It has been 60 years since the Julie Andrews classic “The Sound of Music” opened in movie theaters. It still enchants American viewers, but, despite bringing millions of dollars in tourism revenue to their country each year, it befuddles many Austrians.
Posted by
Florida
1459 posts
NYT often hits it out of the park with it's travel articles. I watch the SOM every year and sing along as best I can.
Posted by
Southeast US
4294 posts
Interesting to read the comments on the article... everything from loving memories of honeymoons to denunciations of Americans for ignoring Austrian culture to chase SOM dreams. I'm not convinced the latter happens much except in the minds of those who see themselves as vaunted travelers, well above the tourist rabble who clearly cannot both take a SOM tour and appreciate Austrian culture.
Posted by
Twin Cities, Minnesota
2327 posts
Thanks, for posting this. I found it so very interesting. I never expect movies to tell the truth, the whole truth, but even when they steer off course I usually still like the movie for its entertainment value. I do, however, worry when I realize some folks do think everything in a movie is true.
Posted by
1521 posts
On our Rick Steves tour we spent a lot of time learning about Sisi the Austrian Empress; and though we didn't do a Sound of Music Tour our guide took us the actual gazebo from the movie (which is in a park) that nobody but Americans pay attention to. We got a kick out of seeing it! What's wrong with movie nostalgia? Of course it will enchant Americans and not Austrians. Maybe we all appreciate Mirabell Gardens but for different reasons; I can't help it if it made me want to sing do-re-mi!
On a black cab tour in Northern Ireland; after a long lesson on William of Orange; our guide then wanting to be relatable; told us that the show "The Beverly Hillbillies" was about him. I understand the evolution of the term "hillbilly" but...so perhaps we befuddle those in Northern Ireland as well.
Posted by
OP
3685 posts
I saw the musical before I saw the movie, and I had practically memorized the OBC soundtrack. I was disappointed with the changes made to the show for the movie. But over time, I have gotten over it.
Posted by
3203 posts
OP I am just the opposite, I grew up seeing the Sound of Music and did not see the play until maybe 10 years ago in London.
I was disappointed in the differences. But some things you can do in a movie just do not translate to a play.
I too have gotten over it!!
Posted by
Los Angeles
5279 posts
the true story behind SOM is more interesting than the movie, but does not include Julie Andrews.
You can also find entire articles about what SOM got wrong, like the final hike.
Posted by
Nashville, TN, USA
14 posts
Fun article! The newspaper story mentions a 60th anniversary gala celebration in October in Salzburg, and I got my hopes up but we will miss it.
It is on October 23, 2025, at the Salzburger Landestheater.