I first watched the Sound of Music directed by Robert Wise as a young girl in South Africa at one of my girlfriends birthday parties. We were 13 years old and it was a sleep over girls pyjama party. We were quickly spell bound by the light hearted music and lyrics as well as the easy to follow story line centred around the exploits of the Von Trapp family. The cheerful sing along songs soon had us tapping to the their beats and singing in unison as we danced around the living room. The movie was the perfect extension of a young adolescent girls fantasy about the “happily ever after” life we all dreamt of. Little attention was paid by any of us to the actual real events happening during that time such as the tragedy of World War II or the invasion of Austria by the Nazi’s.
The whimsical Julie Andrews had us charmed from the very beginning, and during an interview with the Huffington Post she shares some of her funniest moments while filming the movie. Including that she was repeatedly thrown hard to the ground by a helicopter’s down draft as it passed too close while filmmakers tried to capture the iconic “The Hills Are Alive with the Sound of Music” scene where she is twirling around in the lush green fields.
My most memorable scenes are both played out in the Von Trapp’s families home Gazebo.
The popular “I am Sixteen going on Seventeen” performance by Liezl And Rolf as they dance around the Gazebo and playfully tease each other, stirred a feeling of romance for me as a young girl. It created an illusion that many teenage love stories are so playful and innocent.
The second romantic kiss in the gazebo takes place between Maria and the Captain during the performance of “Something Good”. It was surely one of the most anticipated moments of the movie. The captain who is engaged to Baroness Schneider is first bothered by Maria’s childcare inexperience and warm nature. He also does not approve of her teaching the children to sing. However as the story unfolds, she wins over the affection of the captain and they share their first kiss in the gazebo.
Eventually the Nazi youths invade the neighbourhood, and the possibility of war becomes a sad reality. The Von Trapp family has to decide whether they should leave their beloved or home or flee to safety.
According to a review by Louise Keller on the website Urbancinefile.com, Louise describes the movie as “a classic for all time” and a “delightful cinematic experiences that totally captivates at each viewing.” She goes on to say that Sound of Music is a film with real heart and that it’s impossible not to be swept away by the magical spell that it weaves.
I would say that this is how I felt seeing it as a young girl. I was captivated by its magic, the beautiful characters and the stunning scenery of Austria. I enjoyed all of the singing and dancing, the romance and the cheeky naughty nature of the children in the beginning before they learn to love Maria. It was a memorable and powerful story of comedy, romance and drama and it provided me with insight on the Nazi invasion during that time and how it affected many innocent families.
Watching the movie again today, more than 20 years later than when I first saw it, I can say that it is not as magical as when I was a teenage girl. It seemed unrealistic and childish in a way.
The world has changed drastically since the movie was made. It is especially different in how women were treated and portrayed then and now. Girls were married at a much younger ages and their role was to find a husband and make a home and take care of a family. Now things are dramatically different with women becoming strong leaders in politics and the workforce, getting married later or not even getting married at all. Women are now more outspoken and career driven. I am happy to be part of this world as it is now. With opportunities and equality among sexes.
The romance and magic of the movie seems duller after having lived my life thus far and having many experiences traveling around the world as a young single women. If I could choose now I would never have wanted to be married at a young age.
During the original 1965 theatrical trailer of The Sound of Music they portray Maria as a “problem” because of her adventurous and playful nature. This was obviously not an acceptable way for women to be back in the day. This is something that I didn’t think of when I was younger, but watching the movie again in this day and age it seems sad that women had to dull their sunshine to be accepted in society.
Furthermore, during 1965 when The Sound of Music was released, the Vietnam War was at its worst. Hundreds of innocent men, women and children were losing their lives while there cities were being occupied by soldiers and their homes and families were upheaved by devastating destruction. The Sound of Music touches on the anticipated invasion of the Nazi’z in Austria, and the Von Trapp family are lucky enough to have the means to escape and flee. In contrast to the events happening during the movie’s release year, many poor Vietnamese people were unable to leave their homes and suffered through bombings and exposure to chemical warfare. Looking at these events, it casts a shadow on the previously cheerful view I had of the movie, because while people may have been contently watching the film from the comfort of their homes, the world was not a cheerful place at all.
All in all, watching The Sound of Music again reminded me of being a young untainted girl again looking forward to a life of romance and adventure. it helped me reflect on all I have achieved and overcome and all of the wonderful experiences I have had since then. It was a whimsical portal back in time.
Here is an 40 year anniversary interview with the original cast:
I was also quite captivated by this film as a child. I cant put my finger on whether or not it was the scenery or the music itself. Its a very bright and bubbly film on the surface. It was neat getting to read your perception of it and how you view it today. Great blog post!
I also found that my memoir film was not as great as I had remembered. It’s a sad trend that has been popping up for me lately. Re-watching my old favorites like the “Indian Jones” series and “Jurassic Park” has proven that the innocence of childhood and perception is something to be cherished while its still there. Unfortunately, I have never seen “The Sound of Music”, and I was shocked to see Christopher Plummer was in it! After some research, I see that he’s been acting for nearly 70 YEARS, incredible! His recent work in “Knives Out” and “All The Money In The World” show he’s still got what it takes! I really liked you personal examples and perceptions about the film, both positive and negative. Showing that personal point of view really adds to the credibility of your post, as its no else’s thoughts but yours for the most part. Great work!
Hi, great work! I have never seen the sound of music- I have of course hear of it as it is very well known film worldwide. I had no idea what it was about, and certainly didn’t expect it to be how you described. I am also quite the feminist so I think watching this film would unsettle me- but its always interesting to watch how life was back then. I liked the chronology in your essay, easily readable and smooth flowing- something I must note as often get side tracked and remember bits of info from earlier!
We also watched this movie many times as I was growing up. In fact, we once had an exchange student from Austria. When he arrived in the United States, people would continually ask him his opinion on the musical. We watched it with him. I learned a new perspective from your essay about the changed in gender expectations and society. I agree that much has changed since this time. Thank you for sharing those insights. It is great to read about your travels and have that additional view.
Your post prompts me to wonder if specific films are intended for specific groups of audiences. My mother loves watching shows that involve a lot of dancing and singing but absolutely abhors war films or animated films. In this sense, I suppose it is impossible to make a film that everybody loves.