis Ford Copolla's classic film version of the insular world of the Mafia is a film less about mob rub-outs and cops-and-robbers chases than it is about family loyalty and the transfer of power from one generation to another. The film begins in the study of Don Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando), who is dispensing favors to various supplicants, while outside of his dark, shadowy office, the wedding of his daughter Connie (Talia Shire) is taking place. At the wedding, Connie's brothers are on hand for the joyous celebration -- Michael (Al Pacino), Vito's youngest son and returning war hero; Sonny (James Caan), the hair-trigger tempered oldest son; Fredo (John Cazale), the meek and weak-willed middle son; and Tom Hagen (Robert Duvall), the skillful, quiet, and efficient adopted son, who is also Vito's chief counsel. The wedding is Vito Corleone at the height of his power and influence. As World War II has ended and changes in the world have occurred, changes are also occurring within the Mob hierarchy. The other Mafia families want to get into the drug trade, but Vito is adamantly against it. When a powerful drug supplier, Sollozzo (Al Lettieri), promises big profits for the families, the other family heads are interested, but Vito stands firm. This seals his fate. In the ensuing brutal mob war that takes place, Sonny (Vito's successor in the business) is gunned down and an assassination attempt is made on Vito. Michael, the one son of Vito's who has refused to become involved in the family business, now finds himself forced to take the reins of power. With Vito slowly slipping away into old age and illness, Michael now effectively takes command of the Corleone family. After the death of his father, Michael must now ruthlessly plot his revenge against the families for conspiring against the Corleone Family.