Cabaret

Cabaret

Year: 1972

Runtime: 124 min

Language: English

Director: Bob Fosse

DramaRomanceMusicMusical

In 1931 Berlin, American singer Sally Bowles navigates the city’s dazzling cabaret world while pursuing a complicated relationship with Brian Roberts, a young academic. Their romance unfolds against the backdrop of a society on the brink of collapse as the Nazi party rises to power. Amidst the vibrant nightlife and artistic expression, a sense of unease and impending doom permeates the atmosphere, blurring the lines between pleasure and peril.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Cabaret (1972)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Cabaret (1972). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Interwar Years (1918-1939)

The interwar years were a time of significant political and social change in Germany, marked by economic turmoil and the emergence of extremist ideologies. This period saw a cultural renaissance, particularly in the arts, juxtaposed against the threat of rising fascism. The struggles of individuals like Sally Bowles reflect the broader societal conflicts and the anxiety of an impending crisis.

Location

Berlin

The story takes place in Berlin during the interwar years, a vibrant yet tumultuous city. Known for its cultural dynamism, Berlin is home to a variety of cabarets that showcase dance and music, serving as a backdrop for characters who embody the era's struggles and aspirations. However, beneath its lively surface, the city grapples with the approaching darkness of Nazi ideology.

🏙️ City 🎭 Entertainment

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:28

Main Characters – Cabaret (1972)

Meet the key characters of Cabaret (1972), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Sally Bowles (Liza Minnelli)

Sally Bowles is a complex character struggling with her ambition and personal relationships in a politically charged environment. A talented singer and dancer, she embodies both the vibrancy and desperation of the cabaret scene, often masking her vulnerabilities with bravado. Her journey is marked by a conflict between her desire for love and the allure of wealth, leading to significant personal sacrifices.

🎤 Singer 💃 Dancer 🥂 Party Girl

Brian Roberts (Michael York)

Brian Roberts is an English PhD student who becomes Sally's close companion. Intelligent and introspective, Brian represents the struggle of the intellectual class during a time of chaos. His initial attraction to Sally reveals his yearning for connection, but he ultimately faces the harsh realities of political and emotional turmoil in their relationships.

📚 Academic 💔 Romantic 🤔 Intellectual

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:28

Major Themes – Cabaret (1972)

Explore the central themes of Cabaret (1972), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Love vs. Ambition

The conflict of love versus ambition is central to Sally's journey as she navigates her relationships with Brian and Maximilian. While she yearns for genuine affection, her pursuit of wealth often complicates her emotional connections. This theme highlights the sacrifices individuals make when faced with societal pressures and personal desires.

🎶 Escape through Performance

Performance serves as an escape for the characters, particularly in the Kit-Kat cabaret where Sally performs. The allure of the stage contrasts sharply with their troubling realities, showcasing how art can provide both distraction and reflection amidst chaos. This theme underscores the power of performance in coping with life's challenges.

⚠️ Political Upheaval

The shadow of the Nazi regime looms over the characters, influencing their lives and relationships. As political tensions rise, the carefree atmosphere of the cabaret begins to fray, revealing that the personal choices of the characters are deeply intertwined with the broader societal changes. This theme serves as a poignant reminder of the impact of ideology on individual lives.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:28

Unlock the Full Story of Cabaret

Don't stop at just watching — explore Cabaret in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Cabaret is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Cabaret Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Cabaret, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Cabaret Summary

Cabaret Timeline

Track the full timeline of Cabaret with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Cabaret Timeline

More About Cabaret

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Cabaret: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Cabaret

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