Despite the violence it portrays, The Godfather is primarily a film about the power of loyalty and love in the Corleone family and the community they live in. The story opens at the wedding of Connie (Talia Shire), the daughter of Godfather Don Corleone (Marlon Brando). Like a feudal lord, The Don is shown receiving congratulations and pledges of loyalty from his extended family of clients. On this day, he freely extends favors to the many who ask for them. Each of the Don's three sons are present, but it is understood that hot-blooded Sonny (James Caan), his oldest, will succeed him in his position of leadership, and that Fredo (John Cazale) is unsuited for involvement in the family's affairs. The apple of Don Corleone's eye is his youngest son Michael (Al Pacino), who returned a hero from World War II and has so far remained untouched by the family business. He has been to college, and the Don hopes that his thoughtful son will steer clear of gang affairs. Tragically, the Don's wish for Michael is compromised when he is incapacitated and Michael is temporarily forced to assume leadership of the family. The Godfather is the first crime film to respectfully explore a period in the history and relationships of an American mob family. Its cultural influence is such that its colorful language has become part of the American vernacular. Some examples are: "I made him a deal he couldn't refuse," and "He sleeps with the fishes." The Godfather is based on Mario Puzo's best-selling novel, and was phenomenally successful at the box office. It won three out of its eleven Oscar nominations.