“The Sound of Music” is one of the most popular and entertaining films of all time. Like “The Wizard of Oz”, this family friendly feature is well known the world over and beloved by generations, due in large part to becoming an annual television event. In the days before VCRs I remember the excitement of being allowed to eat dinner in front of the television because “The Sound of Music” was on. This was a rare privilege, bestowed on only the most special occasions.
Upon it’s initial release the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic received a multitude of awards including Oscars for Best Picture, Best Editing, Best Sound, Best Music Score and Best Director for the flawless direction of the versatile and highly honored Robert Wise, who also directed Best Picture winner “Westside Story” (Interestingly enough, Wise only agreed to direct after it had been abandoned by William Wyler if 20th Century-Fox agreed to finance his next picture, “The Sand Pebbles”).
Based on a real family and the events in their life, this audience favorite tells the story of Maria, who, after proving too high-spirited for the other nuns in her convent, is sent off to work as a governess for the unruly children in the Von Trapp family in 1930s Austria just before the outbreak of World War II. Julie Andrews (in only her third film) stars as the young and effervescent novice who charms her charges and wins the heart of their strict military father (played by the incredibly sexy Christopher Plummer who ironically is known to actually despise the film). Although the chemistry between the two is palpable, their blossoming romance is conducted on the highest of moral grounds, making it a love story any adult can enjoy while in the presence of children. Throw in some Nazis for some villainous adventure and some angelic nuns for comic relief and you’ve got a well constructed, perfectly written, wonderfully acted, and brilliantly executed film. Simply put,” The Sound of Music” has everything one could want in a movie. It’s the timeless classic every family should share.
For many film fans, this is the 70mm experience! And Director Robert Wise doesn’t waste a moment of 70mm magic from the very first shots across the Salzburg woods to the final camera sweeps over the Austrian Alps, from the energetic “Do, Re, Mi” montage sequence with Maria and the children scampering through picturesque scenery, to the Cathedral wedding scene with the bridal train that goes on and on and would never fit on 35mm. If you’re a fan of classic cinema, or just looking for a unique outing the whole family can enjoy, I recommend you take advantage of this rare opportunity to see a great film the way it was originally presented.