The Sound Of Music The film


The Sound of Music was undoubtedly Rodgers and Hammerstein's greatest film success. More than that, it was and remains one of the top-grossing films of all time! Sadly, Oscar Hammerstein II died before he could witness his greatest success.

The show was originally written for Mary Martin to star in on stage, and was a huge success. When it came to filming the musical, however, Julie Andrews was chosen as Maria. Up and until that time, Andrews had not appeared in any released film, and the producers of The Sound of Music visited Walt Disney Studios to see the rushes of Mary Poppins, which was then still in production. They signed her immediately thereafter.

Christopher Plummer was chosen to play the Captain, and, after extensive testing, six children were selected. Eleanor Parker was cast as the Baroness.

Filming began in Hollywood in early 1964. After extensive location shooting in and around Salzburg, the cast and crew returned to Hollywood in July that year. Sneak previews held in January 1965 hinted at the phenomenal success the film would become.

The Sound of Music premièred in LA on March 2nd and in New York on March 10th, 1965. It was released internationally after this, and stayed on the circuit for over four years, until 1969. At the 1966 Academy Award, the film won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture.