There are some films that earn a place in the pantheon of greats, destined to be talked about, remembered, honored, and preserved for decades to come. Cabaret is one of those films. Directed by Bob Fosse and starring Liza Minnelli, Michael York, and Joel Grey, Cabaret was loosely based on a 1966 Broadway musical of the same name. The musical, in turn, was based on a novel named The Berlin Stories from 1945, as well as a 1951 play entitled, I Am a Camera.
Liza Minnelli in Cabaret, 1972. Photo by Abc / Allied Artists / Kobal / Shutterstock
The roots of Cabaret, therefore, go back many years. Still, the film remains relevant and significant right into the modern era, famed for its incredible performances, Academy Award-winning sound, editing, cinematography, direction, and intriguing story. It’s an undisputed classic, with a fascinating production past and several interesting behind the scenes stories too. Read on to learn all about the full story of 1972’s Cabaret.