Umberto D.

This neorealist masterpiece by Vittorio De Sica follows an elderly pensioner as he strives to make ends meet during Italy's postwar economic recovery.

Alone except for his dog, Flike, Umberto (Carlo Battisti) struggles 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 basic needs--food, shelter, companionship--makes for one of the most heartbreaking stories ever filmed, and an essential classic of world cinema.

Ceasre Zavattini was nominated for 1957 Academy Award for Best Writing, and the Film was nominated for the Grand Prix at the 1952 Cannes Film Festival.