Pietro Germi directs and stars in this masterpiece example of late Italian neo-realism. The stark tale centers on unfulfilled railroad worker Andrea (Germi). After his daughter's marriage falls apart and his troubled son leaves for good, Andrea turns to booze to numb the pain. Life gets even worse for Andrea when he causes a serious rail accident and crosses picket lines during a strike. Sylva Koscina, Edoardo Nevola and Franco Fantasia co-star.