When The Sound of Music hit theaters on March 2, 1965, critics weren't exactly falling over themselves with praise. But audiences had other ideas. This American musical drama quickly captured the world's imagination, rocketing to the number one spot at the box office within just four weeks and claiming the title of highest-selling movie of 1965. Its initial theatrical run stretched on for roughly five years, and two subsequent re-releases only added to its extraordinary commercial triumph.
Starring Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer, the film was brought to life under the production and direction of Robert Wise. The story draws from the real-life 1949 account of the Trapp Family Singers, following a young Austrian postulant living in Salzburg.
At the heart of the tale is Maria, a lively young woman who leaves her convent behind to serve as governess for a retired naval captain and his seven children.
Through her infectious warmth and love of music, Maria gradually wins over both the children and their widowed father, Captain Von Trapp. But when the captain refuses to cooperate with the German Nazis, the family faces a harrowing choice. Maria, the captain, and all seven children make a daring escape across the Austrian Alps into Switzerland. Eventually, they travel to the U.S, where they find fame as a celebrated singing group.
The accolades poured in for The Sound of Music, which took home five Academy Awards, including Best Director and Best Picture. The film also earned two Golden Globe awards — one for Best Actress and another for Best Motion Picture. Adding to its impressive haul were the Writers Guild of America Award for Best Written American Musical and the Directors Guild of America Award for outstanding directing. By 1998, The Sound of Music had secured its place among America's greatest movies of all time.