As a music lover, I have watched some musical films but none has been able to compete with The Sound of Music which was released more than fifty-six years ago!
This vintage musical is an American music drama based on the memoir of Baronness Maria Augusta Von Trapp, the stepmother and matriarch of the Trapp Family Singers. This memoir is titled - The Story Of The Trapp Family Singers and has been adapted to stage plays and tv series over the years.
The Sound of Music was released in 1965 and it became my introduction to the acting prowess of Julie Andrews. This famous actress played the part of the matriarch, Maria Von Trapp in the film.
This film was produced and directed by Robert Wise based on the songs composed by Richard Rodgers and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II.
I enjoy all the songs sang in this film such as "Edelweiss", "Climb Ev'ry Mountain", "My Favorite Things" etc. and I sing them easily from memory. They are beautiful songs that will continue to resonate over time because songs never die so long as there are people to sing them.
Plot
The Sound of Music is an American musical drama about a young, free-spirited woman, Maria, who wanted to be a nun at the Nonnberg Abbey, Salzburg but finds it difficult abiding by the rules. The mother superior decides to send her to work as a governess to a widower and retired naval captain with seven children. It seemed like a lot to take on.
In no time, Maria won the hearts of the children, fell in love and married the captain. Close to the World War, the captain was offered a position in the German naval base which he rejected because of his opposition to the Nazis. The family escaped to Switzerland under the cover of a singing festival.
A True Classic?
What makes this musical a classic is that this is one of the all-time movies hits that grounds one's faith in the movie industry. I am referring to 1965, a time when filmmaking equipment was not as advanced as it is today yet the producers made a success of this film!
The scenes in the film are beautiful and breathtaking. The picture and video quality are excellent and the acting is stellar.
This film was not only a major commercial success in 1965 and several years after, but it also became the highest-grossing film and held this position for five years. Only films in which much work and dedication have gone into the acting, directing and production that will turn out a classic.
This is a film of gaiety, singing, heartbreak, romance and faith. It shed light not only on the ordeal of a family that held on to their values in the face of war, persecution from the Nazis but also encouraged cheerfulness amid danger.
In 2001, the United States Library of Congress selected this film for preservation in the National Film Registry finding it "culturally, historically or aesthetically significant".
No year goes by that I don't watch this film and when I do, it feels like I am watching it for the first time. Most of the actors and actresses are late now.
I believe this musical will continue to hold the top among its class and retain its freshness, vitality and soundness for years to come.
Thank you for visiting my blog.