The Sound of Music (1965)

Robert Wise's timeless musical masterpiece, starring Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer in a joyful celebration of love, family, and the enduring power of song.

The Sound of Music - Movie Information

  • Original Title: The Sound of Music
  • Release Year: 1965
  • Directed by: Robert Wise
  • Type: Movie
  • Genres: Drama, Family, Music, Romance
  • Age Rating (US): G
  • Runtime: 2h 55m
  • Original Language: English
  • Spoken Languages: English, German
  • Release Date (Theatrical): March 29, 1965 (United Kingdom - U), April 1, 1965 (United States - G), April 20, 1965 (Canada - G), December 25, 1965 (Germany - 6), February 17, 1966 (France - TP), March 22, 2014 (India - U), May 29, 1965 (Australia - G), May 3, 1965 (Brazil - L), November 18, 1965 (Mexico - A), December 30, 1965 (Italy - T), February 4, 1978 (South Korea - ALL)
  • Alternative Titles: 仙乐飘飘处处闻 (CN), 仙樂飄飄處處聞 (HK), The Sound of Music - Meine Lieder, meine Träume (DE), サウンド・オブ・ミュージック 製作60周年記念版 (JP), Sound of Music - laulava Trappin perhe (FI)
  • Production Companies: Robert Wise Productions, Argyle Enterprises, 20th Century Fox
  • Production Countries: United States of America

The Sound of Music - Plot

In the years before World War II, a tomboyish postulant at an Austrian abbey is hired as a governess in the home of a widowed naval captain with seven children and brings a new love of life and music into the home.

The Sound of Music - Trailer

Watch the official trailer and rediscover the magic of this beloved classic:

The happiest sound in all the world!

Where to Watch The Sound of Music

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The Sound of Music - Cast & Crew

Director(s)

  • Robert Wise

Main Cast

  • Julie Andrews
  • Christopher Plummer
  • Eleanor Parker
  • Charmian Carr
  • Nicholas Hammond
  • Heather Menzies
  • Angela Cartwright
  • Debbie Turner
  • Kym Karath
  • Duane Chase

Writers

  • Ernest Lehman
  • Maria von Trapp

Producers

  • Robert Wise

The Sound of Music - FAQs

Is The Sound of Music based on a true story?

Yes, The Sound of Music is based on the true story of the von Trapp family. Maria Augusta von Trapp, a postulant nun, became governess to the seven children of Captain Georg von Trapp in Austria, eventually marrying him and escaping Nazi occupation by fleeing over the Alps into Switzerland.

Who are the main actors in The Sound of Music?

The Sound of Music stars Julie Andrews as Maria and Christopher Plummer as Captain Georg von Trapp. The supporting cast includes Eleanor Parker as the Baroness and Charmian Carr as eldest daughter Liesl, along with Nicholas Hammond, Heather Menzies, Angela Cartwright, Debbie Turner, Kym Karath, and Duane Chase as the von Trapp children.

Did the von Trapp family really escape over the Alps?

In reality, the von Trapp family did not dramatically hike over the Alps as depicted in the film. They actually walked across the border into Italy, which was not yet under Nazi control, and later emigrated to the United States. The mountain crossing was a dramatic embellishment added for cinematic effect.

How many Academy Awards did The Sound of Music win?

The Sound of Music won five Academy Awards at the 1966 ceremony, including Best Picture and Best Director for Robert Wise. It also took home Oscars for Best Film Editing, Best Sound, and Best Music (Scoring of Music). It was nominated for ten awards in total, making it one of the most celebrated films of its era.

Where was The Sound of Music filmed?

The Sound of Music was filmed primarily on location in and around Salzburg, Austria, with interior scenes shot at 20th Century Fox studios in Hollywood. Iconic locations include the Mirabell Gardens, Nonnberg Abbey, and the Leopoldskron Palace, which served as the exterior of the von Trapp family home.

Where can I stream The Sound of Music?

The Sound of Music is available to stream on Disney Plus. It can also be rented or purchased digitally on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, and Spectrum On Demand.

How long is The Sound of Music?

The Sound of Music has a runtime of 2 hours and 55 minutes (175 minutes). The film was originally released with an overture, intermission, and exit music, making theatrical screenings even longer. It remains one of the longest Best Picture winners in Oscar history.

What is the age rating for The Sound of Music?

The Sound of Music is rated G by the MPA, making it suitable for all audiences. Despite its gentle rating, the film deals with themes of Nazi occupation and political tension in pre-war Austria, though these are handled in a family-friendly manner appropriate for viewers of all ages.

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