Song of a Songstress (1948)

Plot Summary

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.

Full Cast & Characters

Xuan Zhou

Zhu Lan

Gu Ye-Lu

Fang Zhiwei

Meng Na

Zhu's Mother

Zhang Didi

Shui Tong

Fung Ying-Seung

Drunkard A

Hu Siao-fung

Drunkard B

Che Xuan

Drunkard C

Ba Hong

Mr Sun

Gao Dian

Liu Shidao

Si Meng

Manager of Dance Hall

Luo Ming

Tenant

Chen Fei

Driver

Director & Crew

Where to Watch Song of a Songstress Online

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