It is based on the first screenplay by Cesare Zavattini which tells the story of a disillusioned millionaire who, tired of the attempts of greedy friends and relatives to sponge off of him, becomes a bum in order to find a decent human being.

The rich man saves the bum and tells him of his frustration with his friends and relatives who are always seeking a handout.

He then claims that he will give a million francs to the first person to treat him kindly without thinking about his wealth.

The next day, the tramp awakens to find the millionaire gone, and that his own tattered rags have been replaced by the finest clothing, along with a large roll of francs.

Eventually the disguised millionaire meets and marries a circus performer and donates his million francs to the whole community.