
Shoichi Kokubun is a roughneck street musician, who has a brother that is determined to propel him into stardom. In attempt to catch the attention of a popular jazz band, his brother appeals to their manager who has the power to make him a star. In a graphic portrayal of love, betrayal and success, Shoichi brews up a storm with a 'rat-a-tat-tat' on the drums.

Yūjirō Ishihara
Shoichi Kokubu

Kyōji Aoyama
Eiji, Shoichi's brother

Fukuko Sayo
Sadayo, Shoichi's mother

Mie Kitahara
Miyako Fukushima

Masumi Okada
Shinsuke, Miyako's brother
Yumi Takano
Aiko, Miyako's mother

Izumi Ashikawa
Midori Shima

Zenji Yamada
Zenzo Shima

Keiko Amaji
Tokiko Arima

Mari Shiraki
Mary Oka, the dancer
Toshio Oida
Charlie Sakurada, the drummer

Nobuo Kaneko
Toru Sakyo, the critic

Toshiyuki Ichimura
Mochinaga

Kyōzō Fuyuki
Taneda
Nakaku Takashi
Ken