The series presents a unique insight into the workings of 'La Cosa Nostra' and the law enforcement agencies that combat it.

Combining a historical narrative with first hand testimony the series will create a comprehensive account of the recent history of the five families in New York and the successful battle by the FBI to destroy them.

At the height of their power the 'Godfathers' exerted power from the Streets of New York to the seat of Government in the White House. The decline of their power within the last decade provides the ideal opportunity to create the definitive version of how the Godfathers rode to power in America and how the U.S. Government ignored the warning until it was almost too late.

This particular film assesses the on-going state of the Mafia both in Italy and the USA.

We enter the underground operations of the Mafia and anti-Mafia police units and also feature rallies that were held in Sicily by the victims of violence.

The programme goes on to look at the Mafia's bitter struggle to survive despite actions such as the murder of prosecutor Giovanni Falcone (pictured), a wave of urban terrorism and the threat of the 'pentiti'.