Originally put together by Mr. Ian Kilcoyne

What is a cabaret? A cabaret is a floorshow that is designed to entertain customers within a nightclub, or restaurant. These were particularly popular within France and Germany during the 1920’s. A floorshow is a series of entertainments (acts) presented within a nightclub

Hitler and many leading Nazis believed such forms of entertainment to be decadent, especially as many cabarets included scantily clad ladies and a good deal of alcoholic drink. The capital of Germany, Berlin, was famous for its nightlife with many shows becoming well known for their risque (suggestive, bordering on being rude) songs and suggestive dancing. This film centres around one of these cabarets, but the clip that you are going to watch acts as a contrast to that seedy, and Hitler would say, debauched world that many Germans had let themselves fall into.

1) Watch the film clip all the way through first. 2) Watch the clip again carefully. Your teacher will pause the DVD, or video, to allow you to discuss what you have seen. You may like to use your own knowledge of Weimar and Nazi Germany when answering the questions. 1. Why do you think the Nazis would chose that particular boy to sing the song?

2. Comment on the song * How does it start? * What words are used? * What is the title? * What sort of song does it seem to be at first? * How does the song change?

The sun on the meadow is summery warm. The stag in the forest runs free. But gather together to greet the storm. Tomorrow belongs to me. Click your left hand mouse button to reveal each verse. The branch of the linden is leafy and green, The Rhine gives its gold to the sea. But somewhere a glory awaits unseen. Tomorrow belongs to me. The babe in his cradle is closing his eyes The blossom embraces the bee. But soon, says a whisper; Arise, arise, Tomorrow belongs to me.

Oh Fatherland, Fatherland, Show us the sign Your children have waited to see. The morning will come When the world is mine. Tomorrow belongs to me!

3. What effect does the song have on… * Most of the people in the café? * The Englishman?

4. Why do you think the old man stays seated? Why does he appear to get unhappier the longer the song goes on?

The Evidence The clip that you have seen comes from a Hollywood film. The film is very loosely based upon the true story of a young Englishman called Christopher Isherwood who lived in Germany in the 1930’s.

Christopher Isherwood wrote a book about his experience called “Goodbye to Berlin” 5. ‘The film clip shows an incident that never actually happened. Therefore it is of no use as evidence about the rise of the Nazi Party.’ Explain carefully whether you agree or disagree with this statement.

6. The full name of the Nazi Party was the National Socialist German Workers Party. How does this film clip show and help to explain why so many different Germans supported the Nazi Party in the 1930’s? END