Bagdad Cafe 1988

German tourist Jasmin Münchgstettner (Marianne Sägebrecht) finds herself in a quarrel with her husband, Hans Stadlbauer, prompting her to storm off along a desolate desert highway. Coincidentally, Brenda (CCH Pounder), the fiery owner of the rundown Bagdad Cafe, experiences her own marital troubles when she has an argument with her husband, who also drives away.

As fate would have it, Jasmin arrives at the Bagdad Cafe, pulling her suitcase behind her, and inquires about a room at the adjacent motel that sits in the heart of the California desert. Settling in, she forms a bond with Brenda’s children and Rudi Cox (Jack Palance), a washed-up set designer from Tinsel Town who frequents the cafe.

Jasmin, embodying her typical German meticulousness, cannot bear the chaos and dirt around her; thus, she embarks on a mission to tidy up her motel room and the cafe itself. Meanwhile, the charming Rudi is keen on painting Jasmin’s portrait, each piece becoming increasingly risqué and provocative. Not only is Jasmin a hard worker, but she also possesses magical talents that she showcases to the occasional customers.

As word of this oasis in the desert travels among the trucking community, the cafe quickly fills up, capturing the notice of the local Sheriff, Arnie (portrayed by Apesanahkwat). Nevertheless, Jasmin faces an impending departure as her tourist visa is nearing its end. However, Rudi proposes a solution: they could marry, allowing her to remain. Embracing this unexpected twist, she agrees to his proposal, and together they continue to entertain the crowd with her magic tricks and the musical contributions from Brenda and her children.