Bicycle Thieves (1948)

Set in Post-WWII Italy, a working class man's bicycle is stolen. He and his son set out to find it.

Director: Vittorio De Sica
Writers: Cesare Zavattini (story), Luigi Bartolini (novel) | 7 more credits »
Stars: Lamberto Maggiorani, Enzo Staiola, Lianella Carell | See full cast & crew »

A heinous crime and its aftermath are recalled from differing points of view.

 


Storyline

Ricci, an unemployed man in the depressed post-WWII economy of Italy, gets at last a good job - for which he needs a bike - hanging up posters. But soon his bicycle is stolen. He and his son walk the streets of Rome, looking for the bicycle. Ricci finally manages to locate the thief but with no proof, he has to abandon his cause. But he and his son know perfectly well that without a bike, Ricci won't be able to keep his job.

Trailer