The Sound of Music Story

1. The Sound of Music: A timeless classic born from real-life drama

"Maria von Trapp had married her naval hero employer, instantly inherited his seven children, given birth to three more, outwitted the Nazis, emigrated to America, and morphed into a combination of Austrian relief dynamo, lodge owner, missionary, entrepreneur, loving family matriarch, and occasionally, family dictator."

A captivating true story. The Sound of Music was based on the real-life experiences of the von Trapp family, who escaped Nazi-occupied Austria in 1938. Maria Augusta Kutschera, a novice nun, became governess to the seven children of widower Captain Georg von Trapp. She eventually married the captain and helped the family flee Austria after the Anschluss.

From stage to screen. The family's story was first adapted into a German film, then a successful Broadway musical by Rodgers and Hammerstein in 1959. 20th Century Fox bought the film rights for $1.25 million in 1960, but the project stalled until director Robert Wise and screenwriter Ernest Lehman revived it in 1963.

A perfect storm of talent. The film's success was due to the combination of:

• Rodgers and Hammerstein's memorable score
• Ernest Lehman's streamlined screenplay
• Robert Wise's expert direction
• Julie Andrews' star-making performance
• Breathtaking Austrian locations

2. Julie Andrews' iconic performance as Maria von Trapp

"Julie Andrews was portraying a living, famous personality but it was Andrews herself the audience fell in love with, not the more obviously flawed real-life Maria von Trapp."

A star is born. Julie Andrews, fresh off her success in Mary Poppins, was cast as Maria after impressing Robert Wise with footage from her Disney debut. Her portrayal of Maria became the defining role of her career, combining her exceptional singing talent with a warm, engaging screen presence.

Bringing Maria to life. Andrews approached the role with dedication and professionalism:

• Studied the score extensively with her singing teacher
• Worked closely with the child actors to build genuine rapport
• Mastered the guitar for her musical scenes
• Endured challenging outdoor shoots, including the iconic opening scene

Beyond the film. Andrews' performance as Maria cemented her status as a Hollywood icon and led to a string of successful films in the late 1960s. The role became so closely associated with Andrews that it both defined and somewhat limited her career trajectory in later years.

3. Christopher Plummer's reluctant journey as Captain von Trapp

"I ended up very much liking the children … in the last analysis."

A challenging role. Christopher Plummer initially resisted playing Captain von Trapp, viewing the character as one-dimensional and the film as overly sentimental. He worked closely with screenwriter Ernest Lehman to add depth and complexity to the role.

Plummer's contribution. Despite his reservations, Plummer's performance added crucial elements to the film:

• Brought a sense of gravitas and emotional depth to the captain
• Helped balance the film's tone, preventing it from becoming too saccharine
• His chemistry with Julie Andrews made the love story believable

A complicated relationship. Plummer's attitude towards The Sound of Music evolved over time:

• Initially referred to it as "The Sound of Mucus"
• Gradually came to appreciate the film's craftsmanship and impact
• In later years, expressed pride in being part of such a beloved classic

4. Robert Wise's masterful direction and production challenges

"Wise, McCord, and Lehman had, in tandem with musical maestro/associate producer Saul Chaplin and co-choreographers Marc Breaux and Dee Dee Wood, worked to finesse every last phrase of this song, yet here they were, in the third month of shooting, and one question still lay over the entire enterprise: could any of this really work?"

A seasoned professional. Robert Wise, known for his versatility and technical expertise, brought his considerable skills to bear on The Sound of Music:

• Extensive location scouting in Austria
• Careful casting, especially of the child actors
• Collaboration with a top-notch production team
• Meticulous attention to visual and musical details

Overcoming obstacles. The production faced numerous challenges:

• Unpredictable weather during location shooting in Austria
• Logistical difficulties in capturing the iconic opening scene
• Balancing the film's tone between realism and musical fantasy
• Managing a large cast, including seven child actors

A visionary approach. Wise's directorial choices elevated the material:

• Using the Austrian landscape as a character in itself
• Seamlessly integrating musical numbers into the narrative
• Employing innovative camera techniques and editing

5. The film's enormous commercial success and cultural impact

"Box office–wise, in inflation-adjusted dollars, The Sound of Music now ranks as the third-highest-grossing film of all time. With its cumulative worldwide gross of $1,162,109,500, Maria von Trapp trails only Gone With the Wind and Star Wars."

A global phenomenon. The Sound of Music became one of the most successful films of all time:

• Grossed over $286 million worldwide in its initial release
• Played in theaters for over four years in some markets
• Soundtrack album topped charts and sold millions of copies
• Successful re-releases and home video sales in subsequent decades

Cultural touchstone. The film's impact extended far beyond box office receipts:

• Songs became instantly recognizable classics
• Catchphrases and iconic scenes entered popular culture
• Boosted tourism to Salzburg, Austria
• Inspired countless amateur productions and tributes

Enduring appeal. The film's popularity has persisted across generations:

• Annual television broadcasts became family traditions
• Successful sing-along screenings started in the late 1990s
• Continued strong sales on home video and streaming platforms
• Inspiration for new adaptations and homages

6. Critical reception: From initial disdain to eventual appreciation

"Critics rolled their eyes, audiences felt vindicated, and best of all from the standpoint of 20th Century-Fox, the box office leaped forward yet again."

Initial skepticism. Many critics initially dismissed The Sound of Music:

• Viewed as overly sentimental and old-fashioned
• Criticized for simplifying complex historical events
• Seen as out of step with more "serious" 1960s cinema

Audience embrace. Despite critical disdain, audiences flocked to the film:

• Provided escapism and optimism in turbulent times
• Appealed to families and viewers of all ages
• Word-of-mouth recommendations drove ticket sales

Critical reassessment. Over time, critical opinion of the film has softened:

• Recognized for its technical and artistic achievements
• Appreciated for its cultural significance and lasting impact
• Included in various "best of" lists and film canons

7. The real von Trapp family: Separating fact from fiction

"Our story has been told so many times that you began to confuse reality and fiction."

Historical basis. While based on true events, the film took significant liberties with the von Trapp family story:

• Compressed timeline of events (Maria and Georg married in 1927, not 1938)
• Changed names and ages of the children
• Simplified the family's escape from Austria (they left by train, not over the mountains)

The real Maria. The film idealized Maria von Trapp's personality:

• More complex and forceful than her on-screen counterpart
• Described by family members as both loving and difficult
• Driven entrepreneur who kept the family performing for years

Family reactions. The von Trapps had mixed feelings about their portrayal:

• Appreciated the positive depiction of their family
• Frustrated by historical inaccuracies and simplifications
• Struggled with the public's expectations based on the film

8. The Sound of Music's enduring legacy and global phenomenon

"For audiences around the world, it has all devolved into a simple mathematical equation: Alps equals Sound of Music equals Julie Andrews singing and twirling equals happily ever after."

Timeless appeal. The Sound of Music continues to resonate with audiences worldwide:

• Regular revivals on stage and screen
• Popular sing-along events and fan conventions
• Inspiration for tourism and pilgrimages to filming locations
• Continued strong sales and streaming viewership

Cultural significance. The film has become more than just entertainment:

• Symbol of optimism and family values
• Subject of academic study and cultural analysis
• Inspiration for countless parodies and homages
• Touchstone for discussions of nostalgia and sentimentality in cinema

Evolving interpretations. New generations continue to find meaning in the film:

• Appreciation for its technical and artistic merits
• Exploration of its historical context and themes
• Reexamination of its portrayal of gender roles and family dynamics
• Celebration of its music and performances

Last updated: November 20, 2024