Adapted from a British novel via several intermediary translations, it follows a married couple who are separated after the husband falls for a seductress, but reunite when his disguised first wife returns.

The film changed several settings and plot elements to better suit Chinese audiences, and was a commercial success upon release.

[6] Also featured were Zhu Fei, Zhao Chen, Wang Xianzhai, Song Chanhong, Ma Xuweibang, and Zheng Xiao.

The Chinese translation had found success in print, and stage performances had occurred throughout the 1910s; consequently, the film had an established audience.

[10] Zheng Zhengqiu described Mingxing as interested in adapting the novel due to its critical treatment of such issues as love, family, and education, which advanced his desire to promote the conscience of society.

[15] Lonely Orchid premiered at the Palace Theatre in Shanghai on 13 February 1926, the beginning of the Lunar New Year,[16] having had a preview three days earlier.

[3] Advertising for the film had begun several months earlier, with regular newspaper coverage allowing audiences to follow the progress of production.