Cover The seven child actors who played the Von Trapp kids in the “Sound of Music” photographed together in 2012, in Beverly Hills, California. Left to Right: Charmian Carr, Liesl; Nicholas Hammond, Freidrich; Heather Menzies, Louisa; Duane Chase, Kurt; Angela Cartwright, Brigitta; Debbie Turner, Marta; and Kym Karath, Gretl. (Photo by Bob Chamberlin/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
The seven child actors who played the Von Trapp kids in the “Sound of Music” photographed together in 2012, in Beverly Hills, California. Left to Right: Charmian Carr, Liesl; Nicholas Hammond, Freidrich; Heather Menzies, Louisa; Duane Chase, Kurt; Angela Cartwright, Brigitta; Debbie Turner, Marta; and Kym Karath, Gretl. (Photo by Bob Chamberlin/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
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As ‘The Sound of Music’ turns 60, revisit the beloved classic’s behind-the-scenes moments
Only a handful of films are universally loved, and The Sound of Music is one of them. Directed by Academy Award-winner Robert Wise and starring Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer, it was the highest-grossing film of 1965; a year later, it was the highest-grossing film of all time.
The Sound of Music tells the story of Maria, a spirited and musically gifted young woman training to become a nun in 1930s Austria. Struggling to conform to convent life, Maria becomes a governess for the seven children of widowed naval captain Georg von Trapp. Through her warmth, creativity and love of music, she transforms the rigid household, bringing joy back to the family. As Maria and the Captain fall in love, their happiness is threatened by the rise of the Nazi regime, forcing them to make a daring escape to preserve their freedom.
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Shot on location in picturesque Salzburg and reinforced by catchy musical numbers, The Sound of Music is easy to love. However, its appeal doesn’t rest on the Rodgers and Hammerstein melodies and picturesque scenery alone. It tackles crucial issues with a light-hearted tone that still packs as much depth as any other World War II film. The Sound of Music deals with challenging gender roles, embracing oneself and fighting against adversity—themes that very much resonate with today’s viewers.
In honour of its 60th anniversary, discover these little-known details about the classic.
1. Not everyone on the cast sang their parts
Julie Andrews, who plays the lead role of Maria, as well as all the von Trapp children, sang their songs, but other characters had to be dubbed to create more impact. Christopher Plummer’s Captain von Trapp had Bill Lee’s singing voice to produce a more polished sound.
Peggy Wood (Mother Abbess) also had Margery McKay play the singing parts.
2. Maria’s famous spinning scene was literally dizzying
Perhaps the film’s most iconic scene is Maria twirling in a meadow. To shoot it, Andrews had to spin toward a helicopter, which was also moving toward her. However, the pressure from the chopper’s downwash kept throwing her back. According to the Academy Award-winning actress, she was knocked down nine times.
3. The real Maria von Trapp was in the film
The real-life Maria appears briefly just before the “I Have Confidence” number, crossing the street.
4. “Do-Re-Mi” took two months to complete
The song “Do-Re-Mi” is a little over two minutes, with the entire sequence being nine minutes long. However, filming took much longer than that. Filming occurred during spring in Salzburg when the weather was unpredictable. Waiting for shooting conditions caused production to reach 11 weeks.
5. Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer weren’t the immediate choices for the lead roles
Above Captain von Trapp and Maria (screencap: YouTube / The Sound of Music)
Captain von Trapp and Maria (screencap: YouTube / The Sound of Music)
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It’s hard to imagine that Andrews and Plummer didn’t automatically land the roles that made them household names. Some actresses considered for Maria include Doris Day, Leslie Caron, Anne Bancroft and Grace Kelly. As for the captain, there were Walter Matthau, Yul Brynner and Bing Crosby.
6. Julie Andrews was hesitant about playing Maria
Above Maria teaching the von Trapp kids (photo: courtesy of IMDB)
Maria teaching the von Trapp kids (photo: courtesy of IMDB)
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Fresh from her accomplishments in Mary Poppins, Andrews was hesitant to take on a similar role only a year later. Interestingly, it was her role as the magical governess that caught the producers’ attention. Andrews became the first choice for Maria when casting agents realised she was open and available.
7. Maria von Trapp sold the rights to her story for cheap
The real-life Maria wrote a book about her family called The Story of the Trapp Family Singers in 1949. After her family became strapped for cash in 1955, she sold the rights to the story for US$9,000. The von Trapps allegedly did not receive any royalties from films based on the family, Broadway production and the film, which grossed US$286.2 million—however, some reports dispute this.
8. The real Villa Trapp wasn’t used in filming
Villa Trap is a real place. And, despite shooting on location at the von Trapps’ hometown, production was unable to use their actual home. At that time, it was used by the Missionaries of the Precious Blood. Moreover, the real site didn’t look picturesque enough for movie standards. Currently, Villa Trapp has been converted into a hotel, where guests can learn about the family’s history.
Interestingly, when the von Trapps fled to America, they opened a lodge, which is still running and managed by their kin.
9. ‘The Sound of Music’ was on standby in case of a nuclear strike
Above The von Trapp family (screencap: YouTube / Rodgers & Hammerstein)
The von Trapp family (screencap: YouTube / Rodgers & Hammerstein)
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The feel-good film was on BBC’s list of movies to broadcast should a nuclear strike happen during the Cold War. It was intended to boost morale.
10. Two songs are exclusive to the movie
Famous duo Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein created the songs for The Sound of Music musical. However, the movie adaptation needed original material. Hammerstein died five years before the film was made, prompting his songwriting partner, Rodgers to compose “I Have Confidence” and “Something Good” by himself.
11. The Villa Trapp gazebo had a double
You have voice doubles, stunt doubles and also backdrop doubles. The original gazebo for the “Sixteen Going on Seventeen” scene was too small, so the producers had to build a larger replica on a soundstage.
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