Movie Description
The final shot of the hit film CABARET is a Nazi meeting reflected in a mirror, providing the chilling historical subtext for this groundbreaking musical movie, set in prewar Berlin. Not since GONE WITH THE WIND (1939) had Hollywood produced a more successful film. CABARET was a convention-shattering story that dealt with themes like bisexuality that were still under the radar in the US. Additionally, CABARET made the enormously talented Liza Minnelli an American icon.
Minnelli plays Sally Bowles, an aspiring singer and dancer. The main plot revolves around her relationship with two different men and her life as a singer at the Kit Kat Klub. The film utilizes the traditional conventions of American musical theater while adding in the fiendishly painted Master of Ceremonies (Joel Grey) who comments on the proceedings through song and dance. Director Bob Fosse showcases the range of his vision as a director of stage and screen, serving as both choreographer and musical director.
Based on the Kander-Ebb musical from John van Druten's play I AM A CAMERA (which, in turn, was derived from Christopher Isherwood's novel GOODBYE
TO BERLIN), CABARET was nominated for 10 Academy Awards and won eight,
making it one of the most acclaimed films in movie history.
| Credits | | Producer: | Cy Feuer | | Cast: | Helmut Griem, Marisa Berenson |
Notes
Theatrical release: February 13, 1972
CABARET was added to the Library of Congress National Film Registry in 1995.
According to the authors of INSIDE OSCAR composers John Kander and Fred Ebb wrote the Broadway musical CABARET as a vehicle showcasing their good friend Liza Minnelli. Hal Prince, the producer and director, thought Minnelli too "inexperienced" and gave the role to Jill Haworth instead. The show became the biggest Broadway hit between 1966 and 1967.
When the film of the musical was finally in the making, Liza Minnelli had secured stardom, having just received an Oscar nomination for the 1969 film THE STERILE CUCKOO. Reportedly, Liza's was very excited about the film: "We're trying to show the dirt and decadence and the perverse atmosphere of Berlin when the Nazis came to power...."
When the film of the musical was finally in the making, Liza Minnelli was already a star, having just received an Oscar nomination for the 1969 film THE STERILE CUCKOO. Reportedly, Liza's was very excited about the film: "We're trying to show the dirt and decadence and the perverse atmosphere of Berlin when the Nazis came to power...."
Editorial Reviews
"...It's a dark, sexy beast of a film....Minnelli's Oscar-winning turn is touching and vivacious..."
Total Film - Kevin Harley (08/01/2002)
"...[With] superb production design..."
Sight and Sound - Lucy Neville (01/01/2003)
"...This was revolutionary stuff..."
Entertainment Weekly - Entertainment Weekly Staff (01/11/2002)
"No escapist song-and-dance extravaganza, this is a film with a heart of darkness."
Empire - Alan Morrison (02/01/2008)
Awards
1972Academy AwardsBest ActressLiza Minnelli, 1972Academy AwardsBest Adapted or Musical Song/ScoreRalph Burns, 1972Academy AwardsBest Art Direction - Set Decoration, 1972Academy AwardsBest CinematographyGeoffrey Unsworth, 1972Academy AwardsBest DirectorBob Fosse, 1972Academy AwardsBest Film Editing, 1972Academy AwardsBest Sound, 1972Academy AwardsBest Supporting ActorJoel Grey
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