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Musical film is a particular genre developed from the stage musical after the emergence of sound film technology. The concept is a story line delivered with words, interspersed with music (and sometimes dancing), normally to advance the storyline or the characters but sometimes only acting as a break to the plot. The main differences between the two is the use in film of lavish background scenery and locations which a theatre is obviously unable to provide. The Fifties and Sixties arguably produced some of the best musical shows and films of all time, many of which are still very much loved today. Though musicals had declined by the 1960s and would decline further in the next decade, of the 'top 25' best selling musical film soundtracks of all time, seven came from the Sixties and three from the Fifties. Full List

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"The Hills Are Alive With the Sound of Music..…", the opening song words of possibly the most successful musical film of the 1960s. Produced and directed by Robert Wise with screenplay by Ernest Lehman, it was released in March 1965 (on 2nd in the United States and 29th in the UK) from the 1959 stage show of the same name. The film is based on a true story ("The Story of the Trapp Family Singers" by Maria von Trapp, 1949) and starred Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer in the title roles of Maria and Captain von Trapp. I'm sure the film needs no real introduction but, briefly, it's set in Salzburg, Austria in the days leading up to the Anschluss in 1938 and is the story of a postulant nun who it's felt, doesn't really fit in to the ways of abbey life, despite her saying it's all she's ever wanted to do. She's sent "out into the world" for a temporary period as the latest in a long line of governesses to the 7 children of a retired sea captain from the Austrian navy; we see how she gradually wins their trust before falling in love with their father, a concept she struggles with because of her faith. This, and his other love interest are eventually resolved and they marry. Whilst on their honeymoon, the children are entered for a singing competition and the Anschluss takes place.

The couple return on the day of the competition with Captain von Trapp immediately being given orders to report to a new naval command with the Third Reich the following morning. Despite his initial resolve not to have his children singing in public, he sees this is a way for them all to escape from Austria and the film ends with them "climbing every mountain" to flee to Switzerland.

Despite an initial mixed reception in the States it was soon a commercial success, becoming the number one box office movie there after just 4 weeks as well as being the highest grossing film that year; by November 1966, it had become the highest grossing film of all time, surpassing "Gone With The Wind" and held this honour for 5 years. As well as in the States, the film became equally popular around the world, breaking previous box office records in 29 countries and earning over $286 million worldwide.

This final collaboration between Rodgers & Hammerstein received 5 Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Director among various other awards. Credit must be given to Richard Rodgers (music) and Oscar Hammerstein II (lyrics) for the memorable score as well as a strong supporting cast including Eleanor Parker as the Baroness and Peggy Wood as the Mother Abbess for which she was nominated for best Supporting Actress.This role was Peggy's final screen appearance.

Julie won the Golden Globe Award-Motion Picture Comedy or Musical for her role in this film. Christopher nearly rejected the role but later appreciated how the film was produced "Our director, dear old Bob Wise, did keep it from falling over the edge into a sea of treacle." It was also revealed in later years that he deliberately kept his professional relationship with the children lower key for them to establish a good rapport with Julie as the script demanded. The film has an enduring quality and high entertainment value even today.
Angela Cartwright was the only British von Trapp, born in Cheshire then moving to the US to start acting. After appearing in The Sound of Music aged 12, she also starred in the TV sci-fi show 'Lost in Space' from 1965–1968.

Cast			Songs
Maria Captain von Trapp Baroness Elsa von Schraeder Max Detweiler Mother Abbess Liesl von Trapp Louisa von Trapp Friedrich von Trapp Kurt von Trapp Brigitta von Trapp Marta von Trapp Gretl von Trapp Sister Margaretta Sister Berthe Herr Zeller Rolfe Frau Schmidt, housekeeper Franz, butler Sister Sophia Sister Bernice Baroness Ebberfeld	Julie Andrews Christopher Plummer Eleanor Parker Richard Haydn Peggy Wood Charmian Carr Heather Menzies Nicholas Hammond Duane Chase Angela Cartwright Debbie Turner Kym Karath Anna Lee Portia Nelson Ben Wright Daniel Truhitte Norma Varden Gil Stuart Marni Nixon Evadne Baker Doris Lloyd		"Prelude" / "The Sound of Music" "Overture and Preludium" "Morning Hymn and Alleluia" "Maria" "I Have Confidence" "Sixteen Going on Seventeen" "My Favorite Things" "Climb Ev'ry Mountain" "The Lonely Goatherd" "The Sound of Music (Reprise)" "Do-Re-Mi" "Something Good" "Processional and Maria (Reprise)" "Edelweiss" "So Long, Farewell" "Climb Ev'ry Mountain (Reprise)"	Julie Andrews Orchestra and the Nuns Chorus The Nuns Chorus The Nuns Chorus Julie Andrews Daniel Truhitte and Charmian Carr Julie Andrews Peggy Wood Julie Andrews and The Children The Children and Bill Lee* Julie Andrews and The Children Julie Andrews and Bill Lee* Organ, Orchestra and the Nuns Chorus Bill Lee, Julie Andrews, Children & Chorus The Children Chorus and Orchestra Bill Lee overdubbed Plummer's singing The Sound of Music - Through Time and History

Also see 'The Sound Of Music' in Bill Harry's Sixties

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