There's something about old movies. They tend to present a kind of quality and class that remains etched in the memories of viewers. This isn't just me saying it, I've heard a couple of people remark on that. Is it that they had more creative liberties, they could explore more stories, or what is it? More interesting is when you consider the limited technology they had then but they could pull something that remains a classic. It's just remarkable.
The 1965 renowned musical/family classic, The Sound of Music was produced and directed by Robert Wise from a screenplay written by Ernest Lehman. The film has major backstories owing to the fact that it was based on the 1959 stage musical composed by Richard Rodgers, with lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II. Developed into a book by Lindsay and Crouse, it was based on the 1949 memoir “The Story of the Trapp Family Singers” by Maria von Trapp.
The film stars Julie Andrews as Maria von Trapp, Christopher Plummer as Baron von Trapp, Richard Haydn as Max Detweiler, Peggy Wood as Mother Abbess, Charmian Carr as Liesl von Trapp, and Eleanor Parker as Baroness Elsa Schraeder, together with other major cast members. The movie was set in Salzburg, Austria. It follows the story of Maria von Trapp’s experiences as a governess to the seven children of Baron von Trapp, and the things that ensued afterwards. The film however presents a fictionalised version of the story.
Back in my childhood days, I watched the 1965 film. I could tell it captivated me, not because of much but because of the singing and the expressions. Watching it again as an adult added a whole new captivating feel because I know and understand the plot and could tell on some elements the movie employed. It presents Maria, a young woman studying to become a nun at Nonnberg Abbey. Her lack of discipline and youthful enthusiasm however stood as a concern against her.
This caused Mother Abbess to send her to a villa, the house of a widowed retired naval Captain Georg von Trapp to serve as the new governess to his seven children; Liesl, Friedrich, Louisa, Kurt, Brigitta, Marta, and Gretl. Let's just say, they're not the kind of children anyone would want to be responsible for and take care of. Maria however found a way through her kindness and patience to win the children's hearts, making them to trust and respect her.
Maria didn't just serve as the governess in the sense of her duty and demands, she also changed the perspectives and views of life of the children. Heck, even the Captain too. Her diligent and intentional effort to build a connection with the children was something previous governesses failed to do. From making them play clothes out of drapes, to taking them around the town, and to the mountain where she taught them how to sing, she was loved and admired.
On the mountain, teaching them to sing came the song “Do-Re-Mi” that became synonymous with the movie. The strict, disciplinarian Captain was also a lover of music, a part of him he had buried. But hearing his children sing one time in the house brought out that aspect of him to the shock of Maria and the kids. The Sound of Music went on to touch on some historical accounts that concerned the Captain, and his family ultimately.
The movie remains a timeless one that's always worth the watch. Not because of some huge budget with sophisticated resources, high technology or whatever heavy external influences or elements. The plot is what gets you, together with the score and the smooth-running motion pictures. There's the music appeal as well, marking it as one of the greatest musicals. Not too much of the music, but sufficient to carry the entertainment and message.
It would be unfair not to talk about what the actors brought to this movie. Julie Andrews as Maria von Trapp was interesting to watch. She presented Maria and the uneasy flow of her life from one phase to another. Christopher Plummer was also good in the portrayal of Baron von Trapp as the cold, stern and rigid man he was, owing to his military life and experiences. Some other enjoyable and interesting characters are the seven children. They played their roles well.
The film shows how entertaining, meaningful and timeless movies can be. Not just as a production for money, but one that carries cultural and historical significance. As an old film where the actors are now well advanced in years and some have passed away, it leaves accolades in their names. The Sound of Music is a wonderful and interesting musical/family film. A classic for sure, and definitely, a good watch.
Thank you for reading!
Rating: 95/100
