Bruschini traces the Mafia's origins in Sicily's feudal society. Forced to flee the country in 1939 to avoid arrest by Mussolini's Blackshirts, Prince Ferdinand Licata prince ends up in America, living with his niece's family, but violence catches up with him again. When ruffians terrorize his niece's restaurant, Licata exacts revenge and is led into confrontation with the hoodlums' Irish boss. Blood runs in the streets before the conflict is resolved. The war offers him the chance to help "capo di capi" Lucky Luciano get out of prison and advance himself with the American dons.