The Sound of Music Parent Guide

The Sound of Music is considered to be one of the greatest movies of all time. Based on a true story, the film follows the plight of a young woman named Maria (Julie Andrews), who wants to become a nun. Although it is obvious to everyone except her, she really isn’t cut out for the strict routines of convent living. Hoping to help the novice find a vocation more suited to her impulsive personality, a kindly Mother Superior (Peggy Wood) suggests Maria take a temporary job as a governess and use her time away to seriously contemplate the path God would have her take.

Maria is, of course, less than enthusiastic when she discovers her charges are the seven unruly offspring of Captain von Trapp (Christopher Plummer). A retired naval officer, the widower has had a devil of a time keeping a governess in his house. But any faith he may have had in receiving heavenly help from the apprentice nun is quickly dashed shortly after their first interview. Less than obedient to his military style of child rearing, Maria is as well late for meals and casual about bedtimes (especially during thunderstorms). However, a previous engagement with a beautiful Baroness (Eleanor Parker) in Vienna forces him to leave the children in her care while he is away from Salzburg.

In his absence, Maria takes the liberty of introducing his family to playtime, picnics, fieldtrips and music (the later of which has been forbidden in the von Trapp home since the death of the children’s mother). In short order, she has fallen in love with the kids, and they with her. However, when Captain von Trapp returns with his lovely fiancée in tow, he is horrified by the changes she has instituted in his domestic routine.

Meanwhile the rumors of war and the rise of Hitler’s regime are threatening the peaceful Austria they all call home. Fears of being pulled into the conflict against political conscience also hound the family’s hopes for happiness.

With frequent pauses for musical numbers from the score composed by Rogers and Hammerstein, The Sound of Music has sung and danced its way into the hearts of generations of moviegoers. Combining the beauty of the European countryside with a story about prevailing over opposition, this 1965 masterpiece is and ever will be, an inspiration for all audiences.

About author

Donna Gustafson

Donna Gustafson has been involved with her husband Rod's work since the beginning. Handling many of the behind-the-scenes tasks, she also creates preview pages for up-coming movies, acts as managing editor and occasionally writes reviews.