J. Paul Getty is in the process of burying his eldest son George, who committed suicide. His three remaining sons besmirch him and wonder who will be chosen as the next in line to run their father's vast empire.

J. Paul Getty sends his man Fletcher Chase to Rome to investigate his grandson's kidnapping.

The kidnap plot is hatched after the younger John Paul G is told that he has racked up $6,000 in debt at a local restaurant.

Young Paul gets to know his captors; Primo opens a line of communication to Gail.

Angelo and young Paul Getty attempt to agree on the appropriate next move. Primo and Leonardo begin to organize the local community.

The Getty family fears the worst after a gruesome discovery is made.

Old Paul tries to follow through on his plan, Gail grows hopeful, but Big Paul obsesses about the quarrels of the past.

An unexpected development prompts Gail to travel to London.

After Gail finally recovers her son J. Paul Getty III from the kidnappers, the key kidnapper Primo, decides it is time to tie up loose ends and their loose lips.