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.

Teacher Huang San extends to his pupils the high principles of patriotism, thus arousing the hatred of the occupying Japanese. Huang is forced to flee and to escape from the Japanese clutches. One night, he helps a robber escape from a pursuing Japanese officer by firing his gun and thus unintentionally kills the Japanese. Huang San follows to his hideout and from then on, Huang San joins the bandits. Huang San attempts to rob a house but discovers that the occupant is none other than his student Wang Zhongkang who is involved with the guerrillas. Huang San decides to help Zhongkang raid the military arsenal of the enemy. However, as Huang gradually gains the trust of their chief, some jealous associates within the bandit group informs on him. Huang and Zhongkang carry out their raid amid a fierce confrontation, Zhongkang successfully implements his mission but Huang is killed in the battle.