In Sicily, at one time, horses would work in the sulfur mines and slowly become blind. The story is told through a Sicilian ballad, sung by Domenico Modugno. Mimì's mother sits with him as he prepared his bags, but she struggles to understand why he would want to leave. See complete lyrics (in Sicilian) here.

Domenico gets on the pilgrimage bus to Rome and entertains his fellow passengers with a song. Don Antonio might have made different song choices... At the convent where the pilgrims are staying, Domenico makes friends with Father Mello.

Domenico goes to the Experimental Center where there is a sea of candidates waiting their turns to go in and take the entrance exam. He meets a friendly guy named Riccardo Pazzaglia. He also meets a girl who is rather nervous and feeling insecure.

Domenico does his audition in front of the movie camera. Then he has to figure out how to make enough money to pay for his room and board. His new friend Riccardo gives him a couple of important tips.

While the hopeful actors are waiting at the gates of Cinecittà for a bit part, a famous actor drives out and causes a stir. Back at the convent, Domenico sings a song about a cricket in love with the moon. If you want to hear the whole song sung by Modugno, check it out here.

Domenico gives a moving performance of one of his songs at the circolo (club), and meets Raimondo Lanza di Trabia, who is there with the actress/princess he had seen at the convent.

In the present, Domenico is describing his life in Rome to his audience. There are flashbacks to the reality of those times.

Domenico begins recounting his second (and best) year at the Experimental Center in Rome. One reason it was his best year is that he met a very special person.

Domenico happens to get a glimpse of Vittorio De Sica himself and chases him down to ask him for a part.

De Sica is generous with Domenico. Later on, seated on the curb with his friend, Domenico borrows a guitar from a "blind" person nearby and sings a song he wrote.

Domenico gets a small role in a movie where he has to sing a child to sleep. He then tries his luck in a singing contest. He also seems to be getting some attention from some women...

Mimmo is discouraged about getting rejected at the radio station, and Riccardo gives him some criticism. Franca has a different opinion. The students get together to celebrate the end of their two-year program at the Experimental Center.

Domenico keeps telling his story, fast-forwarding a bit, and focuses on when he got a new place to live with his friends helping him, and meeting up with Franca again.

Domenico isn't very adept at keeping his emotions, including jealousy, in check, and at the dinner party, he allows them to get the better of him. But there are all kinds of people at that party, and they aren't all against him.

Domenico gets a big chance to sing for a celebrity, but it doesn't go the way he imagines. Palmieri keeps coming up with ideas for him, however.