A Brooding Captain and a Goat That Sings - These Are a Few of My Favourite Things
October 22nd 2007 21:03
I love The Sound of Music for many reasons – the picturesque locations and stunning cinematography, the songs that I seem to have known forever, the beautiful Julie Andrews as a less-than-serene novice nun, and the charmingly triumphant story. But what can really top a yodelling goat? Not to mention Christopher Plummer as the stern and enigmatic Captain von Trapp.
In the opening scene, the camera sweeps across the hills of Austria (which are alive, with the sound of music) and the prelude intensifies until it reaches its crescendo and we are zoomed in on Maria, arms outstretched and singing the title song with vivacity. It is a brilliant initial sequence and a promise of what’s to come.
The tale unfolds with perfection, loosely retelling the true events chronicled in Maria von Trapp’s autobiography, The Story of the Trapp Family Singers. We see Maria overcome the hurdles of being governess to seven mischievous children, channelling their energy into song and gaining their trust and devotion; and we witness how she changes the Captain’s attitude of distance and austerity as she comes to fall in love with him.
But the arrival of the Captain’s fiancé, a baroness who is not particularly comfortable with children, brings tension to the house again. The mood is lightened with a puppet show featuring the yodelling goat, however the jealousy of the Baroness soon sees Maria heading back to the Abbey.
It’s not long though before the children are at the Abbey gates, begging for the return of their beloved governess. And return she does, with the Baroness leaving, realising that Maria and the Captain are in love. They are wed soon after, and all would be bliss – but for the threat of the Nazis, who had gained power in Austria.
The Captain is ordered into service, but in a sly (musical) manoeuvre, he and his family, with the help of the Nonnberg Abbey nuns, manage to escape, hiking over the mountains to Switzerland. The actual von Trapps were slightly less dramatic about it all – they simply caught a train to Italy.
This film is a magnificent classic of the twentieth century, and – rather curiously for me –though it deviates significantly from the book, and even from the stage production, I wouldn’t want to change a thing.
Michaelie Clark
You'd have to say 'Aye Aye' to this captain. Image courtesy of altfg.com
The tale unfolds with perfection, loosely retelling the true events chronicled in Maria von Trapp’s autobiography, The Story of the Trapp Family Singers. We see Maria overcome the hurdles of being governess to seven mischievous children, channelling their energy into song and gaining their trust and devotion; and we witness how she changes the Captain’s attitude of distance and austerity as she comes to fall in love with him.
But the arrival of the Captain’s fiancé, a baroness who is not particularly comfortable with children, brings tension to the house again. The mood is lightened with a puppet show featuring the yodelling goat, however the jealousy of the Baroness soon sees Maria heading back to the Abbey.
To yodel like a goat. Image courtesy of somethings.com
It’s not long though before the children are at the Abbey gates, begging for the return of their beloved governess. And return she does, with the Baroness leaving, realising that Maria and the Captain are in love. They are wed soon after, and all would be bliss – but for the threat of the Nazis, who had gained power in Austria.
The Captain is ordered into service, but in a sly (musical) manoeuvre, he and his family, with the help of the Nonnberg Abbey nuns, manage to escape, hiking over the mountains to Switzerland. The actual von Trapps were slightly less dramatic about it all – they simply caught a train to Italy.
This film is a magnificent classic of the twentieth century, and – rather curiously for me –though it deviates significantly from the book, and even from the stage production, I wouldn’t want to change a thing.
Michaelie Clark
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Comment by Lara M
Love Speaks
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
But mostly I just liked the goats. Lol.
No, I do know what you're talking about, and I loved it so much as a child. Every time The Sound of Music or Willy Wonka were on TV - and they were both on a hell of a lot - I would watch them.
I can't sing, but it doesn't stop me. High on the hill was a lonely goatherd...
Thanks Lara!
Michaelie
Comment by katyzzz
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katyzzz
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
I love it, love it, love it too! Sure, I'll bring him along, but don't know that he'll be able to keep up with you - he'd have to be nearly eighty now! He was so great as the Captain though... sigh.
Michaelie
Comment by James Rickard
unlucky_ fishermen.com
Angling Fish
Comment by Ashley
College of Cash
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
I take it you don't sing along to The Lonely Goatherd, enraptured, like I do... Lol.
Michaelie
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
Great to see you!
Michaelie
Comment by JoH
Can't tell you how many dreams I had about the Captain! *blush*
Comment by Louie
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Comment by Mr Nice Guy
Pop Culturist
Completely understand why people would love it though. It was part of my three daughters staple viewing diet as they grew up - and is still right up there with their favourite movies of all time.
If only I was 16 going on 17 again . . .
MNG
Comment by Lilla
Enviro Warrior
An Extra Ordinary Life
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Michaelie,
This film is a magnificent classic of the twentieth century, and – rather curiously for me –though it deviates significantly from the book, and even from the stage production, I wouldn’t want to change a thing.
Over the years I must have watched this film almost as much as Buckaroo Bonzai *chuckle* and again recently as my children watched it too...I never really tired of it until a few years ago.
I think I've had my time with it, but you never know... renaissance is just that, isn't it?
Interesting post.
Lilla ...
Comment by Aimzster
Health and Beauty
Reality TV
The Jeepney Stop
Comment by KylieW
Celebrity Obsession
But I can definitely see why everyone loves it. Who can help but sing along with the songs.
Even someone like me who hasn't seen it all the way through many times knows all the songs!
Comment by Mr Nice Guy
Pop Culturist
Does that mean you intend to "climb every mountain . . . ."
MNG
Comment by Mountain Fog
Infognito
I loved it, of course, loved the goat and the other puppets, but I was terribly jealous of the children, having their own puppet theatre.
Getting the full effect of the film helped by seeing it at the cinema. I saw it when first released, that was magical, but one better, was Mary Poppins!
I adored that film, and sooo wanted a magical nanny!! Particularly when it came to cleaning up one's bedroom mess...
cheers
and thaaaaannnnnks.......
.....for the mammaries...err...memories...
fog
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
I'll be sure to send you the T-shirt.
Thanks!
Michaelie
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
My neighbours probably wish they had a few in when I start singing! Numbs their pain. Lol.
Michaelie
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
I think girls generally do like it more - all the frolicking and singing isn't for everyone!
Thanks for coming by... "So long, farewell, auf weidersehen, goodnight!"
Michaelie
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
I think it'll make a comeback for you! I've had an overload on several of my old faves before - but I always end up going back to them after a few years ... then proceed to overload again!
Thanks for visiting!
Michaelie
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
If you're a dork then I'm a dork, so let just go squawk in the hills together!
Michaelie
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
I can fully imagine knowing all the songs without having watched it much - they definitely stick in your head. I watched this again last week before writing the post, and I'm still singing/caterwauling!
Michaelie
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
Quite right! Maybe that's where Wes Craven got the idea for The Hills Have Eyes, lol.
I was jealous of the children too, but mostly for their house! How GRAND!
Mary Poppins is also a fave, though some bits made me sad... when she leaves and when the pavement picture melts... but the magic was wonderful! It will all feature in an upcoming post I have on musical films.
Thanks Fog!
Michaelie
Comment by DuskDevi
Rucks and Rolls
Rugby World Cup 2007
I'm like KylieW...not a big fan of the film but I do know all the songs!
'Edelweiss' is a big one for music teachers!
...and Al Jarreau and opera star Kathleen Battle sing a beautiful duet of 'Favourite Things'...
Hope you're well hon...
Dusk
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
Edelweiss is such a beautiful song. Lovely melody.
Thanks Dusk!
Michaelie
Comment by katyzzz
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katyzzz...I hope!
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
I do have a penchant for the incongruous.
Michaelie
Comment by Ash
Australian Traveller
Flashes of memories
This used to be one of my favourites too! I haven`t seen it on years though.... maybe time to dust off the cover and have a sing song weekend!
Ash
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
Thanks for stopping by!
Michaelie