It’s that time of year again, it’s time for the Sound of Music to be aired on every channel for Christmas, even though there is no reference to Christmas in the movie. Why is it a Christmas movie? Die Hard is more of a Christmas movie than Sound of Music.
Nothing says Merry Christmas like the Nazi occupation of Austria, or an abusive, philandering father like Captain von Trapp. Maybe if he intoned a Christmas tune with his sailors whistle, when calling the kids. Perhaps they could put the Nazis in Santa caps while the chase the von Trapps as they depart Austria.
I could go on, but i digress. I’ve noticed a few issues with the movie. I am currently less than an hour and a half into it and I have noticed several issues. Let’s start with the fact that during this time period, it would be completely inappropriate for a girl and boy to be alone together. Liesl and Rolfe for example, I know that they are sneaking around behind her father’s back but it would still be scandalous if she were caught. Then later on during the thunderstorm, the children have invaded Maria’s bedroom and they are singing, Captain von Trapp enters Maria’s bedroom without so much as a “by your leave”. I know he is her employer and the owner of the villa, but propriety dictates certain decorum. How about when they are dancing, the Captain and Maria, very inappropriate for the Captain to be so familiar with his employee.
Now let’s talk about how Maria is lying to the Captain when she sneaks Liesl in after she is caught in the rain with Rolfe. Maria is remonstrated to follow the rules, the kids don’t play, they do their studies, and go outside and march. Maria is told that there is not to be any music, but off she goes, teaching the kids to sing, while they are hanging precariously off of trees. The kids just learned how to sing, and it was implied that they were not musically trained, yet Liesl plays guitar.
The kids and Maria have a puppet show and they sing while they are manipulating the puppets. There’s a puppet brass band, with the sounds of the brass band. WHO IS PLAYING THE INSTRUMENTS?! Yet another blatant problem with the movie.
Then there’s the whole “Maria is a nun”, or an initiate to be a nun. If that was the case, she would be always wearing a habit, as opposed to always trouncing around in civilian clothing. She has so many nice clothes, but if it was more accurate, then she would be wearing a lot more modest clothing.
Wow, I am just a little more than halfway into the movie and I am tearing it apart. The music is good in the movie, quite catching. I remember when I was in elementary, I learned the “Doe, A Deer” song. I don’t know if I was taught more songs, but in all likelihood we were taught most of them.
Now, I know that the movie is based on the play written by Rodgers and Hammerstein, which was based on true events. I’ve also heard that the real von Trapp family weren’t too happy with the portrayal.
If we were to take the story, music and what not without the “issues” it is really a good movie. It’s a nice, light, movie with a good moral, Pink Lemonade and all!
Yes Dan, the movie has its issues, but for entertainment it has great value. Julie Andrews’ voice being the main item here. But you are also right, not a Christmas movie. Is there an appropriate time during the year for this movie to be played do you think?
Hi Ronnie! I’ve thought about this long and hard, and have concluded that this should be shown only in February, when there is no other major holidays to be celebrated, aside from Valentine’s Day. This could also be shown to coincide with the Nazi occupation of Austria.