MovieChat Forums > The Moon Is Blue (1953) Discussion > 'Cabaret' connection?

'Cabaret' connection?

posted 11 years ago by nycruise-1
3 replies | jump to latest

The stage origin of the musical "Cabaret" is the 1951 play "I Am a Camera" by John Van Druten.

Julie Harris starred and dazzled as "Sally Bowles" (MUCH different than Liza but a captivating performance nonetheless).

Maggie McNamara comes off in "The Moon is Blue" as a wholesome virgin version of the character of "Sally", replete with so many observations on the relationships between men and women - yet seems to have the same energy as Julie Harris' performance (which is available on film).

I can't help but wonder if some - or all(?) of Maggie's acting was inspired by Julie's.

You watch both - you tell me.

"Don't call me 'honey', mac."
"Don't call me 'mac'... HONEY!"

[–] KlutzyGirl 11 years ago

I didn't know about "I Am a Camera." I found it on Youtube and will watch it. Thanks!

[–] writers_reign 11 years ago

Van Druten was merely adapting a semi-autobiographical novel by Christopher Isherwood entitled 'Goodbye To Berlin'. English-born Isherwood spent a couple of years in Berlin in the 1920s - possibly because homosexuality was not only tolerated but flaunted in that place at that time. He published two novels based on his time in Berlin, the other being 'Mr. Norris Changes Trains', both published around 1929. Around 1951/2 playright John Van Druten merged elements of both albeit concentrating mainly on Goodbye To Berlin and borrowed Isherwood's opening line from the novel 'I am a camera with the shutter open ...' for the title of his play.

[–] karmala2 8 years ago

There is a bit of dialogue between Maggie and Bill that was spoken verbatim in "Cabaret". I don't remember if it was spoken in "I Am a Camera" or was later "lifted" for use in "Cabaret".

Bill Holden says to Maggie that "people don't ask questions like that" and Maggie says "I do."

I told you a million times not to talk to me when I'm doing my lashes!