The Sound of Music

This week’s film is an iconic classic celebrating its 60th anniversary this month.

In pre-World War II Austria, a free-spirited young woman named Maria (Julie Andrews) leaves her abbey as a novice nun to become the governess for the seven children of the stern widower Captain von Trapp (Christopher Plummer). Though initially met with resistance and pranks from the children, Maria soon wins them over with her warmth, playfulness, and gift for music, bringing joy and song back into a household that had been ruled by whistles and strict discipline since the death of the children’s mother.

As Maria teaches the children to sing, the Captain’s icy demeanor begins to thaw. A deepening relationship develops between Maria and the Captain, complicated by his engagement to a sophisticated baroness and Maria’s commitment to the abbey. Meanwhile, the growing threat of Nazi Germany looms over Austria, presenting the family with difficult decisions about their homeland, their principles, and their future.

Loosely based on the true story of the von Trapp Family Singers, The Sound of Music offers families an opportunity to enjoy a number of classic songs while subtly introducing concepts of standing against injustice and valuing family bonds above all else.

Runtime: 2 hours, 54 minutes
Rated G
USCCB rating: A-I
83% on Rotten Tomatoes
IMDb Parents Guide
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