Especially with the recent passing of Christopher Plummer, our virtual visit to Austria would not be complete without a viewing of the epic film, The Sound of Music!
This lengthy film (what's the last movie you remember with an intermission built in?) definitely requires a commitment of a block of time, but it is so worth a viewing if you have somehow not yet seen it. I watched it using our Disney Plus subscription, and was reminded that it both packs a punch with its anti-Nazi messaging, and is just pure delight and fun to watch. Before long, I was singing along to all the songs I remember from childhood that have really become ingrained in our culture over time. Watching it through the lens
The film is the story of a young nun, Maria, who lives in a convent in the Salzburg foothills of Austria. Maria is so boisterous and full of life and fun, she has altogether too much energy for the other nuns at the convent. As a result, she gets sent to help out a widower - Captain Von Trapp - in caring for his 7 children in his massive palatial home. He treats his children as if they are serving in the military under him, and, until Maria arrives, they've never even learned to play or to sing. Due to their strict circumstances, they've been acting out against every governess that their father has hired, and they've all quickly left. Maria, it turns out, much to their father's chagrin, is just the governess the children need. She teaches them to play, and to sing, and they embrace her. Captain Von Trapp ultimately falls in love with Maria, and relaxes his rules for his children as he realizes how Maria's vision for them is much more helpful.
The family in fact embraces singing so much that they become a singing group and are scheduled to perform in a local competition. As the competition approaches, so does the War, and the Nazi regime. Captain Von Trapp is ordered to serve in Hitler's military. He decides he is not willing to do so, but understands that refusing would not be an option, and would put his family in danger. The family hatches an elaborate escape plan when they know everyone will be expecting them at the singing competition.
The movie is based on the experiences of a real life family of the same name who also escaped from their beloved home in Salzburg, Austria as the clutches of the Nazi regime were closing in. The Von Trapp family ultimately settled in the United States where they relied on their singing talents to support themselves.
The story is a good reminder and example of standing up for our values and principles, and that there is always a way to do that. In these days of authoritarian regimes on the rise around the world, it is important for all of us as individuals to do our part to resist their growth.
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