The secret behind "the Godfather"

The movie introduced Italian criminal terms like consiglieri, caporegime, Cosa Nostra, and omertà to an English-speaking audience. It formed the basis for a 1972 film of the same name and its 1974 sequel, which are widely considered to be two of the greatest films of all time. Much controversy surrounds the title of the movie and its underworld implications. Although it is widely reported that Puzo was inspired to use "Godfather" as a designator for a Mafia leader from his experience as a reporter, the term The Godfather was first used in connection with the Mafia during Joe Valachi's testimony during the 1963 Congressional Hearing on Organized Crime.