Bagdad Cafe

Bagdad Cafe is a German comedy-drama about Jasmin Münchgstettner, a Bavarian woman travelling through the American desert with her husband. After a fierce argument, she leaves the car and walks until she reaches a rundown roadside motel and diner, the Bagdad Cafe, run by Brenda, a sharp-tongued owner struggling to keep the place going. The two women could hardly be more different, and Brenda initially treats her new guest with suspicion. Over time Jasmin settles in among the truckers and regulars, including Rudi Cox, a former Hollywood set decorator who wants to paint her portrait, and her presence gradually changes the failing establishment and the people around it.

Percy Adlon directed and co-wrote the film with Eleonore Adlon and Christopher Doherty, following his 1985 feature Sugarbaby as the second film he directed. Marianne Sägebrecht plays Jasmin, with CCH Pounder as Brenda and Jack Palance as Rudi Cox; Christine Kaufmann, Monica Calhoun and Darron Flagg appear in supporting roles.

The film was released in 1987 and runs 108 minutes. It took about 4 million dollars worldwide, a modest figure that reflects its life as a small German production rather than a wide commercial hit. On TMDB it holds a rating of 7.2 out of 10 from roughly 450 votes, indicating a generally favourable response from viewers.