In Italy, even a former prime minister, Giulio Andreotti (pictured), was brought to trial for supporting the mafia. Now the mafia's men of honour on two continents are telling their story.

Buscetta was a high-ranking mafioso until his sons and nephews were killed in a mafia war. Then he turned and became one of the most important witnesses to ever testify against the mafia in Italy and the United States.

The series presents a unique insight into the workings of 'La Cosa Nostra' and the law enforcement agencies that combat it. Combining an historical narrative with first hand testimony, the series creates 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 United States government ignored the warning until it was almost too late.