Alone in the Streets

Like Vittorio De Sica before him, writer/director Silvio Siano utilizes a largely nonprofessional cast in Alone in the Streets. A Neapolitan urchin named Peppino, playing “himself”, sells loterry tickets to help support his family. Neorealistic in its approach, the film emulates Hollywood in its happy outcome. A kindly police magistrate (Carlo Tamberlani), taking pity on Peppino, his family and his pals, acts as surrogate father, shielding the kids from harm. Because it is less downbeat than, say, The Bicycle Thief or Shoeshine, Alone in the Streets was afforded a healthy American release.