Rome, Open City

Italian authorities collaborate with the Germans as they attempt to crush the underground resistance in the capital. Resourceful engineer Giorgio finds an ally in Pina, the fiancee of a fellow resistance member, who is due to exchange vows in front of local priest Don Pietro. Like his countrymen, Giorgio refuses to be subdued by the intimidation and threats of violence and he fights with every breath to repel the invaders, unaware that some of his friends and neighbours might betray him.