The Alto Knights

Vito Genovese, the ambitious underboss, orchestrates a failed assassination attempt against Frank Costello, the Luciano family boss. This event marks the beginning of deep-seated distrust and strife between the two.

Weary of constant bloodshed, Frank Costello decides to inform Genovese of his intention to retire and cede control of the Luciano family. However, this declaration is met with skepticism and distrust from Genovese, who believes Costello is hiding his true intentions.

Genovese's paranoia escalates, leading him to orchestrate the brutal murder of Albert Anastasia, Costello's chosen successor. This shocking act disrupts the tenuous peace and heightens the stakes for Costello and his family.

In the aftermath of Anastasia's murder, Costello realizes that his life, and that of his wife, are in imminent danger. This realization compels him to consider dismantling the empire he has built in order to ensure their safety.

Costello recognizes that Genovese's ambition to control the Five Families makes him a target in his own criminal organization. He understands that Genovese views him as a threat due to his perceived mild nature, which belies a potential for vengeful action.

Rather than resorting to murder, Costello devises a sophisticated plan that relies on leveraging the increased scrutiny of the mafia. His goal is to orchestrate Genovese's incarceration while avoiding direct conflict.

Costello's plan hinges on the infamous Apalachin meeting, where powerful mafia figures gather to discuss their operations. Costello subtly tips off law enforcement about the gathering, setting the stage for a pivotal raid.

To facilitate the success of his plan, Costello intentionally delays his arrival at the meeting. He engages in leisurely activities like coffee stops and apple-picking, all while ensuring that law enforcement is alerted in time.

Law enforcement arrives just in time to catch the mobsters off guard at the Apalachin meeting. The ensuing panic leads attendees to flee into the woods, leaving a trail of incriminating evidence behind.

The raid leads to the arrest and indictment of twenty mafia figures for conspiracy to obstruct justice. The incident exposes the inner workings of the American Mafia to the public and escalates scrutiny on their activities.

The fallout from the Apalachin meeting ultimately contributes to Vito Genovese's eventual downfall, as he faces formal charges related to heroin trafficking. This decline marks a significant turning point in the mafia landscape.

In the wake of these events, Frank Costello achieves his long-desired goal of a peaceful retirement. Having outmaneuvered Genovese, he steps back from the violent life of crime.

Frank Costello enjoys the remaining years of his life away from the mafia's violent entanglements. His decision to retire allows him to live out his days as an old man, free from the chaos that once dominated his life.