Kikunosuke Onoe, commonly known as Kiku, is the adopted son of a famous
Tokyo kabuki actor and is training to succeed his father in an illustrious career. While hypocritically praising Kiku's acting to his face, the rest of his father's troupe mock him behind his back. Otoku, who lives in the father's house as the wet nurse for the infant son of the father's biological child, is the only one honest enough to point out Kiku's artistic shortcomings and urge him to improve. When Otoku is dismissed by Kiku's family for being too close to the young master, which could lead to scandal, Kiku tracks her down and declares his intention to marry her. His family is outraged, and Kiku is forced to leave Tokyo, taking a train to
Nagoya to hone his craft away from his father, much to the latter's fury. One year later, Kiku is acting alongside his uncle, Tamiro Naritaya, in
Osaka, but he remains dissatisfied. Otoku eventually finds Kiku and rekindles his inspiration. She becomes his common-law wife and continues to encourage him. When his uncle dies, Kiku is fired and forced to join a traveling troupe, and their life together becomes even more difficult. Four years later, Kiku and Otoku are on the road, with their fellow actors squabbling over small amounts of money. Kiku's character has changed to the point where he even strikes Otoku. Though she still loves him, his love for her has clearly faded. Their situation worsens, and Otoku becomes seriously ill. Otoku goes to meet Kiku's brother to beg for an acting role for Kiku in Tokyo, allowing him to reclaim the family's famous name. His brother agrees on two conditions: first, that Kiku's acting has improved, and second, that he and Otoku separate, as this is necessary to reconcile with their father. Fuku, Kiku's brother, returns with Otoku to fetch Kiku. Kiku delivers a bravura performance of the challenging and critical female role of Sumizome. He has finally found his niche and the fame he has always sought as a kabuki actor. Otoku watches sadly from the wings but is happy for him. The family agrees that Kiku may perform in Tokyo. As Kiku boards the train to Tokyo, Otoku cannot be found, and Fuku hands him a letter from her explaining everything. His companions urge him to continue to Tokyo to make Otoku's sacrifice worthwhile. Kiku becomes a success. When the Tokyo troupe visits Osaka, they receive a triumphant welcome. Kiku's father allows Kiku to take pride of place in the river parade after the performance. However, the landlord informs Kiku that Otoku is gravely ill and will die that night. Kiku hesitates, as it is his evening of glory, but his father insists, reminding him of how much Otoku has helped him. Ultimately, Kiku's father accepts Kiku's marriage to Otoku, and Kiku shares this news with her. However, this reconciliation comes only when she is already on her deathbed (implied to be due to
tuberculosis). Proud that Kiku is finally happy, Otoku urges him to join the river parade, as the audience is waiting to see and praise him. She dies while the sounds of the theater's parade, led by her husband, can be heard in the distance. ==Cast==