Film: "The Sound of Music"

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that, although the classic film "The Sound of Music" captures the audience's attention with song and dance, its authenticity is questionable. The real von Trapp family story is compared with the film version family. Issues of the costumes, the role of religion in society, the themes of totalitarianism and conformism and Nazi-occupied Austria as projected in "The Sound of Music" are evaluated.

From the Paper:

"Conformism is perhaps the most common theme in the story of the von Trapps. While some Austrians took on the idea of appeasing Hitler, Captain von Trapp refused to conform to the new laws surrounding him. The movie shows his love for Austria in his rendition of the country's folksong "Edelweiss" and the way he "obviously displays the Austrian flag" at his dinner party in the film. Captain von Trapp in real life was actually Italian so his love for Austria was embellished.

Sample of Sources Used:

• Ellis, Elizabeth G., Esler, Anthony. World History: Connections to Today. Needham: Prentice Hall, 2003.
• IMDB. 1990-2009. Internet Movie Database. 10 March, 2009. <http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0059742/>
• Nazi Uniform. 5 April, 2008. German Propaganda. 10 March, 2009<http://www.bytwerk.com/gpa/uniforms.htm>
• Religion of Austria. 2009. Maps of the World. 10 March, 2009. <http://www.mapsofworld.com/austria/religion-of-austria.html>
• The Real Story of the von Trapp Family. Joan Gearin. 2005. The National Archives. 10 March, 2009 <http://www.archives.gov/publications/prologue/2005/winter/von-trapps.html>

More papers on Film: "The Sound of Music":

• Essay # 18751 : "The Film: "The Sound Of Music"
• Film Review # 106573 : "The Sound of Music"
• Film Review # 105311 : "How Camp Culture Changed "The Sound of Music"

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