The Sound of Music

Directed by: Robert Wise
Screenplay by: Ernest Lehman
Based on: The Sound of Music; by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse
Uncredited: The Story of the Trapp Family Singers; by Maria von Trapp
Produced By: Robert Wise
Starring: Julie Andrews, Christopher Plummer, Richard Haydn, Peggy Wood, Charmian Carr, Eleanor Parker
Music by: Richard Rodgers Oscar Hammerstein II (lyricist), Irwin Kostal (score arrangements)
Production Company: Argyle Enterprises, Inc
Release date: March 2, 1965 (United States)

Plot:
Maria is a free-spirited young Austrian woman studying to become a nun at Nonnberg Abbey in Salzburg in 1938. Her youthful enthusiasm and lack of discipline cause some concern. Mother Abbess sends Maria to the villa of retired naval officer Captain Georg von Trapp to be governess to his seven children (Liesl, Friedrich, Louisa, Kurt, Brigitta, Marta and Gretl). The Captain has been raising his children using strict military discipline following the death of his wife. They have scared away several governesses by playing tricks. Although the children misbehave at first, Maria responds with kindness and patience, and soon the children come to trust and respect her.

While the Captain is away in Vienna, Maria makes play clothes for the children out of drapes that are to be changed. She takes them around Salzburg and the mountains while teaching them how to sing. When the Captain returns to the villa with Baroness Elsa Schraeder, a wealthy socialite, and their mutual friend Max Detweiler, they are greeted by Maria and the children returning from a boat ride on the lake which concludes when their boat overturns. Displeased by his children's clothes and activities and Maria's impassioned appeal that he get closer to his children, the Captain attempts to fire Maria. However, he hears singing coming from inside the house and is astonished to see his children singing for the Baroness. Filled with emotion, the Captain joins his children, singing for the first time in years. The Captain apologizes to Maria and asks her to stay.

End of Spoilers

Review:
As a child I was taken to see this film by my mother more than seven times. To be painfully honest I can't remember now how many times. But I do have fond memories of the film. The best past for me as a child was when Maria, played by Julie Andrews, sand I have confidence. Where she is walking to the Trap family mansion. She is singing with a great gusto of confidence all the way up the the front gate. When she looks through at the majestic building and in trembling words says "I have confidence". Over the years this film has not lost any of its' charm. It still stands out as a wonderful musical. With warmth charm and even a little danger.