In this particular chapter of Reppetto’s novel, he writes about the formation of the Mafia Commission, or La Commissione, started by Charles “Lucky” Laciano in the 1930’s.  This national crime syndicate was made up of the bosses of the five major mafia families in New York, well known as The Five Families.  The commission was a way to settle disputes and conduct business without resorting to violence.  All major business affairs were handled by the commission, such as territories, political contacts, and other chief matters. 

            This historical committee is evident throughout The Godfather film.  Terms such as “The Commission” and “The Five Families” are common in numerous scenes, especially at the onslaught of the mafia war started by the attempted assassination of Don Vito.  It is easy to think that The Godfather is a non-fictitious work due to the references of so many historically prominent issues, and it is this blurred line of reality and fiction that draw so many viewers to the screen.

            The Godfather is well-known to mix fiction with history, just as Mario Puzo did in his original novel.  The character Johnny Fontane is supposedly based on real-life celebrity Frank Sinatra, who was known to have ties with the mob.  The Corleone family itself is thought to be modeled after the Genovese family of New York, which was for a long time the most powerful mafia family in America.  These social references are so identifiable to the common viewer, especially older audiences who lived through the era, that it is easy to see why so many adore the saga of The Godfather.