A German woman named Jasmin stumbles upon a dilapidated motel/diner in the middle of nowhere. Her unusual appearance and demeanor are at first suspicious to Brenda, the exasperated owner who has difficulty making ends meet. But when an unlikely magic sparks between the two women, this lonely desert outpost is transformed into a thriving and popular oasis.
Acting
Marianne Sägebrecht's physical comedy is silent-film perfection
Cinematography
Desert landscapes that make nowhere feel like somewhere
Score
Bob Telson's songs you will hum for weeks
Director
Percy Adlon
Marianne Sägebrecht
Jasmin Münchgstettner
CCH Pounder
Brenda
Jack Palance
Rudi Cox
Christine Kaufmann
Debby
Monica Calhoun
Phyllis
Darron Flagg
Salomo
George Aguilar
Cahuenga
G. Smokey Campbell
Sal
Hans Stadlbauer
Mr. Münchgstettner
Alan S. Craig
Eric
Apesanahkwat
Sheriff Arnie
Ronald Lee Jarvis
Trucker Ron
Mark Daneri
Trucker Mark
Ray Young
Trucker Ray
Gary Lee Davis
Trucker Gary
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Marianne Sägebrecht was already famous in Germany; this was her international breakthrough. She learned English phonetically for the role.
The real Bagdad Cafe existed on Route 66 until 2023. Fans still pilgrimage there, though the film was shot at a different location in Mojave.
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