Song of a Songstress

Song of a Songstress

1948 · 92 min · Drama

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.

Directed by Fang Peilin · Written by Wu Tie-Yi

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Cast

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

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Song of a Songstress

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