In the last days of the world war II a young Alpine soldier trys to find his way back home after the army was disbanded. In his village the soldiers, with the townspeople, become engaged in an effort to prevent the Germans from blowing up a dam.

An exiled Italian prostitute shields her sister from a deep-sea diver on an island volcano.

Unemployed Antonio is elated when he finally finds work hanging posters around war-torn Rome. However on his first day, his bicycle—essential to his work—gets stolen. His job is doomed unless he can find the thief. With the help of his son, Antonio combs the city, becoming desperate for justice.