“My fellow Austrians, I shall not be seeing you again, perhaps for a very long time. I would like to sing for you now… a love song. I know you share this love. I pray that you will never let it die.”
It’s difficult to express how much The Sound of Music means to me, both as a film and as a piece of expressive and emotional art. It was one of the only VHS movies I had growing up, and as such was watched ad nauseam throughout my young life. It instilled in me early what films could be, and the impact music could have on one’s life. I credit it not just for my interest in film, but at least partially for my choice to pursue singing and professional vocal training. Now, even still, I have the desire to be Maria von Trapp.
History
The Sound of Music, originally a stage musical, was based on the memoir of the real Maria von Trapp titled The Story of the Trapp Family Singers. The famous Rodgers & Hammerstein scored the show, with Mary Martin as its leading lady. The show went on to be an explosive success, running for 1,443 performances and walking away with six Tony Awards, including Best Musical. This led to the film rights being purchased by 20th Century Fox for $1.25 million in 1960s money (roughly over $13 million now).
The film was shot for eleven weeks in Salzburg on location, a tight timeline that was originally even tighter (six weeks was the original plan). The last shot was the famous “The Hills Are Alive” scene, shot by helicopter in the mountains of Bavaria. This was prior to drones, cell phones, and the like, so the memorable shot was literally timed perfectly by crew members with megaphones alerting Julie Andrews that it was time to get into position.
Importance
Despite initial mixed reviews, The Sound of Music is one of the most commercially successful films of all-time, and arguably cemented the career of Julie Andrews as actress/songstress. While certainly not the first, The Sound of Music is also among the most beloved movie musicals, with an unforgettable score and moving performances from the entire cast. It ultimately won five Academy Awards (including Best Picture) and was nominated for five more. Its songs have broken out of the musical niche and become a well-known part of American culture. Just count how many versions of My Favorite Things you hear on the radio during the holidays if you don’t believe me.
The Sound of Music remains timeless in part due to the incredible true story at its core of the Von Trapp family fleeing occupied Austria. Its themes of family, resilience and love in the face of tyranny are just as applicable today as they were over sixty years ago, and its characters are so vivid that they stay with us long after the credits roll.
Legacy
Despite being an incredible film in its own right, The Sound of Music is most remembered for its songs. Sing-a-long versions of the movie have hit theaters internationally and with the rise of older films returning to cinemas, they will likely continue. Its filming on location in Salzburg basically transformed the tourism industry of that city, in spite of a less-than-thrilled reception from Austrian locals. Tours of the filming locations, including the church and the house, exist to this day.
Conclusion
I believe in many ways The Sound of Music is the movie musical at its absolute best: incredible songs and a cast that can do it justice. So many modern movie musicals are so focused on grabbing big names that they forget to ask, “Can this person actually sing this music?” It’s about the synergy between the acting and the music, and when it’s as good as this, you remember.
The Sound of Music was also a film unafraid of tackling politics head-on in a way that feels authentic and genuinely refreshing. It was released in the middle of the Cold War and to an audience for whom World War II was a recent memory, and ultimately gave an unflinching message of resilience and hope for a world that desperately needed it. We still do, and that’s part of why it’s essential.
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