The Sound Of Music – Movie Soundtrack – What’s On The Table
The hills are alive with the sound of music …
We are certain that the majority of you are much more familiar with the movie and music to “The Sound Of Music” than we are. We first became aware of it in our teenage years and only watched it for the first time a few years ago when we lived in the UK already. How can this be, given that the movie was a world-wide success and is based in Austria?
We try to unpack that a little in today’s “What’s On The Table”.
We would LOVE to hear your perspectives on the movie, its plot line and most of all – the music!
Let’s talk in the comments 🙂
Stay groovy,
Mona & Lisa
PS: Unfortunately, we cannot remember who of you sent us this record and we are terribly sorry about that. We try to write things like that down most of the time but must have forgotten for this record. If it was one of you, please be so kind to remind us in the comments so we can give you a shout-out!
There is a new deluxe box set of this album about to be released! Check out this unboxing review from one of my favourite Classic Rock channels:
https://youtu.be/TEW9G67jOQU?si=U5pLBEahHvBGVVm1
Allan,
It looks very nice! I didn’t know about it, but it looks like something I will get soon! I have the 40th Anniversary CD! — Bud
It does seem a pretty impressive set. Hope you are able to get a copy.
Really enjoyed this and your perspective on this classic that is engrained on so many of us the UK and North America. I kinda hated it back in my youth as my sister loved it and played it and played it. I re-fell in love with it in my late teens when I saw in a theatre and saw it in “wide-screen” and saw what a wonderfully filmed movie it was, as opposed to seeing it on the crappy TVs we had back in the 70s where half the picture was cut out. It is such a cultural thing here (Canada in my case), when I was in Ottawa with my family visiting my sister and her (very musical) family, her kids and mine were doing Doe Ray Me on the streets near the Parliament Building. I have to say, I always choke up when captain von Trapp enters the rooms as the kids are singing the sound of Music for the Baroness. So Long Farewell gets lots of playful singing around my house as well. And as someone who know WWII history quite well, I understand the non success of the film in Austria, But also having lived in Switzerland for a few years, I can also see that Austrians (and Swiss) would probably not like Americans/English portraying them in this “campy” style back in the day with all the inaccuracies etc. But in the end, it’s just a nice movie with good music and not a documentary (or comment on the Austrians) as a movie should be, entertaining.
I enjoyed your take on the Sound of Music and the reasons why it’s not popular in Austria.
I watched this new show today (Christmas Eve) about the classical music prodigies the Kanneh-Mason family visiting the film locations and performing some songs from the movie – it’s on BBC iPlayer here:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m001tw3k/the-hills-are-alive-with-the-kannehmasons
You showed a clip from Pomplamoose – I’m a big fan of their’s too! They are taking a break to record a new French album. They’ve done a couple of good Beatles covers and a couple not so good – I really like this one sung by their lead singer Nataly Dawn who also has her own solo channel:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wNU73MRadls
Stay groovy!
Ha! ha! So much fun. Not sure if I have managed to stay awake throughout the whole movie but this is a nostalgic epic reminiscent of so many Christmases past.
Still can’t help breaking into “the hills are alive” when cresting a significant hill (like in the Lake District)!
Hello Ladies
I was 12 when I first saw Sound Of Music. My family all went to the Movie Theater to see it. I remember because it was the first time my dad had to purchase an Adult ticket for me. (Full price) I had the biggest crush on Lisel. I have always enjoyed this movie. I found it interesting that Speakers were put in the Trees during the opening scene so that they could have the music you hear in the movies.
I find it interesting that the real Maria Von Trapp was in the movie. She was with a family member when she walked by.
Thanks Ladies for this WOTT today.
All the best
Rick Ross
M & L,
I made one slight error in my last post. I played in the Civic Light Opera version of the “Sound of Music” in Seattle in January 1984, NOT in 1985. — Bud J.
Mona & Lisa,
Alright, thank you so much for doing this video on the SOM! I, like many others saw this film in the theatre when I was a kid, & it made a lasting impression on me! But I have a special closeness to the movie, besides seeing it every year on TV. My mother bought the record for me and I learned every song. Later, on my first trip to Europe, Austria was one of 15 countries I visited.
Of course, I saw Mozart’s birthplace and took a Sound of Music Tour on a bus, seeing many film locations. And Austria is a BEAUTIFUL country by the way! The mountains remind me very much of our Cascade & Olympic mountains in Washington State!
A few years later I was in the Pit Orchestra for “Civic Light Opera” in Seattle, playing the trumpet parts. We did the SOM in 1985, & I loved our production! Luckily, the orchestra was NOT in a pit under the stage, but in FRONT of the stage, so when the trumpets were resting, I could watch the actors!
The best part was that the REAL second from youngest von Trapp girl heard about our show, and came and met all of us musicians & actors! Her name was Johanna. All the children’s movie names were different from their real names. We got to speak to her & shake her hand! She attended our premiere and opening night, & regaled the audience with stories about the REAL von Trapps, & what their lives were like, & how the movie affected them. I also saw the movie at Radio City Music Hall in NYC, & that was a nice experience, along with seeing the “Rockettes” dance!
Then years later, as a Music Teacher in the Seattle area, I used to teach the younger kids songs from the show. (Also songs from “Mary Poppins.”) Often I find that many students haven’t seen the movie. But there are also those who know EVERY song! So I show them the musical scenes, and then I teach them the songs by rote. Then we all sing our favorite songs!
I have some girls, and even boys, volunteer to sing Maria’s parts, & they really get into it! Even up until last year, my students loved doing this. A few students who had behavior issues were then engaged with the music! I love all the songs, but my favorite is “The Lonely Goatherd!”
By the way, Johanna was a delightful, slightly rotund & rosy-cheeked lady of about 65, and we all loved her! She told everyone to buy the book by her step-mother Maria, about the real story of the von Trapps, & I learned a lot by reading it! Her book is much more interesting than the movie, and Maria had quite a sense of humor! Anyone interested must watch videos of the von Trapp Family performing. Their grandchildren still sing today, even doing some songs from the movie. There’s a wonderful clip from a ’60’s TV show of Maria meeting, & singing with Julie Andrews! (Of course, Maria did make a cameo appearance in the SOM!)
I saw the movie in Salzburg, & was surprised then that many Austrians weren’t much aware of it! But, even as an American, I know that Hollywood has a tendency to twist the truth, for entertainment purposes, That said, the musical score is still wonderful, and Julie Andrews was an incredible singer, actress & personality! And the movie DID make the world aware of the real von Trapps, which is a good thing!
A friend of ours visited the von Trapp Family Lodge and Ski Resort in Stowe, Vermont years ago. The real Maria waited on them at their table for breakfast! (I’m not sure if it was Maria the mother, or Maria the oldest child!)
Sorry to ramble on, but I love the Sound of Music, and the Mona Lisa Twins are definitely one of the best musical groups to come from Austria! Thanks Lisa, Mona, Rudi & Michaela for producing such great music and for reaching out to all your fans in this way!
Rock on y’all!
Sincerely, Bud Jackson
Kristi thinks that album was in a batch that I sent you. I’m not sure, but it seems to fit. I remember thinking that I was sending a small batch of albums that you might not be familiar with, but ones that I thought you should be introduced to. One of the albums that I do remember, made a cameo appearance in a different WOTT video, by being visible on the record shelf: Stephen Stills Manassas. I know I HAD a copy of Sound of Music and if I can’t find it, I guess it is because I sent it to you. Kristi thinks that it was around the same time that I copied the album cover and badly photoshopped Mona’s head over Julie Andrews’.
I think you’re right! Sorry for not giving you a shoutout, we didn’t write down who/where we got the album from so we didn’t remember at the time. That was our bad! Thank you again, we love having it and loved making this WOTT! ♥
I am not sure if you know this or not but the description of the Intergalactic Fan Club starts with:
In March of 2013 Jacki Hopper, of Ottawa, Canada, started this group. She called it, “Appreciation Abroad for MonaLisa Twins.” Like many others to come, Jackie had stumbled upon a YouTube video of the MonaLisa Twins and was hooked immediately. The twins, Mona and Lisa were living in Austria at the time, not listening to “The Sound Of Music”….
At some point, I got the idea to “photoshop” Mona’s face in place of Maria’s on a copy of the album cover. Since I am not good at such things it took forever and wasn’t great. I think I had planned to paste Lisa over Leisl’s face but I ran out of steam. A copy of my feeble effort is in the Facebook group.
Many years ago, my late parents had occasion to meet a lawyer who had been involved in negotiating with Maria Von Trapp over the movie rights. After some back and forth, Maria declared that she needed to pray on the decision. When she returned to the negotiation, she announced that, “God says don’t settle.”
Just watching this again, I am impressed with how fun and engaging your WOTTs are, and in fact all of your talks be it a Q and A, announcement, giveaways etc…You both have an amazing talent at keeping the audience so engaged, and how you present is so fun and informative. It was really interesting seeing the inaccuracies you pointed out in the movie and your explanations how really things unfolded for the Von Trapp family. I cracked up at the part where Mona is doing a salute scene to Edelweiss, and Lisa says “just don’t do the wrong salute”! LOL. I will remember never to order Schnitzel and noodles. HAHA. I had Schnitzel with Spatzle and Bratwurst and Beef Rouladen the last time I did some German cuisine, ah that was so good.
With all of its inaccuracies it’s still one of my favorite movies. And I just loved your review of the soundtrack, with all of your added real knowledge of Austria and the Austrians reactions to the film!
Your ending was PERFECT! 😂😂
You 2 crack me up! Your faces at the end of the video killed me! LOL!
Whoa! You two are so entertaining! The Sound of Music is an iconic movie here in the USA and I was very young when I saw it. I was more astounded that you both knew of Pomplamoose! I used to watch all their videos and I have to say I forgot all about them. Thanks to you I will check in with them on youtube and see how they are doing! I hope they are still performing. I love your What’s On The Table videos! Thank you!
The sound of music is an awesome musical… At least You two have watched it… Better late than never on this one.. have an Amazing Day, can hardly wait for my merchandise from You two… Peace and Love from Canada
I remember Falco from the 80s but nothing that he did in particular. Obviously didn’t dislike his stuff either……what a lot of words I’ve just written to virtually see nothing, hmm.
Mona and Lisa, a bit behind here, sorry but thank you so much for another informative episode of What’s on the Table! One of my favorite video’s. I love this movie The Sound of Music and I first seen it with my parents at the Drive In. In case no one knows that Drive in is? It is a place where you go in your car or truck and bring lawn chairs or blankets and sit out side to watch a movie on a huge screen. You bring Snacks and drinks or go to the snack bar and it is a great time and fun. But I remember watching this movie and falling in love with it and still watch to this day around the holidays in America. This movie was made in a time that a lot went into making a movie and yes it is a bit long but the journey is worth it with a happy ending. The story is beautifully done and Julie Andrews is such a lovely singer and actress. Thank you for some tid bid information that I never knew, and another reason why I love What’s on the Table, you can learn so much and of course I love your down to earth conversation you have with us club members and your humor is refreshing. Looking forward to the next Video on Friday and hope all is well and give our love to Pa Rudi and Michaela. Hugs and love from
Bill and Maddie Isenberg Huge Fans from Pittsburgh PA USA
Hi Bill
Oh yeah I remember Drive Ins quite well. They were all about all gone by the time I was old enough to drive, but growing up we went to a few. What a culture during intermission, everyone rushes to the concession house, a big social event. I remember my Dad once took us to a triple or quadruple feature, and where we live it doesn’t get dark in the summer until almost 10PM so movies start late. I just remember falling asleep after the second movie, and dad driving us home in the wee hours. Lots of fond memories at the Drive In! I wonder if Mona and Lisa ever experienced the Drive In?
You made it to the end of the second movie…I’d always fall asleep during the second movie.
Hi Christopher, well wouldn’t you know it, we have 3 Drive In’s in the province, and one in the city, Twilight Drive In, like the name too.
Bill…we still have a Drive In! Four screens, usually opens around the first week of April and runs to the first week of November. It is a hallmark in the city where I live. Over the years, several of my students have worked at the Drive In during the summer.
Hi Bill. Our local Drive In was about a mile away from my childhood house if you took the trail through the woods. We used to sneak in all the time when we were teenagers. Sadly it closed in the 90s. Home Alone was the last movie I watched there. A lot of good memories there.
Hi Bill,
Many, many youngsters went to drive-ins mostly to “make-out” and really didn’t watch the movies, lol.
Bobby S.
This was one of the first movies I ever saw as a boy and I really loved this feature you did on it. I was amazed when you said it was unknown in Austria but having heard the presentation I fully understand why. I have seen the musical version of this live on stage on a number of occasions over the years and it would still be one of my favourites and would still go and see it as I love the songs in it. An English singer from 60s/70 called Vince Hill did a version of Eidleweiss and I still have it in my record collection somewhere bought by my mother I believe. I now have a sudden urge to try and find it again.
Julie Andrews was a wonderful singer and played the role very well. Much more emphasis in entertainment in those days rather than historical accuracy.
Have a lovely week ladies.
The movie and the music have special memories for me. I first saw the movie as a young lad in grade school, and it wasn’t until several years later when we were covering some of the songs in music class that I gained a deeper appreciation for the music. The incredible vocal range of Julie Andrews was staggering, but the wat her singing and acting blended together was fantastic. Obviously the talents of Christopher Plummer were hard to discount, along with the rest of the cast. I have never seen a live production of it, but would certainly love to.
The score was a favorite of my parents, so when I installed an 8-track stereo in the family car I got them a copy of the tape to play when they traveled. They loved it, I just wanted to make sure I got to use the car. ;-}
Obviously, the “do-re-mi” is a staple in music classes all over the world both instrumentally and in vocal teachings, such a valuable learning method and every music teacher I have ever had used it.
Great pick for the table!
I knew of the movie and songs from a very early age(Do a deer was a family staple), but didn’t see the movie until decades later. I don’t know all the historical politics and social circumstances, but I thought the movie was a great metaphor for music leading to freedom – of the spirit, of the mind; and the image of the family walking across the Alps to freedom singing was yes,kitschy, but also the Hollywood happy ending. I loved that the nuns helped foil the Nazis capturing the family…
I was lucky enough to see Julie Andrews and Charlotte Church in a Christmas performance in Boston many years ago. She carried herself with a regal quality and her voice was beautiful. She would have made a nice addition to the Liverpool Wagner family…
Personally I can say you can never talk too much for me. I think you could be getting ready for The Mona LisaTwins movie with your own stories and soundtrack…wonderful fun time listening to my favorites and I appreciate your cultural insights!
This film was very popular here in Finland too. It comes from TV time to time. I have never liked it but some of the songs are good musical numbers. I have red the memoirs of Maria Von Trapp where the things are told like they really happened. Of course when you make a movie you have to add more drama Very odd but delightful choice to this series, girls. I enjoyed the video more than “The Sound Of Music” film.
Meine Kenntnisse österreichischer Popmusik beschränken sich auf die Band EAV und Reinhard Fendrich, die ich sehr gern mochte.
Ha!
Lustigerweise habe ich gerade erst ein einer Q&A Anschrift suggeriert, die Mädels mögen doch mal was von EAV covern 😀
Danke. ich unterstütze das gern.
i love this take on the movie provided by the legendary Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iv55nWACoCM
Love the What’s On The Table segment! You ladies are so funny and very entertaining, Our family went to see the movie at a drive in theater when we were kids. we would watch it also every year at Christmas time when it was on tv. It was me who sent you the album. I saw it on ebay awhile back and remembered the the story about people asking you if you have seen the movie. so I thought you might like a copy of the soundtrack. the seller must not have sent the message with the package . I never thought that it would get to the Table but that was cool and a nice surprise that it did. Glad you like it and Thank You
Mona and Lisa,
I love your “What’s On The Table” on the Sound of Music.
Your moves and singing to the songs were very funny.
I only saw the movie on VHS tape (remember that?) and enjoyed it but I loved only a few songs. The movie was not historically accurate, it was made for entertainment so they used what Hollywood calls artistic license to make it entertaining. The Von Trapp family actually took the train to Switzerland, they never climbed the mountains.
And speaking of Austria, I envied you that grew up close to the Alps and skied there. I believed I skied in Bad Gastein, I am not too sure. It has been a long time since 1985. Anyway, the Austrian Alps are very beautiful. I cannot wait to go back there and ski.
Stay Groovy too!
Perry
Getting to watch you two “reviewing” this iconic musical was at least as enjoyable and entertaining as the movie itself. I thoroughly loved it. I found your perspective on the movie as Austrians extremely interesting and your antics at the end put me into tears of laughter. I could listen and watch you all day long. Thanks so much for sharing once again. You are delightful!
(PS: I can’t help wondering what Papa Rudi has been up to playing around with his new birthday present?!)
Gotta love those mountain landscapes, wherever they may be. Not having ever seen the film I wondered if the Matterhorn received a cameo appearance, irrespective of it being relevant to the story. I was also reminded of the video for Walking In The Air, one of my favourites.
Glad to hear that Lisa (and Mona?) are keeping up with their running regimen. Always good to get out and about into those Welsh hills. Any marathons on your radar?
As a German I must say this film is very Hollywood like and a little bit “kitschig” as you, Mona, said. It was last shown on German TV at Christmas Eve 2017. The first time this story was filmed in 1956 as a German production with the very popular German actress Ruth Leuwerik and in 1958 the “Die Trapp-Familie in Amerika” with her as well. Both films were very popular in Germany and Austria.
Lisa, I think that you did not expect Mona’s “So Long Farewell” departure. However, you recovered and followed suit. Well-played!
We have been having an issue with our high school baseballs. Seems as if the coaches on our other high school teams have been helping themselves to our baseballs! Decided to solve the issue by purchasing a couple dozen new ones in an official MonaLisa Twins Baseball Bucket (properly marked with a MLT sticker). That will teach them…only Team MLT Baseball can use the contents!
Sorry, but I cannot seem to upload the image. But the bucket does look groovy!
Hands off the almighty Holy #MLTBuzzLuvGroovified Bucket of Baseballs for/to those coaches, or anyone else that dares to indulge ….Team MLT …they’d be a-watchin ….😉🙃⚾️🥎
Exactly! Thank you Groovy Jacki!
Interesting perspective. I certainly understand the Austrian sensitivities you describe. Also, the movie has not aged particularly well.
I was born in the US eight years after the end of WW II. We were optimistic, naive and sentimental. To borrow a line from another Rogers and Hammerstein musical, we were “cockeyed optimists”, and yes, kitschy. As a kid I loved the film. Today I cringe just a tad.
One thing that hasn’t changed though is the crucial significance of Hitler’s Nazis. I am Jewish and had family murdered in the Holocaust. I have lived with antisemitism my entire life and it has become a central concern given recent cultural and political developments.
This film captures the horror of Naziism, along with the heroic spirit necessary to resist it. Austria played its role then, but 80 years have passed. Although it is good to forgive, it is also important not to forget or minimize. In this important way, The Sound of Music remains relevant.
It’s so interesting how your What’s On The Table videos raise so much about our culture, given the nature of music in the 1960s. Thank you for this.
One of the most beloved movies of the generations – I’m 51, from the USA and this film is a staple. The music, the memorable songs and spectacular voice of Julie Andrews, such a well known beautiful singer and actress. I know that there were many blurred lines interwoven between fact and fiction, between the written story and real life. You girls did a wonderful job of sorting through so many of these details. I never heard the explanations from true Austrians! I am sure tensions are high and people are sensitive to the war. Even today, people do their best to block it out of their minds. I was surprised to learn Edelweiss is not the national anthem of Austria!!? [lol] Also, I always wondered how they made it from Salzburg to Switzerland, as that made no sense, logistically, it must have been a loooong drive! lol Overall, great commentary on a great movie!! PS: I would LOVE to hear you girls singing some of the songs from this soundtrack. You already got the drone camera and can film the video on that same mountain top. (Just putting that out there ;-))
Agree great idea!!!
I loved this “What’s on the Table!” Very fascinating and interesting hearing the reaction of Austrian’s feelings about the movie “The Sound of Music.”
I think the two of you have it all sorted out very well. I also think that you have to consider the Era of Hitler’s actions. He was a very charismatic leader and Austrians as well as Germans and others, did not have the instant information we have today. And let’s not forget that we all have histories we would like to forget. Look what Americans did to the Native American Indians. We took their land and marched them West… the “Trail of Tears.” Later when oil was discovered to be under the land we moved them to, we moved them again. And, I won’t even get started on slavery. Which, as I am sure you know, Liverpool and London were very much involved in the market for slavery.
So, I loved your “Sound of Music” presentation in your “What’s on the Table.” Great job 👏🏻 👏🏾👏🏼👏🏿👏🏿👏🏽👏🏽👏
I am laughing 😂 you two are so funny…I loved your choice of a Sound of Music for WOTT….I distinctly remember in 1965 when this movie came to America my mother took us 3 kids to the movie theater….back when the theatre was strictly ONE theater and not one of those mega theaters you find these days with 20 movies in the same building……the line to get in wrapped around the block 4 times that Lowe’s Theatre in Syracuse NY was sold out and that included the 2nd story balcony section….a very huge success was this movie in America…it came a year after Julie Andrews starred in her feature film debut as MARY POPPINS which became the highest grossing film of 1964 and Walt Disney’s highest grossing film ever at that time…Mary Poppins visits a dysfunctional family in London and employs her unique brand of lifestyle to improve the family’s dynamic…..so why not take this same actress Julie Andrews in another musical The Sound of Music and put her in another family situation who takes a job as governess to a large family while she decides whether or not to become a nun….Great Actress and Great Singer Julie Andrews was THEE STAR of these 2 movies…..Great Choice for WOTT.
For me, this was perhaps my favorite “What’s On The Table” – I was hoping that you would do this one. Being an American, I believed the movie to be a bit more based on fact than it is. I love the little bits of history that each WOTT brings – and I didn’t think you talked too much.
I watched another version of the “The Sound of Music” in 2013, a TV live version with Carrie Underwood as Maria von Trapp. The critics hated it, but I liked it. Carrie does a nice job on the yodeling in “The Lonely Goatherd”, which brings up a question – have you Twins ever tried yodeling? That’s another Austrian stereotype some of us in America seem to have. Some of us also had the idea that most Austrians lived in the rural Alps and raised sheep. You Wagners live in the city and raise birds.
My favorite German restaurant in the Phoenix, AZ, USA area served wiener schnitzel with spaetzle, and German beer on tap. The owner/cook always seemed about half drunk, but served the only really good German food I’ve had. Local German speakers were always on hand playing some sort of loud dice game at the bar; German music was playing; it felt like I was no longer in America.
Hey Lisa, I’ve had Twins songs stuck in my head quite a few times – much better songs to be stuck than “Do-Re-Mi”.
Seeing Lisa with the Austrian flag in her hair makes me a bit jealous of those who have a recent heritage path to their homeland. America is, and has been for many generations, a genetic melting pot. While I can trace my “bloodline” (my fathers Y chromosome and mothers mitochondrial DNA) back to Germany and England long ago, the majority of my DNA is, well … I am a basically mongrel.
I have been given some extra info on the films: In 1956 the film “Die Trapp- Familie” was produced, in German, using the very precise memories of Miss Maria Augusta Trapp. It is interesting and heart-warming and will make you cry (maybe not for Lisa to watch!). The film shows quite directly the life of that family at the time in Austria. Later, after fleeing to the USA, the following “Die Trapp- Familie in America” was filmed. Then in 1959 the musical “The sound of music” was produced giving a more positive version of what had happened.
It’s an iconic musical and made Julie Andrews a star. I was about 10 years old when it was released, but I always considered it iconic but someone else’s music. Many classic songs from the movie……and not a few parodies of the musical. But, given a choice, I’d rather listen to the Beatles.
So, this is spring, huh? My neighborhood transformed into the Austrian Alps overnight! Almost 8 inches of wet, heavy snow, but it’s melting again already.
I grew up with the movie and we also had the record from the Broadway show starring Mary Martin…Edelweiss is my favorite and always brings a tear to my eye! I have a framed Edelweiss flower (scandalous I know 😬🧔🏼♂️)
Thanks for this, two Austrian beauties presenting an all time favorite album…what could be better!!!
Watching this video again because it’s so charming and the ending is a hoot, I’m struck by the interesting color palette. I don’t know if it’s purely accidental with the color of the wall and the clothes and the furniture, but it’s got a quality reminiscent of a sepia tone photograph with some delicate hand coloring. Is it just me? Is my monitor going weird?
I almost don’t know where to start a comment on this episode of WOTT. I guess Im like a very few here, that was young and went to see this movie when it was released in 1965… I was 9 years old. It was obviously a huge success, and since some of the young actors and actresses were my age, it was very appealing, which I thing added to the success of the movie…it appealed to people of all ages. Let’s keep in mind that when this was released it was a full color film, which was a big deal in itself since a lot of films were still in B&W.
Now before my next comment I want to sincerely thank both of you for being so brave to speak on this movie and the obvious dark undertone that was a part of story line. So the elephant in the room is now out in the open. It was very easy to other countries to embrace this story because of the “we won the war” attitude, while true, makes the stigma in Germany and Austria so difficult to deal with so it’s no surprise to me that this movie was kept from Austrian people. It had not been that many years removed from the end of the war when this movie was made so feeling were still quite raw all around the world. As we all know now that time can heal some wounds but the scars remain. I wondered if you had ever been confronted in other countries about Austria’s participation in the war. I don’t speak out of turn here because I live in the South in the US and the scars of the Civil War have never healed and is evident in the subject of racism.
So where does this bring me? My father fought in WWII and Im extremely proud of him..he was in the Pacific, not Europe, nevertheless a veteran. He told me he never had any animosity toward the Japanese people, they did what their country ask of them, as did America, as did Germany, and Austria, and England, and every country. People did what their patriotic duty to follow the calling of the leaders of their country. No one should have to hang their head forever and feel shame because the decisions of only a handful of men orchestrate that starts something as terrible as a world war. Im just going to offer you an olive branch of love and forgiveness if you have any feelings of shame of what happened in the country you were born…. all is forgiven, the war has long been over, almost no one is still living that was a veteran of the horrible conflict so let it go. Honestly, nothing that happened was the fault of anyone alive today. Be proud of the bravery of the men and women that did their best no matter where they happen to live at the time…all is forgiven. Again, thank both of you for addressing the taboo subject and now we can move on get back to some awesome music, the thing that brings all us together from all over the world. I love both of you even more now…..
So back to the movie. The big production movie was a success but lets be honest, in 1965 what music was booming? The Beatles, The Beach Boys, Elvis, etc. I never had seen anyone take throw their Beatles records away to replace them with Julie Andrews even though she has a beautiful voice. The movie did not leave life time impression on me other that the success of the Von Trapp family. Stay Groovy
Well said Kevin!
Hi Kevin
Good points you made there. It certainly doesn’t take much for an extreme group using deception and lies, stoking fear which is a great motivator, to take control of an entire nation and wage that kind of evil that happened. A big lesson to learn from history today. I think MLT’s album WHY? gets to the heart of that in many ways in songs like WHY, Jump Ship, If You Raise Your Head. Mona and Lisa are such brave and inspired artists to call out the deception and lies in the world today.
I agree Jung, the Twins music lead people in the right direction and my personal favorite is Raise Your Head. We’re all learning as we go in life but history can certainly help if we all let it.
My parents were a big fan of Julie Andrews, and so this movie was played a lot in our household when I was little I remember. That songs “Doe Rae Mi” I remember when I was like in grade 1, was my first lesson in music. I think the movie played on TV one year, and my sister use to sing that song, and even at school the kids sang it. It’s a tune that sticks in your brain HAHAHA. In Canada this movie is certainly iconic.
It’s interesting this movie is not well known in Austria. I can see how the movie can evoke some sensitivity in Austria and Germany because of the reference to Nazi’s and World War II. I think with greatness comes great good, amazing humanity in the form of Bach, Beethoven, Mozart, Schubert, Haydn, Einstein, Kepler and on and on…many great artists and scientists that greatly enriched the world, but unfortunately on the flip side there was Hitler. Germany and Austria today are one of the great pillars of human rights, freedom and liberty. Was saddened when Dr Angela Merkel stepped down.
That floating Austrian flag on Lisa’s head at the end cracked me up. Thanks for this, really enjoyed it.
Jung even though I made the comment I didn’t see people trading their Beatles records for Julie Andrews, I do remember that the songs were used a log in elementary school after the release of the movie. The movie and the songs will always be classics for sure.
Hello Ladies,
A wonderfully interesting topic for today, and one I know well.
I went to the original opening weekend in Chicago, and it was the first time my parents had to pay full price for me. (Age)
I’ve watched it many times.
The two oldest girls (daughters in the movie) are now dead.
Lisel, the oldest, loved Christopher Plummer because he taught her to drink.
In the opening scene, they hid speakers In the trees so they could have the music for Julie Andrews to sing with.
Angela Cartwright (third youngest) was popular here In THE US as she was in many TV shows.
Thanks for today’s Whats On The Table! So many memories and very enjoyable time.
Best Always
Rick Ross
Nothing cheers you up and puts a smile on your face more than WOTT. My cheeks hurt from smiling so much!
Too many words? I don’t think so.
The Sound of Music was really big in Argentina. I remember seeing it in the theaters a couple of times with my mum, she loved it. This would have been early 70’s, so the movie definitively had legs.
in Argentina we have a version of the Schnitzel, which we call “Milanesa” after the Italian version. I wouldn’t put it past someone to mix it with pasta, fried eggs on it is common. I always understood that line as liking a weird combo, like pineapple on pizza.
I had the good fortune of meeting the director Robert Wise, back in the 90’s, but we mostly talked about Citizen Kane (he was the editor) and given my interests, The Andromeda Strain, which he confirmed it was based on true facts, though the story was changed. I feel lucky for that encounter.
So much fun! Thank you!!
Growing up I remember waiting for this to come on tv every year, and my family would watch it together. I don’t remember thinking much about the story/plot (and for sure wouldn’t have known or understood the historical backstory) – I just enjoyed the singing and dancing. 20+ years later I was working in Vermont and took a side trip to Stowe to see the von Trapp Family Lodge. It wasn’t what I expected and as a little disappointing even, but in retrospect the family was probably shutting down the business by that point in time. I bought Maria’s memoir, and it was really interesting. As an FYI, one of the children returned to live in Austria as an adult.
This was my first WOTT, and I really enjoyed it. Thanks Mona and Lisa for giving the cultural references as Austrians. That made things really interesting.
Was very popular in Australia and I went with my girlfriend now wife when it was first released, still watch on occasions when it pops up on tv
I think your hair looks very nice Lisa bit of a change
One of my wife and daughters’ favourite films, and the stage musical too.
But when we were in Salzburg and the three women in my life were all visiting film scene sites, I was retracing the walk to the railway station the Von Trapp family made, rather than a hike over the Alps in the style of Gladys Aylward (as played by Ingrid Bergman in her film version). The Von Trapps fled south (via Italy) not north (towards Germany).
But the Sound of Music film story is more dramatic obviously.
I prefer, however, to think of Salzburg as the birth place of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
That was a ton-o-fun, as always! I don’t believe I’ve ever sat thru the entire movie as yet. Like Lisa, my favorite song from it is “Favorite Things”, and I distinctly remember being “encouraged” to learn the “Do-Re-Mi” song in grade school choir class. I also agree the Von Trapp’s real-life ordeal would make a more compelling story, for sure! Obviously darker, but maybe more palatable for the more traditional Austrians? Most enjoyable without a doubt is your evident love for life and your interaction and spontaneity! THANKS, LADIES!
Wow, I learned a lot in this WOTT. Loved hearing your perspective on this. The Sound Of Music is my wife Cindy’s all time favorite movie, so we have the LP, CD, DVD, you name it. I thought I knew just about everything concerning this film until I watched this. Julie Andrews filmed Mary Poppins shortly after this and that’s how I remember her. What a great voice! One of the kids in the movie (Angela Cartwright) went on to star in the Lost In Space tv show. I had a Kid Crush on her when I was young. 😊 Please don’t worry about talking too much on these videos, cuz you make them very interesting and those little facts you throw in makes listening to the music much more enjoyable. Thanks again! Love these!
Excellent review of the movie and the music. You should post this to Youtube sometime. I was a little kid when my mom would want to watch Sound of Music on our little black and white TV. To me, not having much of a musical introduction, it just sounded too much like those other Broadway movies, like Oklahoma and South Pacific, when I wanted to hear the Beatles. So I never really paid attention to the film or cared about the story and only remember a few of the songs, like “Favorite Things.”
Being from New Orleans, I can appreciate some of what makes Austrians cringe with the film. Every movie in New Orleans has to have a Jazz funeral, a Mardi Gras-like parade (any time of year), voodoo references, some awful accents and mispronunciations, as well as of course the twisting of geography to keep the scenery interesting during car chases and the like.
However, I can’t imagine what it must be like to have all of that “kitsch” layered on top of a theatrical presentation of the darkness of the Nazi period. For Austrians of a certain age that must be difficult. I can completely understand the city not wanting the Nazi flags used even as a prop. The wound in the early 60s would still be a bit fresh.
Thank you Lisa and Mona for the re-introduction to the film and its cultural setting! And I must say I enjoyed the “Pink Martini” album you wove in. The layered harmonies reminded me of your own recording of Silent Night–enough layers to fill out the sound but not so much as to lose the texture of the individual voices. “Why?” (the song) is like that, too, full of sound without becoming a puree.
Speaking of puree, all this writing has made me hungry. I think I’ll go have some vegetarian schnitzel and noodles! 😉
Here’s a bit more – sorry I can’t resist –
I have the same album as Mona & Lisa showed for the Sound of Music.
There is a chain of over 1,000 retail stores that sell electronics (in the U.S. and I think Canada), called Best Buy. The original name of the Best Buy stores was “Sound of Music” lol.
Ciao,
Bobby S.
Howdy All,
This WOTT was enjoyable and fun.
I already made a bunch of comments down below, while replying to other member’s comments, so I will not repeat everything, but here is a little bit more.
SOM is not one of my favorite films of all time, but I love the music and have seen the movie several times over the years.
The film actually won an Academy Award for Best Picture of the Year in 1966.
Robert Wise also won an Oscar for Best Director (he had also won one for being a co-director for West Side Story in 1962).
Richard Rodgers wrote the music & Oscar Hammerstein the lyrics for the SOM.
I think they were one of the best songwriting teams of the 20th Century.
Edelweiss was actually the last song that Hammerstein ever wrote.
One of my favorite songs from the SOM is “Climb Every Mountain”, which I played often on my trumpet (I have a lot of sheet music).
The scene in the film where Mother Abbess (played by actress Peggy Wood) sang “Climb Every Mountain” was actually dubbed by singer Margery McKay.
I think Julie Andrews (who is British), who is now 87 years old, was a superb actress & singer, with a 4-5 octave range.
Oh and in case you didn’t read it below – I mentioned that Christopher Plummer did not sing Edelweiss in the film. He was over-dubbed by Bill Lee.
Okay, that’s enough for now lol.
Thanks for a groovy Friday.
Have a nice weekend everyone.
Cheers,
Bobby S.
Loved this presentation – love your accents and, if I may say, the two of you are very beautiful. Really enjoy your original songs and your covers! Thanks for it all.
I’m such a sap. (American slang for over-emotional). I saw this movie when it first came out. I would have been 7 or 8 when I saw it. So it’s happy tears. I appreciate your Austrian perspective. And “kitschy” works in American too. Same meaning. I like to sing along, and not a favorite movie. It’s kitschy. Dank’ schön viel mal.
What a delightful presentation. If you blinked you may have missed “Gruss Gott” greeting by Lisa: to me, this is the essence of hiking in the Swiss Alps or Schwarzwald (no 300 km hike from Osterreich) because it is the friendly universal salutation to hikers one meets on the trail.
For the music, Rodgers & Hammerstein wrote the songs for Sound of Music Broadway stage play opening 1959 and Mary Martin has an excellent version of “My Favorite Things” which became very popular in the US with many covers. Running parallel John Coltrane and Miles Davis had an album called “Kind of Blue”in 1959 using modal scales instead of primary chord changes for those interpretations on the album. Coltrane created his own album called “My Favorite Things” and his title track of MFT
as written as AAA’B originally is a 13 minute version with AAA’ repeated as E minor/Emajor modes until B resolution at the end. It’s more beauty to complement Andrew’s version.
Lastly, Zurcher Geschnetzeltes (sliced veal strips, mushrooms, white wine, cream) very rich meal usually comes with potato but, clearly this version not fried could be served on noodles. Swiss dish and very popular.
Thanks so much for this great presentation. Gruss Gott (sorry, ohne umlaut)
Some weird trivia: One of the Von Trapp descendants is my wife’s Hawaiian language teacher.
There’s a story in there. I used to live on Maui and picked up some Hawaiian. I’d love to talk story with your wife.
Hi Nima, my wife was born and raised on Molokai, but in those days Hawaiian language was discouraged, so she’s learning it through online courses now. Her kumu descends from one of the Von Trapp kids – I don’t know which one. When I think of the Von Trapp family I picture the actors in the film, so I’m wondering which actor is the one 🙂 🙂 🙂
This was the first film I’d ever seen at the Cinema- my mother took me around 1966/7. My favourite song was Edelweiss which I used to sing when I was a child.
It’s interesting to hear how Austrians felt about the film and the discrepancies!
Talking about schnitzel’s, I asked my German neighbour why he had a piece of meat in the boot of his car/ he said it was his spare ‘veal’ 😂😂
The movie is very well known in Australia. So well known in fact I was shocked when I found out my friend Maria (who’s from Colombia) had never heard the of the song “How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria.” She did get a kick out it when I played for her.
I have never seen the Sound of Music as its a bit of a parody of itself in popular culture I think although the songs I have certainly heard. How great then to get modern day Austrian’s view of this work in the context of Austrian culture. Really interesting/fascinating review.
I love WOTT, you never fail to make me smile and laugh. Thanks for brightening up my day.
My mom took us to see this movie when I was little. And she bought the record and sheet music, which means I played it on the piano a few times. Musicals have been making a comeback. I’m sure mom liked this one better than I did. Most of them seem to be kitschy as you said Mona – maybe it’s a requirement.
I found some trivia about the movie, like the helicopter used in the opening scene was a jet helicopter and knocked Julie Andrews flat on the ground in every take. For whatever reason, she seemed to lose her sense of humor about it(?).
https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/61706/14-things-you-might-not-know-about-sound-music
So when’s your musical coming out? I was actually thinking of that earlier this week. You know — write some tunes and a screenplay. Submit it to Cannes. Just need to find a couple actresses who can sing, are charming, funny, beautiful. I can think of some.
What a voice Julie Andrews had! If any other actress had this role they would have had to bring in Marni Nixon to do the singing. BTW, Marni is in the film playing one of the nuns.
Yes David, Marni Nixon was a fabulous singer. I do not think she received enough credit for all of her work.
For those who are not familiar with her, she was the voice behind many actresses in films. She dubbed the voices for Deborah Kerr in “The King and I”, Audrey Hepburn in “My Fair Lady”, and Natalie Wood in “West Side Story”. She hit the high notes for Marilyn Monroe in “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend” and you can hear her voice in “Mary Poppins”.
And it was nice to see her as one of the nuns in “Sound of Music”.
Take care,
Bobby S.
This was my aunts favorite movie. And every family gathering she would put on the VHS (that long ago), but it really was just background noise. This movie came out at the tail end of the movie musical era. I think the popularity in the US is more for the music than the story. I can understand why there was reluctance in Austria. I came out 20 years after the war; so it was fresh in the memory. Some trivial trivia; one of the little girls was played by Angela Cartwright who was also in Make Room for Daddy, and in Lost in Space. There is a scene in the movie Yellow Submarine where there is some music playing in the distance and the Head Blue Meanie says “the hills are alive” and his head henchmen (I think his name was Mad Max) finishes the sentence with “the sound of music.” I said it was trivial trivia. On another note, one of the main theatre companies in Oklahoma City is putting Sound of Music on later this year, and my niece is auditioning for Marie. Wish her luck. Peace be.
Hi Joe,
I always liked Angela Cartwright (who was not on Bonanza TV program lol) and her sister, Veronica – some folks mix them up.
Another actress, although not as famous, who was in “Sound of Music”, was Heather Menzies. She was born in Toronto, Canada. She was married to actor, Robert Urich.
She appeared in TV shows, such as, Logan’s Run, Spenser for Hire, and TJ Hooker.
I wish your niece lots of luck with the part, she is auditioning for – or should I say “break a leg” lol.
Bobby S.
The Cartwrights (the girls) were very busy on TV in 60’s. Thanks for wishing my niece “break a leg” (that’s a good think in show business).
Julie Andrew’s what a marvelous actress.
My oldest child’s highschool put this musical on when he was a Junior , he was one of the actors.
Mona & Lisa either one of you could of played Julie Andrew’s part as you both are so Talented & Gorgeous.
It’s nice that the movie and its music have found a new audience with younger generations, and that there are now organized sing-alongs in theatres. I’ve read the comments of the other club members and I won’t quote the late Christopher Plummer on his contemporary feelings about the movie. Both of my parents loved the two respective lead characters in the movie so it was a fixture in our house and one just got used to its constant repetition … I guess. It was the first thing they watched on their first colour TV. When I received the notice for this WOTT, I was worried about what the two of you might say about the movie. I am very relieved by your refreshing critique.
You’ve mentioned him before and I’m pretty sure Falco charted a few songs in Canada – our tastes are a little more ‘European’ sometimes. My younger brother was a big fan of Der Kommissar. My sister was actually ‘over there’ when Rock Me Amadeus came out and had heard the song but she didn’t know who Falco was. Falco was a lot of fun and very catchy. We are lucky to still be able to see him on YouTube.
Hi David,
In reference to Christopher Plummer’s comments on the film. I always admired him as an actor, but I was very disappointed in his comment(s). If he felt that way, he should have returned the money he made on the film.
Bobby S.
Hi Robert,
I was thinking that, too. And perhaps he was getting hefty ‘residuals’ as well – although – he wasn’t that well known at that point. I guess he loosened up a little as he got older and couldn’t deny the sincere love many people have for the film.
Inspired by today’s video, I was reading that the list of actors who turned down the role (as originally written) included Sean Connery. Maybe Connery’s creative modifications to the character might have included a fatal accident where one of the ‘bad guys’ slips on some tea.
Ah ja. Ein weltweiter Kinoklassiker. Das ist altes Hollywood von seiner besten Seite! Einige interessante Schauspieler haben sich für die verschiedenen Rollen in diesem Film versucht.
Wie Mona und Lisa treffend beschreiben, gab es einige Missverständnisse.
Staaten, einige von uns wussten es besser. Zum Beispiel besuchten die Wiener Sängerknaben Städte in den USA und sangen am Ende des Konzerts “Oh Suzanna” auf Englisch.
Angela Cartwright hat kürzlich ein Buch mit vielen Garderoben- und Kontinuitätsfotos hinter den Kulissen geschrieben. Es ist so schön zu sehen wie die Wagner-Gruppe (wink) die Familie Von Trapp rezensiert.
Es ist wunderbar.
Mike
https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51pE7S2Oy2L._AC_SY780_.jpg
Great review of what was my late mum’s fav album and I was forced (lol) to listen to it many times as a young boy growing up in Germany to British forces parents in the mid 60s. I wouldn’t worry one bit or be ashamed of any past period of your beautiful country Mona or Lisa. At that time (as today also) there are Nazis to be found in many countries and in many guises -but thankfully., they are the vast minority. More importantly, anyone who promotes peace, love and of course wonderful music like yours is what the true power of the world is really about. We have you two lovely ladies to thank Austria for and that is a massive blessing. Thank you xx
I think this WOTT is way better and more entertaining than the movie! Thank you for sharing and giving us smiles on our face and joy in our hearts. You cracked me up with the ending. 🙂
Yeah, the ending was funny. Maybe they had a little coffee with their Baileys……Ha
What is needed is an update to this concept. How about the story of two charming ingenues, Mona and Lisa Von Wagner and their escape from a stagnant music scene in an effort to release to the world their music vision. We could call it…
wait for it…
The Sound of Groovy.
The lovely Von Wagner ladies and their talented father Rudi Von Wagner and his beautiful wife Michaela Von Wagner musical adventures across continents and oceans spreading joy and grooviness to a world in desperate need of positive vibes.
This idea has millions written all over it.
What do you think???
Love it, Tim! Neve and Trudy could play the younger kids. They both seem pretty natural in front of the cameras.
Great read and parallel actions, very thoughtful
😎
I think you have a winner there, Tim, though might I suggest weaving in a bit of the other significant influence of Mona and Lisa? Perhaps their escape could involve a long train ride and a cantankerous relative who’s known to be “very clean”. Maybe a scene where Lisa is feeling a bit put aside and so goes for a long walk with her camera, leaving the rest of the family to wonder if she’ll be back in time for the big show that evening…
David, can we get the vocal version of This Boy instead of a musical one?
And maybe Rudi is the one who is very clean?
Tim, I see an Oscar in your future!
First of all, it was lovely to visit with you ladies today. Very interesting that you would put The Sound of Music on the table but, class admires class. No doubt about it. The movie and the music were both gigantic hits here in the USA. A cornerstone in the music & entertainment industry. One of my favorite bands (other than MLT) is Chicago. The album cover for their 17th album was inspired by this movie. Everyone, even the old Hippies knows the song! I receive brown paper packages from the MLT store in Manchester but, they are not tied-up with strings 🙂 I’ll get over it…LOL.
Hope you ladies and everyone in the Club have a great weekend! Charles
I’m from the US in KY. I never saw the movie until I was in my 20’s. At that time I was playing in a rock band and wasn’t impressed with the movie. Years later when I saw it again I was more mature and enjoyed it much more. I had heard the song “My Favorite Things” many times because it was played on the radio at Christmas. I never knew it was from this movie until I saw the movie a 2nd time. I now appreciate the movie much more than I did in my younger days. My late wife and I would watch it together. She loved it. Thanks for sharing it with us today. The background that you presented was so interesting. Again, a great “What’s On The Table”.
Ladies,
thank you both from the bottom of my heart.
Like blossoms of snow you brighten our world.
May you bless your new homeland forever.
That was really a lot of fun and I enjoyed your commentaries very much. I am from the US and from German family roots (Walter) and the music was very popular when I was growing up. LOL, I don’t think I ever saw the movie, primarily because it seemed too theatrical and the 60’s were a time of change in a lot of ways, so I never had the interest. But because of your chat, I think I will finally give it a look!
Despite being a kid in the 60s and growing up in that era I have never seen the whole movie. I have seen numerous clips and remember some of the more popular songs from the movie. Just watching you two talk about the movie and sing along to the songs is enjoyable. You make Fridays fun.
In the UK, The Sound of Music is No 2 in the charts of most weeks at No.1 of all time in the album chart. An amazing 70 weeks over 12 separate time periods. In 1967 it and Sgt Pepper kept switching places leading to probably only 2 or 3 albums ever at No.1 in that year alone. The top 6 all-time No. 1’s albums are South Pacific, The Sound of Music, The King and I, Bridge Over Troubled Water, Please Please Me and Sgt. Pepper.
The vinyl album I have was my parents (and looks just like your copy) so it was played a lot. It was a big deal when it was finally shown on TV at Christmas, in the late 70’s I think, so that made it linked to Christmas in our minds. In those days there was a very big gap before a film appeared on TV. The songs are so familiar to me having known them for so many years. Even though the film is quite long I still enjoy it.
Really interesting to hear your views from the Austrian viewpoint as it’s one of the most famous movies in the world. I suspect you are right about the shame of history from that time.
Of course, we all love families of singing Austrians (and maybe this movie explains one reason why!).
P.S. Love that you are using the mugs I sent you for Christmas with the little pictures of local seabirds on them!! 🙂
When I was growing up there wasn’t even such a thing as VHS yet, so when it came on TV once a year we would stop the world to gather around the TV. Not sure what it has to do with Christmas, but this has always been one of “my favorite things.” My personal favorite songs are “How do you solve a problem like Maria” and “The Lonely Goatherd.” I know, I’m not in the majority. But so much of the production is dark and somber, both thematically and musically, that the whimsy of those two is a fresh breath of levity. I also really like “So Long, Farewell” so I’m glad you closed with that. But Mona is right about the perspective – it’s all about the music and the inspiration, it wasn’t designed to be a historical documentary, and shouldn’t be viewed as such.
So far, you have yet to do a WOTT album that I’m not already intimately familiar with, and I can listen to any time, so the best part about these videos is your discussion and insights, even if you never actually play any of the music!
I never expected this album/music to be discussed in a WOTT, because in the past you already stated the movie is not well known in Austria. I do know about the movie and the music; on TV at least once each year in the Netherlands. I have never seen the full film; too long.
I do know Salzburgerland. I have been skiing many times in that area; like you never visited it in the summer. I think the Austrians are very friendly and hospitable people, I try to speak German and they try to understand it. Always great to go back to Austra, and have at least one germknodel.
Wonderful WOTT! Learned so much from watching this. Had no idea of the Austrian trepidations with this film but it is certainly understandable. Not sure if I have ever watched this movie from beginning to end (never been a huge fan of musicals) but I know several of the songs and the scenery is gorgeous. Knowing what I know now I will take the time to watch it from beginning to end. And I do remember when movies had intermissions! Lived on Air Bases most of my childhood and remember Saturday afternoon at the movies. Such a great time.
You gals are so cute how you react and sing along to the songs and music! Don’t worry, we all love listening to you talk!
What a wonderfull “whats on the table”. I woud have never guessed this album would be on Your table. Like in the UK in the Netherlands it is a well known movie/ musical, Just like Sissie, die kaiserin also is watched around Christmas.
I really don’t understand why Austrians do not like it. I think there is no country in the world that does’nt have a black page in history.I can tell You that Austrians are very popular in my country. (the Netherlands) because of their great hospitality and their love for nature and their country!!
Me and my wife visit Austria almost every year (Salzburgerland und Steiermarken) Nature over there is really magnificent, the people are very friendly and off course I like schnitzels and Almdudler!! I also think the two off you would fit in a remake of this movie!! the way you gracefully danced today … and your voices would be perfect.
Besides that I really learned a lot again today, for I have never known that the von trapp familie really existed, so thank you for explaining all of this.stay groovy.
Believe it or not, despite groing up in the 60’s and having always lived in the UK, I’ve never actually seen the film – it just wasn’t something Mum and Dad had on TV over all those Christmas times. I know most of the songs though and love those countryside scenes. You come from a very beautiful country.
This is not my usual choice of music but this might be my favorite WOTT😀.
The Sound of Music is probably the first and main introduction of Austria to the US. The opening shot of the movie is breathtaking and makes a lasting impression of what Americans think Austria is like, true or not. It is one of the most beautifully shot movies you will see. I was a small boy in school when this came out and our music teachers were all ga ga over it.
As to Austrian feelings on the nazis back then, it didn’t matter if they embraced them or not because they were going to be subjugated either way. I have studied the war in great detail and there is not much Austria could do to determine their own fate.
It is really interesting to watch you discuss this movie and I am so glad you did.
I have mentioned before that I am a collector of cuckoo clocks. It is almost impossible to buy a musical cuckoo clock that doesn’t play Edelweiss. Authentic cuckoo’s are made in the Black Forest area of Germany. I do like that song and it has me thinking of planting some Edelweiss in my garden.
Your animation and acting out some of the songs is hilarious. You should consider more theatrical Mona’s and Lisa’s in your own videos.
Thank you for an enjoyable morning. It felt like we were in the same room. And of course, you both looked lovely.
Hope to see you in Pennsylvania sometime!!!
I grew up having watched this as a kid back in the 70s , it was mostly, and I still think aired every Christmas Day, during Christmas time…. I’ve always still do enjoy it. As a kid, I didn’t understand the full aspect of the plot, I just enjoyed the scenery, acting, music aspect of it. Also, didn’t realize until years later that the Von Trapp Family were real .
I found out years later too, Christopher Plumber was a Canadian, the kid that played oldest boy, eventually starred in a movie or it was a TV series where he played Spiderman ( not the cartoon TV series version )…
Being it was a Walt Disney movie, of course it was kind of made to be family friendly, cheerful, as with most of Walt Disney stuff, etc.
And yes, being a movie, of course there’s going to be some inaccuracies, etc for the sake of the movie screenplay/adaptation
I loved Julie Andrew’s singing.
Some years back on tv, (I saw on YouTube) there was a Reunion Special for whatever the anniversary of the movie was, the cast was reunited except for Christopher Plummer being absent, and Julie Andrew’s went back to Austria to some of tge film locations to see what it had looked like then after all those years from when they had first filmed originally .
I do like the soundtrack ( as sugary/cheesy as it sounds…lol… )
It, for me, is a feel good soundtrack.
Thankyou for playing this for this round of WOTT, it was fascinating to hear your perspectives, tidbits not known, etc. Your attire was in tune with it…. Lisa, did you colour your hair to a more darker auburn, or is it the way the lighting was !?
Thoroughly enjoyed this childhood nostalgia trip back in time, loved this. 💜✌
Yes, Jacki, Nicholas Hammond (Friedrich) played Peter Parker / Spiderman on TV. I was a big fan of that show. It aired in the same era as Wonder Woman and The Incredible Hulk, and supplied an important part of my superhero “fix”!
Lol…we’re in the same age bracket…lol…watched Wonder Wonan, The Hulk as well, Greatest American Hero, etc …..
Lol….yeppers
I’m drawing a blank on the Spiderman TV show, though I definitely remember Bill Bixby and Lou Ferrigno in The Hulk and Lynda Carter as Wonder Woman. Spiderman must’ve been on opposite some other must-watch TV, back when you were either sitting in front of the TV when your show was on or you missed it until summer reruns maybe gave you a second chance.
When he got older, Christopher Plummer did a Canadian commercial for Peek Freens!
I think I can recall that….barely but I believe I may have seen that at the time
Hello Jacki,
Yes it was Nicholas Hammond, who played the oldest boy in the movie. He is actually an American born Australian actor, who played Peter Parker/Spiderman in a 1970’s TV series.
Tale care,
Bobby S.
Yes…that’s what I recall
The Captain singing “Edelweiss” is one of the most emotional movie moments I’ve ever experienced. I also get the feels hearing “Sixteen Going on Seventeen”, knowing what’s soon going to happen to Rolfe and Liesl’s relationship.
“Do-Re-Mi” taught me so much as a kid about basic music theory at a level I could understand. And singing those syllables along with the corresponding notes is brilliant: “So do la fa mi do re, so do la ti do re do.”
Richard Haydn (Max Detweiler) is one of my favorite character actors from that period, and he supplied what I think is the funniest line in the film: “I like rich people. I like the way they live. I like the way I live when I’m with them.”
Hi David,
I do not want to spoil it for anyone, but Christopher Plummer did not actually sing in “Sound of Music”. They used a guy named Bill Lee, who over-dubbed him.
Bobby S.
I found that out …eventually …long time ago ….lol… he lip synced well…lol
This is a fascinating ‘What’s On The Table’. In the UK the ‘Sound Of Music’ soundtrack was at the no.1 album slot for 70 weeks in the 1960’s and there was plenty of competition! It was and still is massive here and everyone knows the songs. It is so interesting to hear your comments as to why this is not well known in Austria. My wife and I went to Salzburg in the 1990’s at Christmas. It is absolutely beautiful, one of the nicest places we’ve ever been but it was sooooo cold! 🙂 Thank you so much for this wonderful insight
It is wonderful that you were able to visit there. I would love to do that someday.
It is really beautiful Tim. Austria is something else. When we were there reindeers were pulling sleighs. You must do it. Best wishes, Steve
The Sound of Music was the first movie that I saw in a movie theatre…years after it first came out. Think I saw it around 1975 or so. Thought that all movies had intermissions.
Before that, it was movies at the Drive Inn. Remember crying during Snoopy Come Home, lol.
Enjoyed your thoughtful review of The Sound of Music. Learned a great deal, as always!
Hi Christopher,
Some of the older films, especially the lengthy one had intermissions. Folks would run to the bathroom or the snack bar.
Watching some movies on TV, some of the intermissions are still there. I was watching the original “West Side Story” recently and there was an intermission lol.
Bobby S.
I forgot to mention that I love your “Sound of Music” attire and hairstyles!
That was fascinating! Having grown up with that movie as a staple feel-good show, I was unaware that there were other perspectives! Considering the historical circumstances, the Austrian reaction to the movie is completely understandable. It was interesting to hear some of the lesser known facts as well.
I remember well the first time I saw the show. I was a child and my family had gone to a local movie theater to see it. In those days, once tickets were purchased, one was allowed to enter the theatre, regardless of what show was in progress. We were early and saw the end of the previous showing of The Sound of Music before ours began. We arrived right in the middle of the Nazi chase scene when the family were hiding behind monuments in the cloister. It terrified my young soul and I wanted to go home right then! I was quite relieved when it ended well and I could relax and watch the movie from the beginning knowing that everything would be ok. Of course, we learned many of the songs in school. I’ve probably seen the stage version of the show a dozen times over the years.
Talk about a deep dive into the waters of nostalgia! I was two years old when this came out and have seen the movie several times.
I find it very interesting about the obscurity in Austria (however I did the Sound of Music tour back in 1988 when I was in Salzburg).
I also wrote some alternative lyrics to ‘My Favorite Things’ in a medical setting since I’m a nurse.
I bet those are some rather scary lyrics!
Diana, one of my very first song parodies was of “My Favorite Things”! I had just started grad school for a geology degree, and we first-year students were in charge of providing the entertainment for the annual Christmas party. At our planning meeting someone suggested writing and singing “My Favorite Rocks”, and I stepped up to the plate and got a hit.
I’ve never actually written a oarody to this, but have sung outlook to myself, parody takes, randomly spontaneously….lol… I posted a recent MLT poem in Forum, not a parody, but now, you have my brain in motion….perhaps I should tackle properly, a parody attempt of “A Few Of My Favorite Things ” …lol