"[6] The film tells the story of Domenico, a young man who forgoes the latter part of his education, because the family has chosen his younger brother to take up studies.

Applying for a job at a big city corporation, he goes through a series of exams, physical tests and interviews.

During a brief respite from the tests, he meets Antonietta, a young girl who has similarly forgone her schooling when in need of money to support herself and her mother.

Meeting with a superior, he is informed that, although he passed the tests, no clerical positions are available, and agrees to take a job as a messenger in the meantime.

When Domenico returns to work, he is offered the vacated desk of recently deceased employee Portioli of the accountants' department.