Paolo Monelli

Aldo Piscitello, a minor government clerk, is forced in 1934 to join the Fascist party. When the war comes, he finds himself able only to talk ineffectually in secret against Mussolini, even as his own son Giovanni is sent into battle. By the end of the war, Aldo has found the courage to stand up for his beliefs, but by then it is too late.

A veteran of the African War, along with two young men, one of whom is newly married, are called to arms to defend their homeland's borders. They will be protagonists of dramatic events involving assaults, retreats, and life in the trenches. The old veteran of the African War will ultimately perish as a hero, while the other two will return to their homes after the victorious battle to recount the dramatic events they experienced.

During Fascism and after WWII, a school porter sacrifices himself so his son, who is slightly ashamed of a lowly background, can become a respected professor.The film also takes a few jabs at Italy's rapid governmental reshuffles.