Starring in numerous singing films, Zhou Xuan was one of the most beloved singers in both cinema and recording industries for her 'golden voice'. Popular nightclub singer Zhu Lan (Zhou) is originally in love with impoverished painter Fang Zhiwei (Gu Yelu), but is taken advantage of by rich playboy Ye Chunhua (Wang Hao) at her most vulnerable time. To add to her misfortune, Zhu discovers her being an adoptee. She also learns the heartbreaking truth about her birth parents which intertwines with her own life across generations. Eventually, irreversible tragedy awaits with revenge exacted for past wrongs. In a case of art imitating life, the songstress's life and upbringing resemble Zhou Xuan's own, making the film even more heart-wrenching. The 'Song Fairy' Chen Gexin composed the film's entire music with six songs sung by Zhou. 'Song of a Songstress', sung towards the end of the film, adds poignancy to the film with its discourse on the joy and sorrow in life.
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
 Xuan ZhouZhu Lan | Zhu Lan |
| GGu Ye-LuFang Zhiwei | Fang Zhiwei |
| MMeng NaZhu's Mother | Zhu's Mother |
| ZZhang DidiShui Tong | Shui Tong |
| FFung Ying-SeungDrunkard A | Drunkard A |
| HHu Siao-fungDrunkard B | Drunkard B |
 Che XuanDrunkard C | Drunkard C |
| BBa HongMr Sun | Mr Sun |
| GGao DianLiu Shidao | Liu Shidao |
 Si MengManager of Dance Hall | Manager of Dance Hall |
| LLuo MingTenant | Tenant |
| CChen FeiDriver | Driver |
 Ping FanNot listed | Not listed |
 Jing YangMrs. Ye | Mrs. Ye |
| HHoo WangYe Chunhua and Ye Huatang | Ye Chunhua and Ye Huatang |
| JJian ChenLi Shaoping | Li Shaoping |
| YYuan PingMr Zhao | Mr Zhao |
 Pengfei WeiZhu Yongtai | Zhu Yongtai |
| Xuan ZhouLiu Ma | Liu Ma |