A twenty-year-old man named Antonio Catalano returns to his fictional hometown of Cusano in Irpinia after completing military service. Unemployed, he must support his widowed mother, deal with her gambling addiction, and care for his five sisters of various ages. Despite romantic attention from Carmela, a strong and beautiful girl, financial difficulties prevent them from planning marriage, especially since Carmela's father refuses to help.
Antonio takes on odd jobs to save money, as his sister Giuliana faces a dilemma due to a landowner who won't marry her without a dowry. Antonio initially works as a carriage assistant, then collaborates with drivers to form a cooperative for a bus service, but the plan fails due to the drivers' incompetence and greed.
Hired as a sacristan by the parish priest, Antonio secretly collaborates with a communist group in Naples at night. Carmela reveals his double life in a quarrel, leading to his dismissal by the priest. Antonio eventually finds employment in Naples with Flora Angelini, a refined woman who owns cinemas. He transports film reels and sells his blood to her sick son in need of constant transfusions.
While Mrs. Angelini is drawn to Antonio's rugged charm, he remains loyal to Carmela. However, Carmela's jealousy causes a scene, resulting in Antonio losing his job once again. Carmela plans a romantic escape to force her family to accept their relationship, but she lacks the courage to go through with it. In the end, the couple returns to their hometown, announcing their intention to marry despite the challenges. Local market vendors support them by providing unlimited credit for clothing.
