Carrie Lofty is here today reviewing the movie The Sound of Music
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Last Friday I watched The Sound of Music for the first time. I thought it appropriate–nay, essential–considering that my latest historical romance, SONG OF SEDUCTION, is set in Salzburg, Austria. As seeing as how most Americans’ impressions of Salzburg are based on the Julie Andrews film musical, I thought I’d join almost everyone else in the known world and check it out.Frankly, I could’ve used more Nazi menace and fewer musical interludes, but that’s just my taste in general. I didn’t grow up with musicals that weren’t Disney, so the “let’s break into song” format is still one I’m getting used to. But I’m trying! For example, all last week on my blog (http://lovelysalome.blogspot.com) I reviewed classic movies from the 30s and 40s, all of which contained spontaneous song-and-dance elements. For those of us who grew up in the post-Vietnam era of gritty on-screen realism, this is not a natural form of cinematic storytelling.The Sound of Music is actually two films in one. The first is an unexpected love story between a would-be nun, the children she cares for while serving as a governess, and their stoic ex-military father. To say it’s a love story between Maria and Georg alone would be false, because the children rank so highly in both of their lives. That said, I would’ve liked to see more about their inner struggles–Maria feeling as if she’s betraying God and her life at the convent, Georg fighting his attraction to both a woman of God and a servant.But again, that wasn’t this movie. The Sound of Music is pretty much about how magical Maria is. She flits into the Von Trapp’s lives and makes them whole. Although for my money, I couldn’t keep my eyes off Christopher Plummer. He was quite the hot young thing–only 35 at the time of shooting, despite the artificially grayed hair.My interest really picked up following the Nazi occupation of Salzburg, which takes place about 2/3 of the way through the film. Georg, especially, has the most to lose. He’s only just reconnected with his children and found a new love, when Hitler’s aggression not only threatens Austrian sovereignty but their lives as well. I could’ve done with more of that fear and tension, which would’ve made their eventual escape all the more triumphant.Oh, and if you walk from Salzburg through the Alps toward the nearest national border, you don’t hit Italy or Switzerland. You hit Berchtesgaden in Germany, home of Hitler’s private retreat, the Eagle’s Nest. The historian in me must point out that the real Von Trapp’s just boarded a train for Italy and took a plane to London, then the US. The on-foot escape was much more dramatic, of course, but I could only think that they were darn lucky to do so in summer!Overall I think my viewing of The Sound of Music is a case of “you had to be there.” Had I been raised on this film, I would love it. As it was, I kept waiting for a movie that wasn’t going to happen–one with more smoldering looks and fewer cutsie songs! Good thing I have SONG OF SEDUCTION, which is also about music…with an extra dollop of angst and sensuality!
Born in California and raised in the Midwest, Carrie Lofty (http://www.carrielofty.com) met her English husband while studying abroad–the best souvenir! Since completing her master’s degree in history, she’s been devoted to raising their two precocious daughters, managing Unusual Historicals (http://unusualhistoricals.Join Carrie in early 2012 as she embarks on a new Victorian series from Pocket, beginning with Flawless (http://carrielofty.com/
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Personally, I love The Sound of Music, but I can see where she’s coming from. Especially since I’m not a huge fan of musicals (only certain ones, not all of them by default).
Carrie has offered us a copy of Song of Seduction
This book is available from Carina Press. You can buy it here
Well, Carrie knows I was rooting for a different story title when Carina held it’s reader poll (and how cool was that, soliciting reader input for titles) but I’ll admit (and it won’t even be grudging) that the cover art is gorgeous. Also, accurate: I have lots of old photos of relatives from that general geography who have variations of that hairstyle.
No need to enter my name, I’m already convinced of Carrie’s superb storytelling.
It’s an interesting point of view. I actually love musicals but dislike “The Sound of Music” and most musicals of that era that came from stage plays. They seem draggy, pompous and sappy to me (Sorry to those who are fond of them.) I’m not sure if that counts as agreement of disagreement! — willaful
Maya, you’re the keeper of the flame when it comes to previous titles. Redeeming Will Scarlet, anyone? 🙂
BTW, I got a few raised eyebrows with regard to the Dutch I used–a little curious because I worked with a native Dutch speaker. Hopefully I won’t get any such comments regarding my use of German!
Willaful, I love Moulin Rouge!, so it’s not like musicals are a complete turn-off for me. But I think you were right in that it seemed to drag for me. I wanted to get on to the action, angst, conflict! But that’s how I roll…
Thanks for stopping by today, and to Holly for inviting me!
Okay, I was raised on Broadway musicals, so I have to chime in. Even for those of us who love them TSOM is treacle. For a show with angst, try Gypsy or Evita. Or even My Fair Lady. (I loathe Moulin Rouge.)
And I am so excited about Song of Seduction I bought an e-reader in honor of its publication! (So you don’t have to enter me, either!)
Treacle though it may be (a previous comment) and I have to say that there is some truth to that no matter what one may like or dislike, it was playing on the wide screen in Chicago when my hubby and I went out for our first “date” after baby number four. It was so good to get out — I would have watched almost anything — well, not really — just being away from four kids under the age of five. Love your review and am glad you finally had a chance to see it. Whether we like it or not, it has become an icon in the world of film musicals. Can’t wait to read your book . . .
Blythe? Loathed Moulin Rouge!?? It’s ok. I understand. Truly. My husband and I adore it, but we tell people to only watch until the Green Fairy appears. If you’re not hooked by then, save your two hours! And bought an e-reader because of Song? That’s dedication! 😉
Dr J, my parents had a similar story about seeing Grease in the theater–an escape the kids date night. But unlike TSOM, I was raised on Grease so I don’t mind it’s obvious campiness!
If I look at it objectively, I can understand how people don’t like TSOM. However, I’m in my mid-forties and therefore was practically raised with this movie. I adore it. All of my friends (who are close to my age) feel the same way about it that I do. Austria and specifically Salzburg went onto the itinerary of my very first European trip because of that movie. It will always be one of my favorites, even though it is treacly and schmaltzy. In general, I don’t like musicals but TSOM is just…..different.
I’m looking forward to reading the book. It sounds great and I’ll be happy to read a historical romance that isn’t set in England for once.
I love The Sound of Music but as you say – I was brought up on it. We had the video growing up and i watched it countless times. However, my daughters enjoy watching it too. But then we love musicals.
I didn’t see The Sound of Music growing up; I first watched it at age 21 with my college roommates. I do love musicals, though, so I admit I was completely sucked in by the romance and blithely overlooked the historical inaccuracies. And Christopher Plummer, yum.
I want to read Song of Seduction because I love music and the protagonist’s character sounds intriguing, and of course because I love a good romance. 🙂
Whew!! Made it in time. It’s odd – but when I first saw The Sound of Music, my main feeling was one of disappointment for a very bizarre reason. I LOVED Mary Poppins and I was so disappointed that Juliette Andrews (is that her name?) was not actually a brunette. I liked her ever so much better with the hair colour she had in Mary Poppins and it took me almost half the movie to get used to it. Plus – I really hated the clothes she made for them all out of the curtains. They were just plain ugly! Although I did like Christopher Plummer. I thought he was pretty hot for an older (at the time) guy.
I think Carrie has a point. I wasn’t really raised on it – only seen it twice so it’s only so so for me.
And I love unusual settings so the setting for Song of Seduction really appeals to me.
Yes, I was raised with The Sound of Music too, although I love musicals of any era. My daughter performed in some excellent musical theater productions at her high school.