Matsugoro (Toshiro Mifune), a Japanese rickshaw driver, is hired by a couple to take their son, Toshio, back and forth to doctor appointments. The impoverished rickshaw driver builds a relationship with the family, but, when tragedy strikes, he must undertake a new role. After Toshio's father (Hiroshi Akutagawa) dies, Matsugoro helps Toshio and his mother, Yoshiko (Hideko Takamine), survive the difficult time. But he develops feelings for the widow despite their differing social positions.