Umberto D (re-release) 2002

Police disperse an organized protest of senior citizens who are demanding an increase in their meager pensions. Among the demonstrators is Umberto D. Ferrari, a retired government employee facing dire financial straits.

Upon returning to his cramped room, Umberto discovers that his landlady has rented it out for an hour to a young couple seeking privacy. She then threatens him with eviction at the end of the month if he cannot settle his overdue rent of fifteen thousand lire. Desperate, Umberto sells a watch and some books, but only manages to gather a third of the required amount. Unfortunately, the landlady refuses to accept anything less than the full payment.

During this time, the sympathetic maid confides in Umberto about her own troubles. She reveals that she is three months pregnant and uncertain about which of her two soldier lovers—the tall one from Naples or the short one from Florence—is the father.

Feeling unwell, Umberto checks himself into the hospital, only to find out that he is suffering from tonsillitis. After a few days of treatment, he is discharged and returns to discover his living situation has drastically changed. The landlady is preparing for marriage and the apartment is undergoing renovations, leaving his room in disarray with a gaping hole in the wall. The maid informs Umberto that the area is being remodeled into an enlarged living room. She has also been looking after his beloved dog, Flike, but due to an open door, Flike has managed to escape.

In a panic, Umberto rushes to the city pound and is relieved to find Flike safe. However, when he approaches a friend in hopes of borrowing some money, the friend is dismissive and refuses to help. Overwhelmed by desperation and unable to bring himself to beg on the street, Umberto contemplates suicide, but knows he must first ensure Flike is cared for. He decides to pack his belongings and vacate the apartment, leaving parting advice for the maid to rid herself of her boyfriend from Florence.

Umberto then tries to find a new home for Flike, first with a couple who take in dogs, and then with a little girl he knows. Unfortunately, the girl’s nanny insists she return the dog. Flike happily plays with some local children, and Umberto, believing he can let go, steps away, hoping one of them will adopt him. But despite his attempts to abandon Flike, the loyal dog tracks him down while hiding under a footbridge. In a moment of desperation, Umberto cradles Flike in his arms and heads toward an oncoming train. However, Flike, frightened by the impending danger, manages to escape his grip and runs away. Umberto instinctively chases after him, and although Flike initially hesitates, Umberto eventually coaxes him out by playing with a pine cone. Still without a home, Umberto wanders down the park lane, joyfully playing with his dog, symbolizing the enduring bond they share.