It’s hard to believe, but this March 2025 marks the 60th anniversary of the release of The Sound of Music, Robert Wise’s iconic musical that catapulted Julie Andrews to the list of film legends and to which Lady Gaga paid an unforgettable tribute at the 2015 Oscars.
Since its debut on 2 March 1965 in the United States, The Sound of Music has remained a favourite film of successive generations, and has demonstrated an uncanny ability to appeal to the most diverse sensibilities, ranging from die-hard fans of Broadway musicals to general audiences of all ages.
Please don’t be fooled by the sweet naivety of the musical numbers, the human lessons of this production remain as relevant and brilliant as ever.
Please don’t be fooled by the sweet naivety of the musical numbers, the human lessons of this production remain as relevant and brilliant as ever
For those who have not yet had the pleasure of seeing it for the first time, The Sound of Music is based on Maria von Trapp’s 1949 memoir, The Story of the Trapp Family Singers.
Set in 1930s Austria and starring Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer, the plot revolves around Maria (Andrews), a young novice who, though enthusiastic in her faith, struggles with the demands of religious life.
The film follows her experience as a governess to seven children, her eventual and unexpected marriage to former navy captain Georg von Trapp (Plummer), and her escape during the Anschluss in 1938.
It is fair to say that the luminous presence of Julie Andrews, the stunning Salzburg scenery and the uplifting, captivating music have created an enduring symbiosis.
At the time, The Sound of Music replaced Gone with the Wind as the highest-grossing film of all time. It was the first feature film in history to gross more than $100 million, and remained in theatres for several years. In addition, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences honoured it with 10 nominations and five Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Editing, Best Score and Best Sound Effects.
On the occasion of another anniversary, let’s take a look back at some life lessons that everyone can benefit from. It’s good to know that, 60 years later, The Sound of Music is still as sobering and popular as ever.
Music can transform lives
One of the main lessons of Robert Wise’s (West Side Story) feature film is about the transformative power of music, which is reflected through the story of Maria and the von Trapp family.
At the beginning of The Sound of Music, there is a clear emotional distance between Captain von Trapp and his seven children. Then, the free-spirited and vivacious Maria introduces music into the household, which had hitherto been governed by a strict disciplinary regime.
As the young novice floods the house with her musical joy, the captain’s stern and distant attitude towards his children is transformed into a healthy warmth.
It is thanks to the simple experience of singing together that the von Trapp family overcomes their wounds after the loss of their mother, and it is also thanks to music that they are able to escape their country.
There is no doubt that The Sound of Music has some of the most famous numbers in the history of the musical. Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II demonstrated the breadth and versatility of their art with this score. The music ranges from the religious solemnity of Psalm and Hallelujah to the delights of numbers like Do-Re-Mi, Something Good and My Favorite Things.
Mother Abbess’s Climb Ev’ry Mountain never fails to move, and there are few melodies more moving than the Baron’s Edelweiss. With songs as beloved as these, it’s safe to say that “the hills are alive with the sound of music.”
As the title promises, this work boasts a remarkable set of memorable melodies that leave a lasting impression and remind us of the transformative power of music.
Incidentally, there’s no one better than Julie Andrews to showcase the profound impact of singing and choirs.
We must embrace change with courage
“I’ve always longed for adventure, to do the things I’ve never dared. And here I am facing adventure-then why am I so scared?” sings Maria as she runs through Salzburg on her way to the von Trapp residence.
Maria’s journey from convent to governess and finally to mother figure for the von Trapp children is a formidable testimony to how to embrace change with courage.
In the early scenes of the film, Maria feels that her best way of demonstrating her deep devotion to God is through her commitment to a monastic life. But, as is often the case in life, things do not go according to plan. Soon, Maria is forced to leave the convent on the recommendation of Mother Abbess (Peggy Wood), and the temporary position of governess to Captain von Trapp’s seven children is the most momentous change she will ever experience.
Needless to say, it is not easy for Maria to enter an uncertain future and renounce the path of spiritual asceticism. In fact, Maria suffers a “dark night of the soul”, enters a period of profound solitude and only leaves her room at the insistence of her Mother Superior.
However, thanks to the wise guidance she receives at the abbey, and her natural instinct to be true to herself, Maria embraces change, responding to her true vocation as a teacher, as a mother and as a companion.
Beyond the breathtaking scenery and exuberant musical numbers, The Sound of Music reflects on the importance of facing change with a positive and open attitude, as it can lead to growth and new opportunities.
Perseverance in the face of adversity
It is fair to say that Maria, the young novice, is a model of perseverance and hope. Far from resigning herself to difficulties when they arise, she tries harder to overcome them.
Although at first the von Trapp children and the captain himself do not treat her kindly, she is tenacious in her determination to serve the family and win their hearts. What we learn throughout the film is that Maria persists again and again and again in each of her endeavours.
For example, Maria rebels against the captain’s authoritarian approach and perseveres in her efforts to bring the naval officer closer to his children. She also involves herself in the care of the children and supports them in their needs. From Liesl’s failed romance with a sympathetic Nazi, to comforting them in the midst of a terrifying storm, Maria gradually gains their trust and affection.
For the most part, Maria reminds us of the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity. It seems that when the odds are stacked against her, her determination prevails, and this is certainly most sobering.
Patriotism and resistance to oppression
Although the story of the von Trapp family is at the heart of it all, the film includes elements related to the rise of Nazism in the region.
During the musical’s 174-minute running time, the deep affection that Captain and war hero Georg von Trapp feels for his nation becomes apparent. Among several patriotic actions, Captain von Trapp shows concern when he sees that every house in the neighbourhood is flying the flag of the Third Reich, and his is the only one that is not. Upon returning from his honeymoon with Maria, he tears up the Nazi flag he finds displayed outside his estate as a clear testimony of his opposition.
In the final act of The Sound of Music, the von Trapps decide to flee Austria to prevent the captain from having to enlist and serve in the army of the Third Reich.
Before escaping, Maria and her husband are faced with the choice of giving in to Nazi demands (and keeping most of their world and their way of life intact) or fleeing to another country to start anew.
They decide to resist oppression, risk their lives and do all they can to stand up for what is right.
It becomes clear that the von Trapp family’s deep-rooted convictions about what they believe to be right trump everything else.
Do not, under any circumstances, underestimate the nuns
Another important lesson of the film is not to underestimate the willpower of the nuns, nor their unwavering loyalty. L
et us remember that, at the end of the film, in a particularly unexpected and funny twist, it is the nuns who sabotage the captors’ vehicles, and it is thanks to this timely intervention that Maria and her family manage to escape.
A toast to a new anniversary!
For 60 years, The Sound of Music has been one of our “favorite things” in the world. In the decades since its premiere, the production has never lost its magic and has come to symbolise all that is good about Hollywood musicals.
With its timeless story and irresistibly charming score, The Sound of Music is a heartwarming treat that we should all indulge in at least once in a lifetime.