The Sound of Music Story: How a Beguiling Young Novice, a Handsome Austrian Captain, and Ten Singing Von Trapp Children Inspired the Most Beloved Film of All Time

Almost 60 years after Julie Andrews famously swirled across an Alpine meadow, The Sound of Music remains one of the top-selling films and music soundtracks of all time. While Santopietro (The Godfather Effect) doesn’t explain the film’s enduring popularity, his mundane fan’s notes go very far in providing a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the film and its reception. He uncovers the life of the real Maria, who felt her happiness shatter when she learned from her Mother Superior that her marriage to Captain Von Trapp represented the will of God. Santopietro chronicles the initial faltering financial commitment of 20th Century Fox, and the torturous search for a director, a cinematographer, the actors and actresses, and other staff. For the role of Maria, for example, stars with plenty of movie experience were initially considered over Julie Andrews, who was still a completely unknown quantity on film. Although the Von Trapp family, and Austria, initially distanced themselves from the film because they thought it inaccurately portrayed their family and the times, they later accepted The Sound of Music because of what it means to people. Santopietro points out that the movie still appeals to so many because it tells us that our dreams are worthwhile, our fears can be overcome, and love conquers all. (Feb.)