In this BBC Documentary, The Real Cabaret, actor Alan Cumming sets out to explore the inspiration for Cabaret, the musical based on Christopher Isherwood’s book, Goodbye to Berlin.
Christopher Isherwood moved to Weimar-era Berlin in 1929 – a city in flux, a heady mix of sexual freedom and political upheaval.
Alan Cumming meets with Liza Minelli, who played Sally Bowles in the film, the stepson of Jean Ross (who inspired the character), cabaret artist, Ute Lemper and travels to Berlin to visit some of the streets and buildings Isherwood knew.
The documentary is available on YouTube in 6 parts:
The Real Cabaret – Part 1
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nbXKJ702aFY?rel=0]
Here are the links to Parts 2-6:
For anyone wanting to know more about Christopher Isherwood, I would recommend another BBC production, Christopher And His Kind, based on Isherwood’s biography of the same name.
Christopher And His Kind
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hjidIaTYiE?rel=0]
This is an amazing effort/contribution to the community. Thank you, much appreciated !
This is a very good documentary. Thanks for letting me share it!
I’m very interested! Thank you! As soon as I can spare just a little time I’ll be checking both the Isherwood and Real Cabaret links. I’m interested in both!