A Dog’s Life

Nino Martoni runs a ramshackle show company. The troupe includes Lucy, Franca and Vera, each with distinct ambitions and pressures. Margherita soon arrives, fleeing from the village and is welcomed by Nino.

The troupe is joined by Margherita, a frightened and melancholy girl escaping from the village. Nino is moved by her plight and welcomes her into the company. Her arrival foreshadows new talent and dramatic possibilities.

Lucy leaves the company after another altercation with Nino. Margherita steps in as her replacement and reveals unsuspected skills as a dancer and singer. The change sets the stage for a rising star to emerge.

Margherita, renamed Rita Buton, delivers an overwhelming performance in the Alambra in Rome. The show convinces the theater to sign the company for two months. Her talents start drawing fierce attention from audiences and impresarios.

Franca reluctantly accepts the attentions of a very rich but slippery entrepreneur who promises a comfortable life. She yearns for luxury and security, challenging her earlier feelings for Carlo. Her ambitions complicate her love life and the troupe's dynamics.

Franca marries the wealthy entrepreneur, only to meet her fate shortly after. At the wedding, her husband introduces his newly hired technical director, Carlo. Overwhelmed by the situation, Franca commits suicide by throwing herself from a window.

Mario's father joins his son who has run away from home to chase after his beloved Vera. The pursuit underscores the older generation's concern and the younger lovers' persistence. The episode widens the personal stakes for the troupe.

In the police station, Vera is summoned with Nino on charges of circumvention of minors. Vera recognizes the man who had offered her a lift and tried to abuse her. Mario's father apologizes and withdraws the complaint, validating Vera's integrity.

Vera, radiant and happy, decides to marry Mario rather than pursue her dancing career. The choice marks a turning point for her personal life and her place in the troupe. Her decision reshapes the dynamics among the dancers and the manager.

Nino plans to declare his love to Rita with a precious ring. Meanwhile a prestigious Milan impresario witnesses Rita's talent and offers her an engagement, signaling a major opportunity for her career. Rita's future now hinges on a difficult choice between loyalty and ambition.

Reluctantly, Nino sacrifices his feelings and drives Rita out of the company to avoid compromising her professional future. He acts to safeguard her chance at real stardom. The departure marks a painful rupture within the troupe.

Margherita, now known as Rita Buton, becomes a famous and acclaimed soubrette. She signs the Milan impresario's contract and rises to national fame, solidifying her star status. Her name becomes a symbol of the troupe's talent.

Nino secretly goes to the theater where Rita is performing and leaves an anonymous bouquet at the entrance. The gesture is a quiet, hopeful sign of his enduring affection. Rita, unaware of his identity, remains focused on her rising career.

Nino remains at the helm with the rest of the company, directing shows despite difficulties. Lucy returns to the troupe after a period of unemployment, joining the ongoing performances. The show goes on, sustained by Nino's leadership.