Quentin Tarantino: Definitive Guide To Homages, Influences And References

Inglourious Basterds

9. Action In Arabia

The lobby in Shosanna's cinema is designed on the one from Leonide Moguy's 1944 World War II movie Action in Arabia, starring George Sanders. Particularly the two staircases, the ceiling fans and the timing of the descents from Landa and Sanders coming down the stairs match in rhythm.

8. Cat People

Tarantino's use of David Bowie's "Cat People" when Shosanna is putting on her war face paint ready for action is a reference to both Jacques Tournier's original German Expressionist movie of the same name, but also Paul Schrader's erotic horror remake. At one time Tarantino wanted the star of that movie, Natassa Kassinski to star as the German film star/British war spy Bridget Von Hammersmark, but talks broke down and the role ended up with Diane Kruger.

7. Marghetti

During the scene where the Basterds attempt to gain access to the cinema, Eli Roth's Donny Donowtiz takes guise of Antonio Margheriti, the name of a very prolific 70s exploitation director.