Umberto D.
Umberto D. • 1h 28m
Directed by Vittorio De Sica • 1952 • Italy
Starring Carlo Battisti, Maria Pia Casilio
This neorealist masterpiece by Vittorio De Sica follows an elderly pensioner as he strives to make ends meet during Italy’s postwar economic recovery. Alone except for his dog, Flike, Umberto struggles to maintain his dignity in a city where human kindness seems to have been swallowed up by the forces of modernization. His simple quest to satisfy his basic needs—food, shelter, companionship—makes for one of the most heartbreaking stories ever filmed, and an essential classic of world cinema
Up Next in Umberto D.
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That’s Life: Vittorio De Sica
This documentary, made for Italian television in 2001 by Sandro Lai, offers an overview of director Vittorio De Sica’s career. It features behind-the-scenes footage from many of his films, as well as a conversation between De Sica and his longtime writing partner Cesare Zavattini.
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Maria Pia Casilio on UMBERTO D.
Actress Maria Pia Casilio’s first film role was in UMBERTO D., when she was still in her teens. In this interview, conducted in 2003, she describes being discovered by director Vittorio De Sica and discusses her work in the film.
