A Brief Guide to the Sound of Music

by Paul Simpson

A Brief History of the Sound of Music tells the real story of the Von Trapps, the family that inspired The Sound of Music , and how they escaped from the Third Reich. It will explore the stage show, the differences that were incorporated into the fictionalization of the tale, and how that story was brought to the big screen. It will also address the many interpretations of the Von Trapps' story that have been made -- including two West German movies from the 1950s and an extensive forty-part Japanese anime series from the 1990s -- to explain why their story has appealed to so many generations and cultures.

228 pages, Paperback

First published March 3, 2015

Reviews

[Kay · Rating 3 out of 5]

When in Austria several years ago, we took the “Sound of Music” tour. It was really a fun tour, showing the filming locations of my favorite musical, as well as Salzburg and the surrounding hills and countryside. Then, a few years later, we visited the Von Trapp family lodge in Vermont. The gift shop there had many books written about the Von Trapp family and the movies about them. I asked the clerk which one she recommended and she suggested this one. I bought it, and then put it on my shelf to read later. I recently discovered it there and so enjoyed reading it. It covers the real story of the Von Trapp family and, in detail, covers the plots of the two German-produced films, the Broadway musical, the very popular Japanese anime version, the live stage broadcast (Carrie Underwood) version, and, of course, the film we all love, “The Sound of Music.” I loved reading about the cast members, the music, and the details of the filming of the musical. I’m not sure the title of the book is accurate, because I felt it was more comprehensive than brief. It was a fun read!