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The well-loved musical, "The Sound of Music",
produced by Argyle Enterprises, Inc., was inspired by the true
story of the adventures of the Von Trapp Family Singers. The story
takes place in Austria, just before World War II. A young woman,
Maria (Andrews), who wasn't quite making it as a nun-in-training,
is sent by the Mother Superior of the convent, to the austere
home of widower, Baron Von Trapp (Plummer), a no-nonsense father,
to be the governess of his 7 children, who desperately want their
father's attention. After their mother died, the Baron withdrew
emotionally from his children, and banned music and play from
the house, as it reminded him of his late wife. He ran the house
and the children as if he was the commander on one of his ships.
The Direction, by Robrt Wise, and the Casting
were perfect, as everyone did a great job individually, as well
as working together as an ensemble. The combination of Christopher
Plummer (Capt. Baron Von Trapp) and Julie Andrews (Maria) sparkled
with chemistry. It was interesting to see these two characters'
relationship change and evolve from being on the opposite poles
of thinking, to being very much in love in one mindset, and lastly
becoming a united force to escape the Nazi occupation.
What brought them together was, of course, the
music brought to the grand estate by Maria, and Maria's warmth
and love of the children; both of which proved to be a very positive,
helpful force. The musical numbers flow naturally in and out of
the plot, really enhancing the story, and are just as enjoyable
today as they were in 1965. The staging of the musical numbers
is flawless, and take place in beautiful, natural settings, and
well-designed inside locations. Another plus is that everyone
is always on key, and can actually act while they sing as well,
which really adds to the drama and overall enjoyment of the film.
Besides the famous opening scene of the movie,
highlights of the movie include the many musical numbers, Maria
meeting the children & the Baron, the storm scene, the mountain
outing with the children, singing for the Baroness, the Andrews
-Plummer scenes, and the family's escape from Austria. Romantics
will love the gazebo scene, where Plummer tells & shows Andrews
of his love for her, which ends in a lovely duet together. (Yes,
Plummer can really sing well!!) This love scene is refreshingly
devoid of today's sometime standard of show all-tell all: SEX
with gross kissing, and with clothes flying everywhere! It is
instead a personal moment between two people; very tender and
moving, yet dignified at the same time. The result is very entertaining.
The movie holds up well, despite the fact it
was made before Star Wars; the movie that brought new ideas to
story pacing & editing. By today's standards, the movie may
be a tad long, but is just as engaging, and involving as when
it was made, nearly 36 years ago.
Besides the timeless, wonderful Rodgers &
Hammerstein songs and musical soundtrack, and the humorous and
touching script, the underlying messages of the film still apply
to us today, which have to do with: dealing with children's needs,
the positive power of music and love, the need to have an undaunted
search for God's purpose for our lives, and the importance of
standing firm on our principle beliefs, no matter what the personal
cost. This movie has a lot to offer anyone: Wonderful Music, top-notch
Direction and staging, well- casted, talented actors/actresses,
Lehman's funny and touching script, that has moments of drama,
and relevant messages for the whole family, making it one of the
best musicals ever made.
The screenplay was written by Ernest Lehman -
from the Stage Musical, with Lyrics and Music from Richard Rodgers
and Oscar Hammerstein II.
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