Set in the crowded district of San Giovanni, during the Anni Difficili, the daily struggles of a group of adolescents are portrayed with remarkable energy and sensitivity by director Renato Castellani. The film's mood modulates deftly from tender to tragic moments, wherein we see the youth play, swim, steal, fall in love, and face the hardships of life during WWII. Beautifully cast with largely non-professional actors, Oscar Blando in the lead role as Ciro, Francesco Goslisano as his sidekick Geppo, and Liliana Mancini as Ciro's devoted girlfriend, the film includes a striking cameo by Alberto Sordi.