Carlo Rutelli falls in love with the beautiful variety singer Yvonne la Nuit, but his father opposes the wedding. World War I breaks out and Carlo is killed while Yvonne has a son, but on orders from Carlo's father, she is told he is dead. Her career descends and only Nino, an art partner, remains close to her and helps her earn her living by singing in taverns. Upon Carlo's father's death, Lawyer Rubinordo informs Yvonne that her son is alive, but she prefers that he continues to believe her dead; she doesn't want him to see her in her reduced state.