8 Great Movie Musicals To Watch This Holiday Season

5. Cabaret

Watch With: Your boyfriend/girlfriend. Set in Weimar Germany in 1931, Bob Fosse's 1972 movie stars Michael York as Brian Roberts, an English writer who comes to live in Berlin and meets the fascinating American cabaret singer Sally Bowles (Liza Minnelli). The film chronicles the growth of their relationship, which is paralleled by the growth of the Nazi party, whose presence comes to be increasingly felt in Berlin. The songs in the film take place entirely in the nightclub in which Sally works, where the proceedings are overseen by the cabaret's domineering MC (Joel Grey), whose character becomes a narrator of sorts. For those interested in film, the movie is a must-see: Fosse's direction and Geoffrey Unsworth's cinematography are fantastic. In particular, look out for the contrast between the opening shot of the movie and its last frame. The nightclub culture of Weimar Germany is recreated with great vitality, whilst the viewer is never allowed to forget the growing presence of Nazism. The score by Kander and Webb includes musical numbers such as the titular 'Cabaret', 'Maybe This Time' and 'Money, Money', all of which are unforgettably performed. Grey and Minnelli are the stars of the movie. Minnelli's career-defining performance as Sally Bowles earned her a Best Actress win at the Academy Awards, whilst Grey's performance as the MC is enthralling. Unusual, arresting and ground-breaking, Cabaret is a movie musical like no other and is an absolute must-see.