The Sound of Music

Robert Wise (1965)

167min

U Certificate

Review

Our Score

by Tony Sloman

This artful crowd-pleaser continues to reach out to every generation, thanks to its expert and unsentimental handling from director Robert Wise (replacing William Wyler) and a magnificent performance from Julie Andrews. She is perfectly cast as Maria, the reluctant nun who discovers her true calling (of course; she's Mary Poppins) as governess to a houseful of youngsters. It still looks lovely, in particular the stunning opening panoramic sweep onto the mountain top and the Do Re Mi tour around Salzburg (location-scouted by the uncredited musical genius Roger Edens), and the Rodgers and Hammerstein score is as refreshing as ever. For those who have never seen it, do. For those who love it, no persuasion is needed - it's as fresh and as magical as Andrews's smile.

Summary

A cheerful novice nun is employed as governess to the seven children of an austere widower. As she brings light, laughter and a love of all things harmonious to a family previously beset by grief and strict discipline she also falls in love with her employer. But before long, the looming threat of the Second World War jeopardises their happy household. Oscar-winning Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, starring Julie Andrews, Christopher Plummer and Eleanor Parker.

Cast & Crew

Maria Julie Andrews

Captain Von Trapp Christopher Plummer

Baroness Eleanor Parker

Max Detweiler Richard Haydn

Mother Abbess Peggy Wood

Liesl Charmian Carr

Louisa Heather Menzies

Friedrich Nicholas Hammond

Kurt Duane Chase

Brigitta Angela Cartwright

Marta Debbie Turner

Gretl Kym Karath

Sister Margaretta Anna Lee

Sister Berthe Portia Nelson

Herr Zeller Ben Wright (1)

Rolfe Daniel Truhitte

Frau Schmidt Norma Varden

Franz Gil Stuart

Sister Sophia Marni Nixon

Sister Bernice Evadne Baker

Baroness Ebberfeld Doris Lloyd

Director Robert Wise

Other Information

Language: EnglishColourTheatrical distributor: Park CircusAvailable on: video, DVD and Blu-rayReleased on: 18 May 2018

Drama Music

Full Episode Guide

First look at Jack Whitehall in frilly frock and plaits as Maria von Trapp...

The comedian plays the singing matriarch immortalised by Julie Andrews in The Sound of Music