The Sound of Music
"The happiest sound in all the world!"
Set in the late 1930s on the eve of a looming war, a spirited postulant leaves a quiet Austrian abbey to become governess for seven lively children. The stern widowed captain who runs the household is wary, and the youngsters test every boundary with mischief and charm. The newcomer answers with... Read more
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Streaming availability last verified: February 03, 2026
About The Sound of Music
Set in the late 1930s on the eve of a looming war, a spirited postulant leaves a quiet Austrian abbey to become governess for seven lively children. The stern widowed captain who runs the household is wary, and the youngsters test every boundary with mischief and charm. The newcomer answers with warmth, humor, and a sense of purpose, gradually turning the house into a real home. She earns the children's trust by joining in their mischief and teaching them to sing with pride. Through practical discipline and shared songs, the family grows closer, rediscovering joy and resilience even as the world outside grows tense. The story blends humor with affection and a bright sense of renewal. Its humor rests on character and small moments.
Directed by Robert Wise, this production adapts a celebrated stage musical by Howard Lindsay and Russell Crouse with songs by Rodgers and Hammerstein. Starring Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer, it opened in 1965 and became a landmark musical film. Its lavish musical numbers and heartfelt performances earned immediate acclaim.
Songs and images from the film have endured in popular culture, turning Julie Andrews into an icon and the title numbers into sing along standards. Do-Re-Mi and Edelweiss scenes are instantly recognizable, and the film helped shape family friendly musical cinema for generations.
Critics have long praised its polished production and emotional warmth, while noting its dated yet enduring appeal. Core themes include found family, courage in the face of oppression, and the healing power of music to bring people together under pressure. The film frames personal growth against a broader historical backdrop.
Box office details are not provided in the prompt. The Sound of Music is widely regarded as a major box office success and a defining musical of its era, with lasting theatrical life and ongoing reissues.
What Viewers Are Saying
Viewers appreciate The Sound of Music as a timeless family classic with enduring charm, particularly praising the performances and its emotional resonance. Audiences enjoy the musical elements and find the story heartwarming, though some note that the film feels a bit long. Many highlight the iconic opening and the strong chemistry between Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer, while a few mention that the pacing can be slow at times. Overall, it remains a beloved film with broad appeal.
Details
- Release Date
- March 29, 1965
- Runtime
- 2h 54m
- Rating
- G
- User Ratings
- 3,542 votes
- Type
- Movie
- Genres
- Drama, Family, Music, Romance
- Country
- United States
- Studio
- Robert Wise Productions +2 more
- Budget
- $8,200,000
- Box Office
- $286,214,286
- External Links
- View on IMDB
Official Trailer
Cast
Julie Andrews
Maria
Christopher Plummer
Captain Georg von Trapp
Eleanor Parker
The Baroness
Charmian Carr
Liesl von Trapp
Nicholas Hammond
Friedrich von Trapp
Heather Menzies
Louisa von Trapp
Angela Cartwright
Brigitta von Trapp
Debbie Turner
Marta von Trapp
Kym Karath
Gretl von Trapp
Duane Chase
Kurt von Trapp
Director: Robert Wise
Written by: Ernest Lehman, Howard Lindsay, Russel Crouse