An elderly pensioner, Umberto, struggles to make ends meet in post-World War II Rome. Despite a dignified life of service, his meager pension cannot cover his basic needs, leading to a constant battle to avoid eviction by his unfeeling landlady, who wants to use his room for her own purposes. His closest companion is his loyal dog, Flike, who provides him with the emotional support that human society denies him. Isolated and facing declining health, Umberto finds some solace in his friendship with Maria, a kind-hearted and pregnant maid who works in the same building. Her own precarious situation mirrors his, further highlighting the harsh realities faced by vulnerable individuals in society.

As Umberto's situation becomes increasingly desperate, he makes several attempts to preserve his dignity and survive. With limited options, he goes to great lengths to secure his future and that of his beloved dog. His struggles paint a poignant picture of a man wrestling with the loss of his place in the world and striving to maintain his self-respect amidst overwhelming odds. Umberto's journey reflects larger themes of poverty, friendship, and the human need for dignity, all set against the backdrop of a rapidly changing postwar society.