Mirella Morelli

第2次世界大戦後のイタリアに生きる庶民の人生の歓びや哀しみを、ある一人の初老の鉄道機関士の姿を通して描いた感動作。50歳のクリスマスを迎えたイタリアの鉄道機関士アンドレア・マルコッチは、末っ子のサンドロから英雄のように慕われていたが、長女のジュリアと長男のマルチェロからは、その厳格さや律儀で一徹な態度から敬遠されていた。しかしそんな彼らもやさしく献身的な母サーラがいるおかげで毎日平穏に暮らしていた。

During WWII, Sandro Ademari (Massimo Girotti), head of a group of Italian partisans, to escape from a Nazi catch, hides himself by a farm. Here he knows Luisa (Lea Padovani) and soon the two married and have a baby. After the war, Sandro, now a solicitor, succeeded also to be elected in Rome's parliament. Here he starts an extramarital affair with Germana (Patricia Neal). Sandro, now deep involved with Germana, tries all the way to leave Luisa (divorce wasn't legal during the '50s in Italy). But Luisa is determined to save her marriage and arrives in Rome to discuss with the two. The tragedy is behind the corner.

In 19th century southern Italy (near Melfi, Basilicata), a small force of soldiers fight in the hills against the bandits who are holding their country to ransom.