Jerry Mulligan is an ex-G.I. and a struggling American painter in Paris. He is 'discovered' by an influential heiress with an interest in more than Jerry's art. Jerry in turn falls for Lise, a young French girl already engaged to a cabaret singer. Jerry jokes, sings and dances with his best friend, an acerbic would-be concert pianist. Romance between Jerry and Lise becomes complicated.

Part I: "Don" Vito Corleone is the head of a New York mafia 'family.' His beloved son Michael has just come home from the war, but does not intend to become part of his father's business. Not given a choice, the business of the family is just like the head of the family, kind and benevolent to those who give respect, but gives in to ruthless violence whenever anything stands against the good of the family. An up and coming rival of the Corleone family...

In South Boston, the Massachusetts State Police are waging a war on Irish-American organized crime. Undercover cop Billy Costigan is assigned to infiltrate the mob syndicate, which is run by gangland chief Frank Costello. Billy quickly gains Costello's confidence. Colin Sullivan is a hardened young criminal who has infiltrated the police department as an informer for the syndicate. Colin is rising to a position of power within the Special Investigation...

Based on the true story of the first black regiment to fight for the North in the Civil War. Robert Gould Shaw and Cabot Forbes are two idealistic young Bostonians that lead the regiment; Sergeant Major John Rawlins is the inspiration who unites the troops; Private Trip is a runaway slave who joins the regiment.