---
title: "Bicycle Thieves"
year: 1948
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/bicycle-thieves-1948"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 5156
imdb_id: null
status: "Released"
runtime_minutes: 89
community_rating: 8.2
vote_count: 0
content_rating: "NR"
---

# Bicycle Thieves (1948) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/bicycle-thieves-1948

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

Bicycle Thieves is a film first released in 1948. Catalogued under Drama. Produced and broadcast by Produzioni De Sica. Current status: Released.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "A father's desperate search for his stolen bike threatens his new job."

### Why Watch
- Powerful portrayal of poverty
- Authentic post‑war Rome setting
- Emotional father‑son dynamic

### Caveats & Content Note
- Slow pacing may challenge some viewers
- Black‑and‑white style could feel dated
- Tone & Suitability: The film presents a bleak, realistic tone suitable for mature audiences.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: post-war, neorealist, somber, intimate

## Streaming Availability Matrix

Direct streaming licensing updates dynamically. Consult the live tracking interface at https://www.archytele.com/show/bicycle-thieves-1948#watch.

## Creative Credits

- **Directed by**: Vittorio De Sica
- **Networks / Studios**: Produzioni De Sica

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Lamberto Maggiorani** as *Antonio*
- **Enzo Staiola** as *Bruno*
- **Lianella Carell** as *Maria*
- **Gino Saltamerenda** as *Baiocco*
- **Vittorio Antonucci** as *Alfredo Catelli, The Thief*
- **Giulio Chiari** as *The Beggar*
- **Elena Altieri** as *The Charitable Lady*
- **Carlo Jachino** as *A Beggar*
- **Michele Sakara** as *Secretary of the Charity Organization*
- **Emma Druetti**

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: What job does Antonio take at the start of the film?
Antonio is hired to hang posters around Rome.

### Q: Why is the bicycle crucial to Antonio's new job?
He needs the bicycle to travel quickly while posting the advertisements.

### Q: When was the film first released in the United States?
It was released in the US on December 13, 1949.

### Q: How long is the film?
The runtime is approximately 1 hour and 29 minutes.

### Q: Where is the story set?
The narrative takes place in war‑torn Rome.

## Grounded Source Citations

- [Bicycle Thieves — The Movie Database (TMDB)](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/5156)
- [Zloději kol 77% [Bicycle Thieves] (1948) | Kinobox.cz](https://www.kinobox.cz/film/217215-zlodeji-kol)
- [Bicycle Thieves (1997) | ČSFD.cz](https://www.csfd.cz/film/182882-bicycle-thieves/prehled/)

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*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*