The story begins as "Don" Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando), the head of a New York Mafia "family", oversees his daughter's wedding. His beloved son Michael has just come home from the war, but does not intend to become part of his father's business. Through Michael's life the nature of the family business becomes clear. The business of the family is just like the head of the family, kind and benevolent to those who give respect, but given to ruthless violence whenever anything stands against the good of the family. Don Vito (Marlon Brando) lives his life in the way of the old country, but times are changing and some don't want to follow the old ways and look out for community and "family". An up and coming rival of the Corleone family wants to start selling drugs in New York, and needs the Don's (Marlon Brando) influence to further his plan. The clash of the Don's (Marlon Brando) fading old world values and the new ways will demand a terrible price, especially from Michael, all for the sake of the family.