Petey Brown, a tough and talented nightclub singer, returns to her hometown of New York City after spending time on the road. She moves in with her sisters, Sally and Virginia, and reconnects with her siblings, each of whom faces their own personal struggles. Petey quickly finds work performing at a local nightclub. Here she meets and falls for the club's pianist, San Thomas, whose mysterious past and connections pose complications for their budding romance. Through her work, Petey navigates the dark world of nightclubs, interacting with various characters including those involved in criminal activities.

As Petey delves deeper into her new life, she becomes entangled in the troubles of her family and friends. Her sister, Sally, is caught in an unhappy marriage, while Virginia struggles with her own insecurities and choices. Petey's presence starts to bring hope and change to those around her, even as she grapples with difficult decisions involving loyalty, love, and morality. Tensions rise within the nightclub scene, putting Petey in precarious situations that test her courage and resilience. Her journey is a touching exploration of love, sacrifice, and the pursuit of happiness in a world filled with challenges.