The plot of the 1972 film *Cabaret* is set in motion through several key actions that occur simultaneously or in quick succession during the opening sequences of the film. These actions establish the parallel worlds of the decadent Kit Kat Klub and the reality of 1931 Berlin.
### 1. The Dual Introduction (Brian's Arrival and the Emcee's Welcome)
The film begins with a sharp juxtaposition of two environments.
* **The Kit Kat Klub:** The Emcee (Joel Grey) introduces the audience to the seedy, decadent atmosphere of the Kit Kat Klub with the song "**Willkommen**." His performance serves as a thematic framing device, welcoming the audience into a world of "no troubles" and hedonism.
* **Brian’s Arrival:** Intercut with this musical number is the arrival of **Brian Roberts** (Michael York), a reserved British academic, at the Berlin railway station. He has come to Berlin to complete his doctoral studies and intends to support himself by giving English lessons. This arrival is the literal catalyst for the narrative.
### 2. The Boarding House Meeting
The plot truly begins to move when Brian seeks out inexpensive lodging.
* **Taking a Room:** Brian rents a room in a bohemian boarding house run by **Fräulein Schneider**.
* **Meeting Sally Bowles:** Almost immediately upon his arrival at the boarding house, he meets **Sally Bowles** (Liza Minnelli), an eccentric and promiscuous American singer at the Kit Kat Klub. Sally's high-energy, "international woman of mystery" persona immediately pulls the reserved Brian into her orbit. She is the active force that disrupts his academic intentions and introduces him to Berlin’s nightlife.
### 3. Establishing the Financial and Social Stakes
Within the first few scenes, the financial struggles of the characters set up their future motivations:
* **English Lessons:** To make money, Brian begins teaching English. Sally helps facilitate his first connection by introducing him to **Fritz Wendel**, a German friend of hers who wants to improve his English to better play the role of a "gigolo."
* **The Introduction of Natalia Landauer:** Through these lessons, Brian is introduced to **Natalia Landauer**, a wealthy Jewish heiress. This initiates the film’s major subplot—the doomed romance between Fritz and Natalia—which serves as a grounded, human counterpoint to the rising political tide.
### 4. The Early "Inciting Incident" of Fascism
While the personal plot focuses on the burgeoning friendship between Brian and Sally, the **political plot** is set in motion by a subtle but violent action in the opening act:
* **The Ejected Nazi:** During one of the early club scenes, a Nazi party member is seen attempting to collect donations or spread influence inside the Kit Kat Klub. He is promptly and physically **kicked out** by the club’s bouncer.
* **The Consequence:** Later, this same bouncer is shown being brutally beaten in an alley by a group of Nazis. This action serves as the "canary in the coal mine," signaling that the "trouble-free" world of the cabaret is an illusion that cannot withstand the rising external violence of the Nazi party.
### Summary of Initial "Motion"
* **Brian's physical movement** into the city and the boarding house brings the audience into the story.
* **Sally’s social intervention** pulls Brian out of his shell and into the Kit Kat Klub's world.
* **The financial necessity** of teaching English connects the main characters to the subplot characters (Fritz and Natalia).
* **The early physical clash** between the club and the Nazis establishes the unavoidable conflict that will eventually destroy the characters' lifestyles.
(Note: This summary was generated by Gemini 3.0 Flash + Search)