Minnelli is thrilled "Cabaret" is back in the spotlight. The Bob Fosse film is one of the defining moments in her career.
"I'm a director's daughter, so I listened to Fosse really carefully. I didn't know how to flirt or do all that stuff. I really didn't," Minnelli said. "We went to, you know, Germany and we made a film that nobody stopped us doing anything on. So it became a divinely decadent experience."
Fans and stars alike will enjoy a slate of classic films during this year's celebration of cinema.
"I think classic movies hold a place in people's hearts that will never be repeated again so we have to appreciate the past," said Patrick Duffy.
Also part of the festival: A 60th anniversary restoration of "Singin' in the Rain." But star Debbie Reynolds didn't want to miss opening night.
"I see people here that are having a good time all dressed up and enjoying themselves like in the old golden days. So perhaps it's a golden night," said Reynolds.
TCM's Classic Film Festival runs through Sunday in Hollywood.
