It’s hard to believe it’s been over five decades since the world fell in love with The Sound of Music. This timeless classic, which premiered more than half a century ago, still captivates audiences worldwide. Recently, the iconic cast opened up to Closer Weekly about some fascinating, never-before-shared secrets from the set of this beloved film. Let me tell you, these stories are jaw-dropping!
Take, for example, those breathtaking opening scenes where Maria twirls around in a picturesque Austrian meadow. While it looks magical on screen, the reality was far from it. The legendary Julie Andrews, who portrayed the spirited Maria, revealed the challenges behind filming such an iconic moment. "A massive helicopter hovered sideways with a daring cameraman hanging precariously from its side," Julie recounted. "Every time it circled me, the downdraft would send me flying into the grass!" Despite the chaos, Julie’s professionalism shone through, delivering a scene that remains unforgettable to this day.
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Julie’s perseverance paid off, creating an opening sequence that continues to enchant audiences worldwide. Directed by Robert Wise, with music composed by the legendary duo Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II, The Sound of Music ranks as the third highest-grossing film of all time when adjusted for inflation. Angela Cartwright, who played Brigitta von Trapp, credits the film’s charm for its enduring appeal. "There’s a certain magic about it," Angela, now 65, told Closer.
Behind the Scenes: Casting Challenges and On-Set Dynamics
While Julie embraced her role as Maria wholeheartedly, fresh off her success as Mary Poppins, casting Christopher Plummer as Captain von Trapp proved to be a tougher sell. According to Barry Monush, author of The Sound of Music FAQ, Christopher, a seasoned theater actor, initially found the character unappealing. "He felt the role lacked depth and wanted a more complex character," Barry explained. Despite his initial reluctance, Christopher developed a great rapport with Julie, praising her talent and professionalism.
The camaraderie extended beyond the leading duo. The child actors, despite long hours of rehearsals, formed strong bonds. Debbie Turner, who played Marta von Trapp, recalled the challenges of filming the iconic "Do-Re-Mi" sequence. "That scene wasn’t filmed in a day—it took an entire week," Debbie shared. The complexity of the choreography, combined with the need for precise lip-syncing, made the process demanding. Nicholas Hammond, who played Friedrich, remembered the intricacies of filming on location in Austria. "We recorded all the songs beforehand, which added another layer of difficulty," Nicholas explained.
Challenges Beyond the Script
Austria’s unpredictable weather posed significant challenges for the cast and crew. Nicholas Hammond vividly remembered the harsh conditions: "We experienced the worst spring weather Salzburg had seen in 50 years. It rained almost daily." To compensate, the filmmakers had to use powerful arc lights to create the illusion of sunshine. The local populace wasn’t exactly welcoming either. "The town wasn’t thrilled about us being there," Nicholas noted. The marionette theater refused to lend their puppets for the "Lonely Goatherd" scene, forcing the production team to create replicas.
Despite these hurdles, the cast found joy in their shared experiences. Kym Karath, who played Gretl, fondly recalled her time on set. "Even though I was only five, I loved tagging along to school with the others," Kym shared. "They made sure I had activities to keep me engaged." The filming process wasn’t without its mishaps. During the river scene, where the von Trapp family tumbles into the water, an unplanned twist occurred. "We rehearsed it six times, but in the final shot, Julie lost her footing, and Kym sank to the bottom of the lake!" Nicholas recalled, highlighting the unpredictable nature of filmmaking.
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Growing Pains and Lifelong Bonds
The nine-month filming process brought its own set of growing pains, quite literally. Debbie Turner remembered losing all her baby teeth during production, necessitating a temporary dental appliance. Nicholas Hammond, who was 14 at the time, experienced a growth spurt of six inches, requiring wardrobe adjustments throughout filming. "The wardrobe team joked with my mom, suggesting I should stop growing!" Nicholas laughed. Even Kym Karath grew significantly, prompting the filmmakers to use a stunt double for the final scene where Captain von Trapp carries Gretl into the mountains.
