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.

《北平一家》反映了居住在中国北平的武兆发教授一家的日常生活。显示了中国中产阶级的传统生活习俗，一个受过美国教育的中国人努力地支撑和教育他的大家族。描绘了食品的购买和家庭午餐，小孩在学校玩耍，对长辈的尊重，以及天坛之旅的参观乐趣。