I Am a Camera is a 1955 British-American film directed by Henry Cornelius and starring Julie Harris, Laurence Harvey, and Shelley Winters. It is based on the semi-autobiographical novel Goodbye to Berlin by Christopher Isherwood, which was later adapted into the hit musical Cabaret.
The film is set in 1930s Berlin, just before the Nazis come to power, and follows the unlikely friendship between Chris (played by Harvey), an aspiring young writer from England, and Sally Bowles (played by Harris), a flamboyant cabaret entertainer. Chris is initially intrigued by Sally's carefree attitude and zest for life, and the two become fast friends.
As the story unfolds, Chris becomes increasingly drawn into Sally's world of decadence and excess, which includes partying, drinking, and affairs with various men. But while Sally indulges in these pleasures, the threat of Nazi violence and persecution looms over Berlin. As the situation becomes more dire, Chris begins to realize that he can no longer ignore the reality of what is happening around him.
The film also touches on themes of love, loyalty, and identity, particularly through the character of Fritz (played by Anton Diffring), a Jewish businessman and friend of Chris and Sally's who faces increasing danger in the face of Nazi persecution.
I Am a Camera received mixed reviews upon its release, with some critics praising its performances and evocative portrayal of pre-war Berlin, while others criticized it for lacking depth and failing to fully explore the themes of the original novel. Nevertheless, the film remains a notable entry in the canon of 1950s British cinema, and a precursor to the iconic musical it helped inspire.