One of the most poignant and moving stories ever told on film, with an unusual theme - what happens to an old man who is left destitute by circumstances (war, inflation) in post-war Italy.
Terribly sad and sentimental, yet filled with the visual poetry for which De Sica ('Bicycle Thieves') is deservedly famed.
A superb film - withering in its critique of uncaring capitalism - It is hard-edged - there is no solution to Umberto's plight, and the depiction of war-damaged Rome is completely convincing.
This is the first and only film for non-actor Carlo Battisti, who plays the titular role. His real occupation was Professor of Linguistics at the Università degli Studi di Firenze.
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Screening in conjunction with the talk:
A PRECIOUS MOMENT: Italian Cinema and Neo-Realism
