Synopsis: This neorealist masterpiece by Vittorio De Sica (Bicycle Thieves) follows the daily life of an elderly pensioner as he struggles to make ends meet during Italy's postwar economic recovery. Alone except for his dog, Flike, Umberto is determined to maintain his dignity in a city where human kindness seems to have been swallowed up by the forces of modernization. His simple quest to satisfy his most fundamental needs—food, shelter, companionship—makes for one of the most heartbreaking stories ever filmed, and an essential classic of world cinema.

Language: Italian

Country of Origin: Italy

Production Year: 1952

Reviews:

• "A great and memorable achievement... Contains a comprehension of human feelings and fatalism that pierce the heart and mind. ", The New York Times
• "It may be the best of the Italian neorealist films.", Roger Ebert

Awards:

• 1955: Winner, Best Foreign Language Film, New York Film Critics Circle Awards
• 1956: Nominee, Oscar, Best Screenplay, Academy