Cabaret (1993): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 1993, Cabaret is a war, music and tv movie film directed by Sam Mendes, running about 107 minutes. “Right this way your table's waiting!” — that tagline sets the tone.

What it’s about. A filmed stage performance of the 1993 London revival. Sam Mendes (American Beauty, Road to Perdition, Skyfall) directed this new production for the Donmar Warehouse in London's West End. It starred Jane Horrocks as Sally, Adam Godley as Cliff, Alan Cumming as the Emcee and Sara Kestelman as Fräulein Schneider. Cumming received an Olivier Award nomination for his performance and Kestelman won the Olivier for Best Supporting Performance in a Musical. Mendes's conception was very different from either the original production or the conventional first revival. The most significant change was the character of the Emcee. The role, as played by Joel Grey in both prior incarnations, was an asexual, edgy character dressed in a tuxedo with rouged cheeks. Alan Cumming's portrayal was highly sexualized, as he wore suspenders (i.e. braces) around his crotch and red paint on his nipples.

Who’s in it. Cabaret stars Alan Cumming as Emcee, Jane Horrocks as Sally Bowles, Adam Godley as Clifford Bradshaw and Sara Kestelman as Fräulein Schneider, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 8.0/10, Cabaret sits among the best-reviewed titles in the catalogue.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Cabaret page.

If you liked it. Fans of Cabaret tend to enjoy Schindler's List, Grave of the Fireflies, The Pianist and Apocalypse Now.