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 – Cabaret (1972)

Trace every key event in Cabaret (1972) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Sally Bowles' Introduction

Sally Bowles, an American singer and dancer, is introduced as she navigates life in Berlin during the interwar years. She is ambitious and dreams of achieving fame and fortune, yet she battles a significant drinking problem that complicates her aspirations.

Berlin
2

Performances at Kit-Kat Club

Sally performs at the infamous Kit-Kat cabaret, renowned for its risqué musical acts that entertain a diverse crowd. The club's charismatic Master of Ceremonies enhances the club's allure with his provocative introductions.

Kit-Kat Club
3

Nazi Influence in Society

The rising tensions of Nazi ideology permeate the atmosphere, evident when club patrons are solicited for donations by Nazi representatives. This moment starkly emphasizes the growing political unrest surrounding Sally and her friends.

Kit-Kat Club
4

Brian Moves In

Sally's life shifts dramatically when she meets Brian Roberts, a broke PhD student who moves into her flat. Despite financial struggles, Brian becomes a close companion, and their friendship soon transforms into a passionate affair.

Shared Flat in Berlin
5

Sally's Dilemma

As Sally and Brian grow closer, she confesses her internal conflict: the lure of wealth overshadowing her feelings for him. This ambition clouds her judgment, pushing her away from deep emotional connections.

6

Meeting Maximilian

During a laundrette visit, Sally meets the wealthy Maximilian von Heune, who charms her with tales of opulence. This encounter ignites her interest in a life filled with luxury, making her reconsider her relationship with Brian.

Laundrette
7

Manipulating Relationships

Sally and Brian take on the role of matchmakers for their friend Fritz Wendel and heiress Natalia Landauer. Their efforts highlight the complexities of their own relationships and societal boundaries they are striving to navigate.

8

Growing Political Tension

The political landscape grows increasingly hostile, underscored by a chilling moment when a Nazi youth sings a patriotic anthem in a beer garden. This signifies the societal shift that threatens to engulf their glamorous lives.

Beer Garden
9

Max's Infidelity

Max reveals his infidelity to both Brian and Sally amidst an evening filled with excess. This moment deepens their disillusionment and highlights the fragile nature of their relationships against the darkening backdrop of their times.

10

Sally's Pregnancy

Sally discloses her pregnancy, uncertain whether Brian or Max is the father. This revelation forces her to examine her life choices and the looming proposal from Brian, presenting her with a critical crossroads.

11

Desperate Measures

In a moment of desperation and turmoil, Sally sells her fur coat to afford an abortion. This act signifies the unraveling of her relationship with Brian and represents a poignant choice deeply rooted in her ambitions.

12

Brian's Departure

Confronted with the weight of their shattered relationship, Brian decides to leave for England. As he departs, Sally is left to face her uncertain future alone, marking a painful end to their connection.

Train Station
13

Sally's Final Performance

At the Kit-Kat Club, Sally performs a haunting rendition of 'Cabaret' as an act of defiance against the grim realities closing in on them. Her performance marks the end of her carefree life, underscoring the societal encroachment of Nazism.

Kit-Kat Club
14

The Grim Future

As Sally finishes her performance, the celebratory atmosphere is contrasted sharply by the oppressive realities that have seeped into their lives. The performance symbolizes the fading joy and creeping dread of the Nazi regime.

Kit-Kat Club

Last Updated: November 07, 2024 at 22:54

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Cabaret Summary

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Cabaret Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Cabaret

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Cabaret

More About Cabaret

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