Beginning at the conclusion, the film opens with Salvatore's mother conveying the news of Alfredo's passing. Prompted by the somber news, Salvatore, a filmmaker who has spent years away from his hometown, quickly departs from Rome to attend the funeral. Through a series of poignant flashbacks, we delve into Salvatore’s childhood set in a post-WWII town in Southern Italy. As a young boy named Toto, he harbors a deep love for cinema, often sneaking into the local movie theater. Toto is particularly fascinated by the projectionist, Alfredo, and attempts to collect film cuts that have been censored by the church for containing kissing scenes.
Living with his war-widowed mother and younger sister, Toto’s family struggles with the pain of losing his father. An unfortunate incident occurs when Toto's attempt to gather film bits results in a fire that endangers his sister and destroys precious family photographs, including the only picture of his father. Consequently, his mother bans him from the theater. However, his determination leads him to sneak back in, where he eventually forms a fatherly bond with Alfredo. Despite Alfredo's initial hesitance, Toto learns to operate the projector alongside him.
As time progresses, the community witnesses a dramatic change when a local resident strikes it rich in the lottery and finances the rebuilding of the cinema after it burns down, following a fire ignited by the projector that knocked Alfredo unconscious. With his newfound skills, Toto once again finds his place in the projection room alongside Alfred.
Years later, as an adolescent, Salvatore becomes enamored with a wealthy girl named Elena. The competition for her affection ignites a spirited rivalry among Salvatore and his friends. Smitten, he captures her on film and begins to develop deep feelings for her. However, Alfredo cautions him to tread lightly with love, suggesting that it only leads to heartache. In defiance of the warning, Salvatore confesses his love to Elena, who enigmatically states she doesn’t love him yet, but might.
Determined to win her heart, Salvatore waits nightly outside her home for a sign of reciprocation. Eventually, he succumbs to despair but is soon enlightened to the fact that Elena does, in fact, share his feelings. Their relationship blossoms into a vibrant romance, reminiscent of young love. Unfortunately, disaster strikes when Elena's father disapproves of their union and takes her away. Throughout the summer, Salvatore's attempts to see her prove elusive. Eventually, Alfredo intervenes with Elena, persuading her to release Salvatore for his own good.
As Salvatore wanders aimlessly following their separation, he is conscripted into military service in accordance with Italian law. Upon returning to his hometown after his service, he is confronted with the transformation of everything he once knew, leaving him struggling to adapt. Alfredo encourages him to seek his fortune elsewhere, ominously bidding him farewell with the foresight that their paths may never cross again.
Ultimately, Salvatore ascends to become a celebrated filmmaker. In the aftermath of Alfredo's funeral, he wanders through the remnants of his childhood town, where he experiences a moment of nostalgia upon seeing a young girl who resembles Elena. Following her leads him back to Elena, now married to one of Salvatore's childhood companions. Their poignant reunion reveals hidden truths; Elena discloses that Alfredo had a significant role in their separation, believing that Salvatore's passion for filmmaking would flourish only if he chose to pursue his dreams instead of being bound by love.
With a sense of bittersweet closure, Salvatore acknowledges the sacrifices he made for his career. After an emotional farewell with Elena, he leaves to return to Rome, carrying with him a can of film entrusted to him by Alfredo, containing all the cherished snippets of kissing scenes from his youth, a reminder of his childhood love and ambition.
