Rogers and Hammerstein must have done "something good" in their childhood because when Sound of Music hit the big screen in 1965 they had a hug smash on their hands! The story is that of young aspiring nun named Maria. She is a passionate girl who can not seem to get a handle on being a nun. She is constantly running around, and breaking the rules of the Abby. When she is called into the office Mother Abbess her world is tuned upside down. The Mother knows that Maria would be much happier living a life outside of the Abby. Maria has always wanted to be a nun and is disappointed when she finds that it is just not her calling on her life. Mother finds that there is a need to a temporary governess at the von Trapp household. Captain von Trapp is a widower with seven children who has lost his way since the loss of his wife. His children are unhappy that the house being run like a navy ship instead of a home and have gotten a reputation of being "brats" and play cruel tricks on their governesses. Maria, being a big personality herself, finds a way to crack through their defenses and starts to rebuild a family that felt like was falling apart.
This film had a journey to go through itself. The biggest obstacle that they had to overcome was how "sweet" the original stage production was. Julie Andrews did not originally want to do the film because she thought that the play was "too sweet" but when Director Robert Wise told her that they were working on the script and it was not going to be as sweet she agreed to do the film. Christopher Plummer did not want to do the film for nearly the same reason. He thought that the Captain's role was not a strong as it needed to be. When Plummer was told that he would be able to work on the character with the writers to make improvements to his character. 20th Century Fox knew what they were doing because this film took home the Best Picture award beating out: Vic Film's Darling; MGM's Doctor Zhivago; Columbia's Ship of Fools; and United Artists A Thousand Clowns. The Sound of Music was also honored in 2001 by being selected for preservation by the National Film Registry.
What can I even begin to say about this film that hasn't already been said? I say that you can never go wrong when the names of Rogers and Hammerstein are in play. They proved that with this film that is for sure. If you don't even know their names you know their music by this film alone. This is a film that more people watch the more they love it! It's a great love story that keeps a smile on your face through most of the movie. They did an amazing job of not only keeping the sense of family alive but the sense of nationality as well. The more I watch this film the most I fall in love with the character that is Captain von Trapp. His role is so much more poignant every time I watch it. He has so much more whit that what I give him for and I find that he emotional depth to his character is deeper with every viewing experience. This film will always be one that I will enjoy watching and enjoy learning about every chance I get.
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