The musical sequences are razor-sharp under ex-dancer Bob Fosse's direction in this hugely successful film version of John Kander and Fred Ebb's throat-gripping, adrenalin-charging stage show.

While singing and dancing, at least, Liza Minnelli, as Sally Bowles, and Joel Grey as the painted master of ceremonies of Berlin's Kit Kat Klub of the 1930s, give the performances of their lives, and it was no surprise when they and Fosse collected three of the film's eight Oscars.

Michael York is also excellent as the sensitive young Englishman Minnelli befriends.

With its dynamic, often devastating songs (Money, Money, the title tune and Tomorrow Belongs to Me), this is one stonkingly wonderful musical.

Minnelli, who designed her own clothes, hair and makeup, said you could tell she was the star of the cabaret because she's the only one with shaved armpits!