The Sound of Music (1965)
In the years before the Second World War, a tomboyish postulant at an Austrian abbey is hired as a governess in the home of a widowed naval captain with seven children, and brings a new love of life and music into the home.
Details
Budget
$8,200,000
Rating
8/10 (3343 votes)
Status
Released
Production Companies
Robert Wise Productions, Argyle Enterprises, 20th Century Fox
About The Sound of Music
"The Sound of Music," released in 1965, is a drama, family, music, and romance film set in Austria during the pre-World War II era and the rise of Nazism. The story centers on a postulant who becomes a governess to a widowed naval captain's seven children, bringing music and joy back into their lives amidst the escalating political tensions. The film draws from keywords like "world war ii," "musical," "based on true story," and "escape from fascism," anchoring its narrative in both historical context and personal triumph.
Its enduring appeal is partly due to its musical numbers, which include a number of well-known songs, and the performances of its cast. The film manages to blend moments of family warmth and romance with the serious backdrop of the Nazi occupation, creating a story that appeals to a wide audience. Despite its 174-minute runtime, the pacing generally holds viewer interest.
Why you might be searching for The Sound of Music
People often search for "The Sound of Music" because of its memorable songs and the iconic performance by Julie Andrews. The story of Maria and the von Trapp family's escape from Nazi occupation, along with the picturesque Austrian Alps setting, are distinguishing elements that make the film stand out. Its themes of music, family, and resistance resonate with audiences.
What reviewers are saying
A reviewer noted that even after nearly 50 years, the film still holds a magical quality, despite its length and numerous parodies over the years.
Read the full reviewOne reviewer, who generally does not prefer musicals, found this film to be a delight, with excellent pacing that made its 175-minute runtime "fly by," and praised the enduring soundtrack.
Read the full reviewA review highlighted that the film's opening scene has been parodied many times, underscoring its impact, and praised the lead actors and the memorable songs, noting the blend of romantic plot with the serious historical backdrop.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about finding and identifying movies
You can stream *The Sound of Music* on [Disney+](https://www.disneyplus.com/browse/entity-244ba86a-ad0f-4fb2-8c5f-18cc8623f809) and Hulu.
*The Sound of Music* is based on Maria von Trapp's 1949 memoir, "The Story of the Trapp Family Singers," but it takes liberties with the true events. For instance, the real Maria was a tutor for one of Captain von Trapp's ten children, not a governess for seven, and they married 11 years before the family fled Austria. The family also left Austria by train, not by climbing over the Alps.
At the end of *The Sound of Music*, the von Trapp family performs at the Salzburg Festival as a guise to escape Austria after the Nazi annexation. They flee the festival during their performance, taking refuge in Nonnberg Abbey, where the nuns help them disable the Nazi soldiers' cars. The family then escapes on foot over the Alps into Switzerland to freedom.
*The Sound of Music* is considered a classic musical drama, with an 83% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics describe it as "unapologetically sweet" with "classic songs and irresistible warmth." Many viewers enjoy its romantic story, catchy songs, and family-friendly appeal, making it a beloved film across generations.