Gino Santangelo is a small-time New York bootlegger during the Depression, when an unlikely affair with a Park Avenue socialite opens his eyes to a dazzling world of new business opportunities.

Lucky Santangelo is born with much of her father's ambition and drive. She grows up wild and spoiled, so Gino finds a Swiss boarding school to tame her spirit.

Enzio Bonnatti is a ruthless competitor who befriends Lucky in order to seize control of the Santangelo empire. Gino returns from exile, reunites with Lucky, and drives Enzio from the business. With Gino once more in control, Lucky feels shunted, so she accepts a marriage proposal from Dimitri. a wealthy shipping magnate. Their first-born son is Lucky's one source of joy in an uneven relationship, a marriage betrayed by Dimitri's numerous affairs.

In frustration, Lucky abandons her second marriage and returns to the U.S. Lucky and Gino find they need each other more than ever. The feud with Enzio heats up, leading to the kidnapping of Lucky's son in a final desperate attempt to bring down the Santangelo empire.