This early entry in the oeuvre of Pietro Germi (DIVORCE ITALIAN STYLE, SEDUCED AND ABANDONED) exhibits a humanism and an interest in the small tragedies of everyday life. Very popular with audiences during his time though reviled by critics, Germi was a social democrat in a staunchly Marxist milieu, focusing his efforts on capturing the existential mood of post-WWII Italy as well as the universal concerns of the common man. Germi himself stars here as Andrea, a crack railroad engineer in his 50s who has thus far lived the good life. When he comes down with a mysterious disease, however, he begins a downward spiral, accruing ills until it's too much for him to bear. His son prefers petty crime to a decent job, and his daughter (Sylvia Koscina) resents him for forcing her to marry a clerk; she delivers a stillborn child and finds solace in the arms of a man not her husband. As Andrea contemplates these woes while on the job, he perpetrates a horrible accident that leaves him demoted and demoralized. When he shows up for work during a strike and becomes a scab, Andrea alienates himself still further from his colleagues. Already predisposed toward drink, he begins abusing alcohol and worsening his physical condition, until he is forced to decide whether to reconcile himself with those around him, or die a lonely death. The familial woes and social drama of Germi's film are presented in a highly realistic form, replete with the rich fluctuations between joy and pain that characterize life itself.

DVD Features:

Region 1
2-Disc Set - Keep Case
Full Frame - 1.33
Audio:
Dolby Digital Mono - Italian
Subtitles - English - Optional
Additional Product:
Booklet - Collectible Book, Biographies - Cast, Crew
Disc 1: THE RAILROAD MAN
Additional Release Material:
Trailers - Theatrical Trailer
Text/Photo Galleries:
Poster Art Gallery
Stills/Photos
Disc 2: Bonus Features
Additional Release Material:
Behind the Scenes - Original Screen Tests
Documentary - "Pietro Germi, a Classic on Its Own"

Pietro Germi: Italian Director/Screenwriter
Sylva Koscina: Actress/International
Saro Urzi: Italian Actor
Franco Fantasia: 

Pietro Germi: Italian Director/Screenwriter