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Forever Liesl: My 'Sound of Music' Story
The magic of The Sound of Music lives on in the minds and hearts of everyone it has touched. Now, Charmian Carr , who in 1965 captivated moviegoers as Liesl "Sixteen Going on Seventeen" von Trapp, tells what it was like to be a part of the film that has become a cultural phenomenon. It's all from how she got the role (and why she almost didn't) to romances on the set and wild nights in Salzburg; from the near-disaster during the gazebo dance to her relationships--then and now--with her six celluloid siblings. Charmian offers stories from fans and friends and a treasury of photographs. And she reveals why she left acting, what she learned when she met the real von Trapp children; and how The Sound of Music has helped her get through stormy times in her own life. Forever Liesl celebrates the spirit of the movie and what it stands family love, romance, inspiration, nostalgia, and the joy and power of music.
272 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2000
39 people are currently reading
2076 people want to read
About the author
Charmian Carr
3 books17 followersCharmian Carr (born December 27, 1942) is an American actress and singer. She is mainly known for her role as Liesl, the eldest Von Trapp daughter in The Sound of Music where she starred with Julie Andrews, Christopher Plummer, Nicholas Hammond, Heather Menzies, Duane Chase, Angela Cartwright, Debbie Turner, and Kym Karath.
Carr was born Charmian Farnon in Chicago, Illinois. She is the second child of vaudeville actress Rita Oehman and musician Brian Farnon, who named her Charmian after a character from Shakespeare's play Antony and Cleopatra. She has two sisters, one older and one younger. Her sisters are Shannon Farnon and Darleen Carr.
While Charmian was attending college part-time and working for a doctor, her mother got her an audition for a role in The Sound of Music. Charmian's mother never even asked her if she wanted to try out for the part, but she grew up in a show business family and she knew that for her getting a part in a film would be a much bigger deal for her mother than earning a college diploma. Director Robert Wise thought Farnon too long a surname for her, and after he had given her a list of single syllable surnames, she chose Carr. She beat out Geraldine Chaplin, Patty Duke, Mia Farrow and Sharon Tate for the role of Liesl in the film.
The film was on the whole a very happy experience for her. However, during the filming of her dance scene with Rolf in the gazebo, she slid straight through a window of the gazebo, because the costume crew had forgotten to put no-slip pads on her shoes, and she "had to complete the scene in agony."
Carr also appeared in Evening Primrose, a one-hour musical written by Stephen Sondheim, which aired on television's ABC Stage 67 in 1966. The male lead was Anthony Perkins. She has written two books, Forever Liesl and Letters to Liesl.
While publicising The Sound of Music after its release, Carr met and married Jay Brent in May 1967. She retired from acting to raise her two daughters, Jennifer and Emily, and to establish an interior decorating company. The marriage lasted until 1991. She now has two grandchildren, Emma and Derek.
Carr now owns and operates Charmian Carr Designs in Encino, California. Her interior decorating clients included Ernest Lehman, screenwriter for The Sound of Music; Michael Jackson, who hired her because he was a fan of the film; and other cast members from the film.
On December 12, 2007, Carr made a rare television appearance as a guest on Loose Women where she shared some of her memories of making The Sound of Music with the hosts.
Carr reunited with all of her co-stars from The Sound of Music on The Oprah Winfrey Show in October 2010 to celebrate the 45th anniversary of The Sound of Music.
Carr was born Charmian Farnon in Chicago, Illinois. She is the second child of vaudeville actress Rita Oehman and musician Brian Farnon, who named her Charmian after a character from Shakespeare's play Antony and Cleopatra. She has two sisters, one older and one younger. Her sisters are Shannon Farnon and Darleen Carr.
While Charmian was attending college part-time and working for a doctor, her mother got her an audition for a role in The Sound of Music. Charmian's mother never even asked her if she wanted to try out for the part, but she grew up in a show business family and she knew that for her getting a part in a film would be a much bigger deal for her mother than earning a college diploma. Director Robert Wise thought Farnon too long a surname for her, and after he had given her a list of single syllable surnames, she chose Carr. She beat out Geraldine Chaplin, Patty Duke, Mia Farrow and Sharon Tate for the role of Liesl in the film.
The film was on the whole a very happy experience for her. However, during the filming of her dance scene with Rolf in the gazebo, she slid straight through a window of the gazebo, because the costume crew had forgotten to put no-slip pads on her shoes, and she "had to complete the scene in agony."
Carr also appeared in Evening Primrose, a one-hour musical written by Stephen Sondheim, which aired on television's ABC Stage 67 in 1966. The male lead was Anthony Perkins. She has written two books, Forever Liesl and Letters to Liesl.
While publicising The Sound of Music after its release, Carr met and married Jay Brent in May 1967. She retired from acting to raise her two daughters, Jennifer and Emily, and to establish an interior decorating company. The marriage lasted until 1991. She now has two grandchildren, Emma and Derek.
Carr now owns and operates Charmian Carr Designs in Encino, California. Her interior decorating clients included Ernest Lehman, screenwriter for The Sound of Music; Michael Jackson, who hired her because he was a fan of the film; and other cast members from the film.
On December 12, 2007, Carr made a rare television appearance as a guest on Loose Women where she shared some of her memories of making The Sound of Music with the hosts.
Carr reunited with all of her co-stars from The Sound of Music on The Oprah Winfrey Show in October 2010 to celebrate the 45th anniversary of The Sound of Music.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 237 reviews
April 22, 2025
Yesterday, my husband and I went on a special date, to see “The Sound of Music” on the big screen. He had rented out a movie theater room, and since you choose your movie, he picked that one, knowing I’d love it! (I think I’ll keep him!💜) I started this book the minute I got home. I wish all memoirs from movie stars were written like this one! Charmian Carr focuses on her experiences of playing “Liesl” on screen, and how that role affected her life in every way since.
February 24, 2015
Critics say "The Sound of Music" is schmaltzy, overly sentimental and corny. All of which is true. It's also one of my favorite movies.
Charmian Carr's "Forever Liesl," has some of the same qualities as the movie, and for someone who's a fan of the movie it's great fun. Carr played the part of Liesl, the oldest of the von Trapp family children, in the movie. She was 21, not 16 going on 17, when she played the part. About half of this short memoir focuses on the process of making the movie, the rest on everything that came after. It must be an unusual life to realize that nothing else you will ever do will quite match what you did when you were 21 -- although Carr perhaps came close when, many decades later, she was Michael Jackson's interior designer.
The fun of a book like this, of course, is the bits of trivia you pick up along the way, such as:
... The real Maria von Trapp appears ever so briefly in the movie, while Julie Andrews is singing "I Have Confidence." (I checked, though, and you can't possibly really see her.)
... Among others who tried out for Liesl were Mia Farrow and Patty Duke.
... Among those who tried out for the parts of the boys were four of the Osmond brothers.
... Nicholas Hammond, who played Friedrich, grew 6 inches during the seven months the movie was being filmed.
"Forever Liesl" is gossipy in a nice way. Carr seems to not have an unkind word to say about anyone. Although she never made much money from the movie, she seems filled with gratitude for the part she played in the story.
Charmian Carr's "Forever Liesl," has some of the same qualities as the movie, and for someone who's a fan of the movie it's great fun. Carr played the part of Liesl, the oldest of the von Trapp family children, in the movie. She was 21, not 16 going on 17, when she played the part. About half of this short memoir focuses on the process of making the movie, the rest on everything that came after. It must be an unusual life to realize that nothing else you will ever do will quite match what you did when you were 21 -- although Carr perhaps came close when, many decades later, she was Michael Jackson's interior designer.
The fun of a book like this, of course, is the bits of trivia you pick up along the way, such as:
... The real Maria von Trapp appears ever so briefly in the movie, while Julie Andrews is singing "I Have Confidence." (I checked, though, and you can't possibly really see her.)
... Among others who tried out for Liesl were Mia Farrow and Patty Duke.
... Among those who tried out for the parts of the boys were four of the Osmond brothers.
... Nicholas Hammond, who played Friedrich, grew 6 inches during the seven months the movie was being filmed.
"Forever Liesl" is gossipy in a nice way. Carr seems to not have an unkind word to say about anyone. Although she never made much money from the movie, she seems filled with gratitude for the part she played in the story.
July 23, 2012
A quick, easy, and heartwarming read. It was so thoughtful of Charmian to share her memories of The Sound of Music with its many fans around the world. Despite some hardships in her life, she seems like a positive, grateful, and down-to-earth person. You should read this if you're a fan of the movie!
April 8, 2012
I just loved reading this book! It was fun not only reading about Charmian's life, but also all the little bits of information that she includes about the other actors/actresses she worked with. Charmian shares the whole experience and impact that The Sound of Music had on her life. After finishing this book, I want to put the movie in right now and watch it!!
October 20, 2022
3.5 stars
Charmian Carr was the actress who played Liesl in “The Sound of Music”. She was actually 21-years old playing 16. The first half of the book is memories of making the movie, and the second half looks at some of her own life and family, as well as the ongoing friendships she had with the other children from the movie (and more). Before each chapter is a brief reminisce of someone who loved the movie. And there are plenty of photos throughout.
“The Sound of Music” is one of my all-time favourite movies. Every time she mentioned a scene or some dialogue or a song, I was able to easily picture it in my head. So it was fun to learn of so much that happened behind the scenes. Have to admit I knew none of the child actors’ names (until now!). At 21, but playing one of the children, Charmian was sort of between the adult and child actors on the set.
She was primarily very positive with things she said about the people and the making of the movie. But there were a few little things. But I really think she is sincere in how much making the movie meant to her. So I did learn a few things about Christopher Plummer (Chris) and Julie Andrews, as well. There was a chapter near the end that told more of the actual von Trapp family and their real story, since so much of the movie was fictionalized; that was very interesting.
I was tempted to rate this a bit higher, but I’m certain that’s only due to how much I love the movie itself, so I’ve kept it at a “good” rating.
Charmian Carr was the actress who played Liesl in “The Sound of Music”. She was actually 21-years old playing 16. The first half of the book is memories of making the movie, and the second half looks at some of her own life and family, as well as the ongoing friendships she had with the other children from the movie (and more). Before each chapter is a brief reminisce of someone who loved the movie. And there are plenty of photos throughout.
“The Sound of Music” is one of my all-time favourite movies. Every time she mentioned a scene or some dialogue or a song, I was able to easily picture it in my head. So it was fun to learn of so much that happened behind the scenes. Have to admit I knew none of the child actors’ names (until now!). At 21, but playing one of the children, Charmian was sort of between the adult and child actors on the set.
She was primarily very positive with things she said about the people and the making of the movie. But there were a few little things. But I really think she is sincere in how much making the movie meant to her. So I did learn a few things about Christopher Plummer (Chris) and Julie Andrews, as well. There was a chapter near the end that told more of the actual von Trapp family and their real story, since so much of the movie was fictionalized; that was very interesting.
I was tempted to rate this a bit higher, but I’m certain that’s only due to how much I love the movie itself, so I’ve kept it at a “good” rating.
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September 19, 2016You will always be 16 going on 17 #CharmainCarr, love a Sound of Music superfan.
PS - yes I have read this book and actually own the hardcover which proudly sits on my bookshelf.
PS - yes I have read this book and actually own the hardcover which proudly sits on my bookshelf.
August 3, 2016
When I first saw the Sound of Music I was seven years old. Naturally Marta, who announces that she will be seven on Tuesday (and wants a pink parasol) was my favourite. Then, when I got a little older I favored Brigitta. She was pretty and sassy and first appears on screen with a book in her hands. But from the start I always greatly admired Liesl, and she eventually made it to tops. She was so beautiful in those dreamy costumes that I coveted and I loved her soft, ladylike voice. I loved that she was friends with her siblings and played pranks on the governess with them. I loved it so much when she ran off after dinner to dance with an admirer and I loved that she was strong and moved on after he disappointed her. Learning all the little details about how that Liesl came to life was fascinating! Chairman Carr tells about how she was cast for the part and became friends with others working on the film. She tells all sorts of fun stories about filming in Austria. I especially loved reading the part where she described how they filmed that long "Do-Re-Mi" scene. And I hold the gazebo dance (favourite part!!! Well maybe it's second to the wedding....idk, how am I supposed to pick??) in even more awe now that I've learned she performed a good portion of the scene with a BROKEN ANKLE!!!!!! The girl had serious stick-to-ittivity!!!!!
Awesome book if you're a fellow Sound of Music fan!
Awesome book if you're a fellow Sound of Music fan!
February 17, 2021
Update February 2021. I felt like re-reading this as I was run down and a little emotional after watching The Sound of Music for the umpteenth time during lockdown. I still enjoyed it but I noticed the writing could be a little clunky in places. Thank goodness I haven't bought anything from Amazon for a long time!! RIP Charmian Carr, Heather Menzies and Christopher Plummer.
I bought this book off Amazon as I'd wanted to read it for several years. I'm so glad I did. This book is about Charmian Carr's experience of playing Liesl in The Sound of Music and also about her life before and after the film. She manages to write a memoir which isn't in chronological order successfully which is no mean feat. The book is full of warmth and amusing anecdotes about herself and other cast members during filming The Sound of Music. She also talks about the real Von Trapp family and the differences between their story and the film.
She talks about her relationships with her celluloid siblings both then and up to 1998. She also tells you what each one of them were doing before and after The Sound of Music which is fascinating and is what most people will want to know! She seems to have gone through some tough times but she is very honest about this and grateful for the friends and family who helped her. A lovely warm book which almost brought me to tears in places. A must read if you are a fan of The Sound of Music!
I bought this book off Amazon as I'd wanted to read it for several years. I'm so glad I did. This book is about Charmian Carr's experience of playing Liesl in The Sound of Music and also about her life before and after the film. She manages to write a memoir which isn't in chronological order successfully which is no mean feat. The book is full of warmth and amusing anecdotes about herself and other cast members during filming The Sound of Music. She also talks about the real Von Trapp family and the differences between their story and the film.
She talks about her relationships with her celluloid siblings both then and up to 1998. She also tells you what each one of them were doing before and after The Sound of Music which is fascinating and is what most people will want to know! She seems to have gone through some tough times but she is very honest about this and grateful for the friends and family who helped her. A lovely warm book which almost brought me to tears in places. A must read if you are a fan of The Sound of Music!
August 21, 2011
A wonderful book full of information I never knew! Not only does it go into detail about Charmian's own life, but it takes you behind the scenes of the making of the movie. It grips you and makes you want to watch the movie all over again. I was a true fan of the movie and now after reading this book I am even more so a fan. If you haven't read it and loved the movie I suggest you read it!
September 1, 2017
Picked this up at a Free Little Library in Monterey, CA. Loved reading about some of the fun stuff that happened while filming The Sound of Music. It makes me want to go back and watch the movie again to see if I can spot some of the little tidbits that "Liesl" writes about in this touching memoir. Don't be expecting juicy gossip though.
April 9, 2008
This auto-biography was very well-written. I am a Sound of Music fan, although not quite to the degree my Aunt Anne was, who went to the movie theater innumerable times to see it when it first came out. (No DVD's or Tivo in those days, kids!) Charmain Carr does a very creditable job of sharing her memories of those bygone days. It was fun to get an insider's view of the cast and some of the adventures on the set while the movie was being filmed. I enjoyed the book very much, and recommend it to all those who love The Sound of Music!
March 5, 2012
Visited the Trapp Family Lodge and bought this book to get more background info on the Sound of Music. I couldn't put it down. The coauthor did a wonderful job editing it, and I loved the vignette letters the open the chapters. Inside info on behind the scenes, the actors, the filming, and her own voyage beyond the film. I think you have to be a fan of the movie/play to enjoy this, or of memoir and film. But I highly recommend it if you are. Fun!
March 8, 2017
I'm a sucker for films about the making of movies, and though only half of this book is actually about the making of The Sound of Music, it's still interesting. The second half tends to focus on what happened after the movie was finished, and there's a lot of good material there about the ongoing relationships of the 'children' from the movie, and the various people who were involved. Light reading, but enjoyable.
July 4, 2017
The Hills are alive ....
There is no greater story of love than The Sound of Music. The story of the von Trapps and their love for family, for music, for life, and for their country, is one that resonates with souls worldwide. In Forever Leisl, Charmian Carr describes how the beloved movie came to be, and what it was like to be "16 going on 17," when she was actually 21.
There is no greater story of love than The Sound of Music. The story of the von Trapps and their love for family, for music, for life, and for their country, is one that resonates with souls worldwide. In Forever Leisl, Charmian Carr describes how the beloved movie came to be, and what it was like to be "16 going on 17," when she was actually 21.
June 7, 2015
The Sound of Music is one of my very favorite movies, and I recently had the pleasure of seeing it on the big screen for the first time. I adored this memoir. It was heartwarming and an excellent balance among the author's personal life, movie behind the scenes facts and updates on the other cast and crew. I highly recommend this book for anyone who loved The Sound of Music.
August 29, 2007
I keep telling people that I don't like celebrity biographies and autobiographies, but every now and then one comes along that really holds my interest. This was one of them. I loved all the off-camera details and the stories about people who have been affected by the movie over the years.
May 25, 2012
I. Love. this. book. Charmain Carr's (pronounced Char-mee-an Car) memoir about filming the Sound of Music and how it has changed her life is amazing, in my opinion.
January 12, 2024
A quick, easy and charming read any Sound of Music fan will enjoy. It is filled with fun facts about the movie and insights into Charmian's life.
May 16, 2024
If you've read all the Sound of Music books and think you've heard it all, then you'll discover this is a refreshing personal story about the making of the film. What makes it so unique is that the author doesn't frontload the book with her own dull childhood or family problems--those things are not inserted until closer to the end. Instead, we instantly get into the casting process and the making of the movie.
There are plenty of trivia facts included that don't get old 60 years later. Some of them are pulled from interviews she had with her co-stars (she even got Christopher Plummer to talk!). And while much of it is syrupy sweet, Carr doesn't withhold a few blunt opinions--Julie Andrews essentially abandoned the children once the filming was done and screenwriter Ernest Lehmann was not just difficult in creating the film but also when employing Carr as his interior designer.
The biggest surprise is that she was close friends with Michael Jackson, helping him create Neverland Ranch. She is careful about what she writes regarding the music superstar and in the acknowledgements she thanks him because he "let me share a portion of our story." Hint, hint. What was she NOT allowed to share?
I even appreciated her inclusion of a summary of the real Von Trapp family, detailing how the movie version was 99% fiction. But it gave me a greater understanding of why this large family that migrated to America with only four dollars in their pockets had been blessed by God as an international success. Their faith was incredible (Maria was a convert to Catholicism), bringing their priest/vocal trainer along when they moved to the U.S., they did missionary work, toured to send relief back to Austria after WWII, and used their lives to further the gospel message. Even more so they appear to be blessed because pregnant frail Maria refused the doctors' orders to abort the baby and stay in Austria so that she could live, heading off on their journey to America on a trip that could have killed her. And that little son, in 2024, remains the only living survivor of the immediate family at age 85.
Could there have been more depth to some of the author's personal stories? Yes, she is cautious about revealing the depression she went through in her 40s and the devastation of her musical father's abandoning the family, as well as her alcoholic and bitter mother.
Could she have pushed more regarding the fact that while the movie studio and director made millions, the young stars of the movie never were paid extra for the soundtrack or public appearances at the many reunions? Yes, I don't know why the group hasn't filed a lawsuit since they were admittedly coerced into a contract that gave them nothing for the use of their voices and images.
Could we have had fewer stories in between the short chapters that detailed fans that loved The Sound of Music movie? Yes. We get it. Everyone loved Liesl!
But her co-author did a great job editing an otherwise interesting story and making it an unconventional memoir that only makes one appreciate the film even more. And Carr is right--long after she is gone The Sound of Music and Liesl will live forever.
There are plenty of trivia facts included that don't get old 60 years later. Some of them are pulled from interviews she had with her co-stars (she even got Christopher Plummer to talk!). And while much of it is syrupy sweet, Carr doesn't withhold a few blunt opinions--Julie Andrews essentially abandoned the children once the filming was done and screenwriter Ernest Lehmann was not just difficult in creating the film but also when employing Carr as his interior designer.
The biggest surprise is that she was close friends with Michael Jackson, helping him create Neverland Ranch. She is careful about what she writes regarding the music superstar and in the acknowledgements she thanks him because he "let me share a portion of our story." Hint, hint. What was she NOT allowed to share?
I even appreciated her inclusion of a summary of the real Von Trapp family, detailing how the movie version was 99% fiction. But it gave me a greater understanding of why this large family that migrated to America with only four dollars in their pockets had been blessed by God as an international success. Their faith was incredible (Maria was a convert to Catholicism), bringing their priest/vocal trainer along when they moved to the U.S., they did missionary work, toured to send relief back to Austria after WWII, and used their lives to further the gospel message. Even more so they appear to be blessed because pregnant frail Maria refused the doctors' orders to abort the baby and stay in Austria so that she could live, heading off on their journey to America on a trip that could have killed her. And that little son, in 2024, remains the only living survivor of the immediate family at age 85.
Could there have been more depth to some of the author's personal stories? Yes, she is cautious about revealing the depression she went through in her 40s and the devastation of her musical father's abandoning the family, as well as her alcoholic and bitter mother.
Could she have pushed more regarding the fact that while the movie studio and director made millions, the young stars of the movie never were paid extra for the soundtrack or public appearances at the many reunions? Yes, I don't know why the group hasn't filed a lawsuit since they were admittedly coerced into a contract that gave them nothing for the use of their voices and images.
Could we have had fewer stories in between the short chapters that detailed fans that loved The Sound of Music movie? Yes. We get it. Everyone loved Liesl!
But her co-author did a great job editing an otherwise interesting story and making it an unconventional memoir that only makes one appreciate the film even more. And Carr is right--long after she is gone The Sound of Music and Liesl will live forever.
June 24, 2019
Charmian Carr tells of a life on set of the ‘Sound of Music,’ parts of her personal life and the lasting effect of being in the Sound of Music.
Working at a doctor’s office at the age of 21, she was cast as Liesel Von Trapp, of ‘16 Going on 17’ fame. They spent 6 months filming in California and Austria. Since she was 21 she stayed at the same hotel as other adult actors. She remembers Christopher Plummer having maybe one too many drinks, but it didn’t damper his enthusiasm for the hotel piano. Julie Andrews was very motherly and supportive on set despite being in Austria with her 18 month old daughter and without her husband. For years Charmian was an ambassador for the movie (and Salzburg) and traveled all over the world to promote it. She eventually settled down and had a family. Her children was the reason why she stepped away from Hollywood and she considered them her greatest success.
Fun facts:
Charmian was very close the Nicholas Hammond who played Frederick, she sincerely considered him a beloved brother.
Charmian was an interior designer who worked closely with Michael Jackson on Neverland Ranch. They went frequently to Disneyland for research until Thriller made that impossible.
While working for Michael Jackson she met Jackie Kennedy Onassis who was his editor as Double Day. I can’t make this up.
Last, but not least. The man who played Rolf married Charmian’s German stand in after meeting on set of the Von Trapp wedding. It was his first of three wives.
Working at a doctor’s office at the age of 21, she was cast as Liesel Von Trapp, of ‘16 Going on 17’ fame. They spent 6 months filming in California and Austria. Since she was 21 she stayed at the same hotel as other adult actors. She remembers Christopher Plummer having maybe one too many drinks, but it didn’t damper his enthusiasm for the hotel piano. Julie Andrews was very motherly and supportive on set despite being in Austria with her 18 month old daughter and without her husband. For years Charmian was an ambassador for the movie (and Salzburg) and traveled all over the world to promote it. She eventually settled down and had a family. Her children was the reason why she stepped away from Hollywood and she considered them her greatest success.
Fun facts:
Charmian was very close the Nicholas Hammond who played Frederick, she sincerely considered him a beloved brother.
Charmian was an interior designer who worked closely with Michael Jackson on Neverland Ranch. They went frequently to Disneyland for research until Thriller made that impossible.
While working for Michael Jackson she met Jackie Kennedy Onassis who was his editor as Double Day. I can’t make this up.
Last, but not least. The man who played Rolf married Charmian’s German stand in after meeting on set of the Von Trapp wedding. It was his first of three wives.
June 15, 2019
Oh goodness this book was so sweet. The Sound of Music will always have a special place in my heart, and it was really cool to see all the stories Charmian Carr collected about its impact on viewers and actors alike. Liesl's a favorite character of mine (firstborns unite!), so I loved reading about Charmian's perspective--how she got involved, what it was like working with the cast, behind-the-scenes photos.
Also I appreciated how clean the book was;
I think this book is better appreciated at 16/17+, in general, but it was a really fun quick read.
Also I appreciated how clean the book was;
I think this book is better appreciated at 16/17+, in general, but it was a really fun quick read.
June 5, 2023
This was such an insanely sweet book. I really loved learning about the filming of the sound of music and hearing Charmains point of view about her experience on set. It was something I never thought I would find that interesting to read but it really was. There was a lot of things I had never heard of about the Von Trapps story, their real story. The fact that they were actually sitting right next to Hitler himself and knew turning him down three times for performances would result in imprisonment or death. I’ve always found World War Two very interesting so maybe that’s why I really found the last parts of this book extremely interesting. Regardless this book was well worth the read and if you like the sound of music at all this is a great book to read.
March 14, 2025
I happened upon this by chance. I really enjoyed it. The Sound of Music has been one of my favorite movies and it was just fun to read about Charmian's experience. What a different time. I was glad to learn that the children actually did sing (even though it was enhanced by 4 others) and Christopher Plummer did not. It was hard to read about her relationship with her parents. I just doesn't seem fair that some get amazing parents and some don't. It made me sad also knowing that Charmian has passed away. It doesn't seem possible so much time has passed.
December 29, 2023
A humorous chronicle of memories from Mrs Carr's filming career with the production of The Sound of Music, a musical from the '60s encapsulating life in the Austrian Alps during WWII and how dangerous life was during ze var. I highly recommend Forever Liesl for people wanting a humorous look at some of the follies that occurred and what the cast went through on the set of The Sound of Music.
November 16, 2021
I have read Maria Von Trapped book and am a huge fan of the movie, The Sound of Music, of course I would enjoy reading this book and I had no idea that it was filmed in Austria. A good book!
February 4, 2021
If you love the movie, this is as must! It's a wonderful behind the scenes story and a beautiful memoir of someone so grateful of having been part of such a wonderful story. Absolutely loved it, and of course I new like Liesl even more! Thank you Charmian Carr! RIP.
May 28, 2023
This book is perfect for lovers of The Sound of Music. Charmian - better known as Liesel - gives an amazing behind the cameras look at the making of the movie, insights into how it was developed from an uninspiring stage play, and stories of the cast both during and after the filming. Any Sound of Music aficionado will adore this book.
June 10, 2020
I learned so much from reading this book, loved every page of it. So interesting to hear her comments about her fellow cast members who became an important part of the rest of her life, along with Christopher Plummer and other notables from the film. Lots of surprises in the book that were fun to read. Sad to think she's gone.
September 1, 2015
"The Sound of Music" has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. I recall watching it with cousins and friends on different occasions before I was 10 years old. I love the songs and the story and the scenery and the sets. This year "The Sound of Music" celebrated the 50th anniversary of its theatrical release, and in April my sister and I were able to see it on the big screen - a most delightful experience that made the film come alive in new ways.
I was at a used bookstore in early August and when I came across this book I knew it was coming home with me. Charmian Carr, who played Liesl, gives us an insider view on the filming of this classic movie. She talks about how she landed the audition unexpectedly (she wasn't an actress and had no aspirations to become one!), what it was like working with Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer, and how filming was split between a Los Angeles sound stage and on set in the beautiful Austrian countryside. She shares letters from fans about how "The Sound of Music" has touched their lives, and Charmian talks much about how the film changed her life - how she traveled for years promoting the movie all over the world, and how the relationships with some of the cast and crew remain strong to this day.
Along with a complete recounting of the events surrounding the film, Charmian shares her life story with sensitivity and grace. She came from a troubled home, but she and her sisters all overcame to have strong, thriving lives despite that challenge. She talks about how being recognized as Liesl all over the world was at times a burden, a second personality she could never escape, even though she had a tremendous amount of gratitude for every door "The Sound of Music" had opened for her. She writes about her marriage, her children, and her eventual career as an interior designer, including the time she spent getting to know Michael Jackson and decorating his estate.
Some of my favorite parts of this memoir were when she talked about meeting the actual von Trapp family members and forging friendships with them many years after the film had released. During filming in 1964 the actors didn't really meet the von Trapps, but as reunions and special events brought the actors and the family together over the years, a connection formed between them all.
Charmian gives plenty of space for talking about each of her "siblings" for the film: Nicholas Hammond, Heather Menzies, Duane Chase, Angela Cartwright, Debbie Turner, and Kym Karath. Each one gets to share favorite memories and gets to tell about where the years have taken them. They have remained a close-knit bunch for half a century, bound together by their experiences on set.
Anyone who enjoys "The Sound of Music" would love this book. I've barely scratched the surface describing things it contained, as it is rich with details and anecdotes. I will certainly be watching the film again soon now that I've gotten to see it through "Liesl's" eyes, and this is my invitation for you to come along with me.
This review originated at http://reviewsbyerin.livejournal.com
I was at a used bookstore in early August and when I came across this book I knew it was coming home with me. Charmian Carr, who played Liesl, gives us an insider view on the filming of this classic movie. She talks about how she landed the audition unexpectedly (she wasn't an actress and had no aspirations to become one!), what it was like working with Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer, and how filming was split between a Los Angeles sound stage and on set in the beautiful Austrian countryside. She shares letters from fans about how "The Sound of Music" has touched their lives, and Charmian talks much about how the film changed her life - how she traveled for years promoting the movie all over the world, and how the relationships with some of the cast and crew remain strong to this day.
Along with a complete recounting of the events surrounding the film, Charmian shares her life story with sensitivity and grace. She came from a troubled home, but she and her sisters all overcame to have strong, thriving lives despite that challenge. She talks about how being recognized as Liesl all over the world was at times a burden, a second personality she could never escape, even though she had a tremendous amount of gratitude for every door "The Sound of Music" had opened for her. She writes about her marriage, her children, and her eventual career as an interior designer, including the time she spent getting to know Michael Jackson and decorating his estate.
Some of my favorite parts of this memoir were when she talked about meeting the actual von Trapp family members and forging friendships with them many years after the film had released. During filming in 1964 the actors didn't really meet the von Trapps, but as reunions and special events brought the actors and the family together over the years, a connection formed between them all.
Charmian gives plenty of space for talking about each of her "siblings" for the film: Nicholas Hammond, Heather Menzies, Duane Chase, Angela Cartwright, Debbie Turner, and Kym Karath. Each one gets to share favorite memories and gets to tell about where the years have taken them. They have remained a close-knit bunch for half a century, bound together by their experiences on set.
Anyone who enjoys "The Sound of Music" would love this book. I've barely scratched the surface describing things it contained, as it is rich with details and anecdotes. I will certainly be watching the film again soon now that I've gotten to see it through "Liesl's" eyes, and this is my invitation for you to come along with me.
This review originated at http://reviewsbyerin.livejournal.com
July 24, 2010
How I Came To Read This Book: In the most roundabout way. I was looking up old promotions my work had done, and at one point apparently they brought in Charmian Carr to do a book signing for *this* book as well as aired singalong Sound of Music at the movie theatre. I looked it up and saw the book was relatively readily available. When Amazon choked on getting me my Mad Men calendar as an Xmas gift from my sister, I requested this as a replacement.
The Plot: This memoir is a look at Charmian Carr's experience of portraying the eldest von Trapp child, Liesl, in the classic 1965 film The Sound of Music. Bite-sized chapters leapfrog all over the place, but they always focus on what being Liesl means in each element of her life - whether talking about how she got cast, what shooting her first movie was like, her relationships with her costars, or delving into her own personal life before, during, and after her involvement with the film. In between each chapter there is a photo from the film, as well as an anecdote provided by fans from around the world that show just how much people really, truly love the Sound of Music.
The Good & The Bad: This book is a pretty light piece of fluff - it's stretching itself thin in a few places to be honest. That being said, it's also a surprisingly honest and enjoyable look from someone that was basically a one-hit wonder in the movie biz and how tremendous that one experience in her life has been. There are no airs of pretentiousness as you might expect from a celebrity, instead Carr comes across as honest, proud, and sentimental of her involvement with the film.
Fans will be pleased with the number of tidbits told through the eyes of Liesl - I now have an idea of the shooting schedule, and was surprised to hear about her relationships with several of the characters (a flirtation between the Captain and Liesl!?!), and loved some of the insider info you'd never guess - like the crazy accident that happened while filming the infamous gazebo scene. The little anecdotes between each chapter were also sweet, if a little extreme in some cases, but they were ultimately relatable at their core.
I liked the leapfrog style of the book - having it laid out in typical "Here's my background, here's the film, here's after" would have been boring. Instead Carr puts together an interesting jigsaw puzzle of her life chapter by chapter, which was pretty cool. This is the rare book that does exactly what you want it to - focus in on the Sound of Music, and the Sound of Music alone, and how much its permeated not only the life of the author, but so many who were involved with the film and beyond.
The Bottom Line: A must-read for any Sound of Music fan.
Anything Memorable?: I feel like there should be something...but no.
50-Book Challenge?: Book #38 in 2010.
The Plot: This memoir is a look at Charmian Carr's experience of portraying the eldest von Trapp child, Liesl, in the classic 1965 film The Sound of Music. Bite-sized chapters leapfrog all over the place, but they always focus on what being Liesl means in each element of her life - whether talking about how she got cast, what shooting her first movie was like, her relationships with her costars, or delving into her own personal life before, during, and after her involvement with the film. In between each chapter there is a photo from the film, as well as an anecdote provided by fans from around the world that show just how much people really, truly love the Sound of Music.
The Good & The Bad: This book is a pretty light piece of fluff - it's stretching itself thin in a few places to be honest. That being said, it's also a surprisingly honest and enjoyable look from someone that was basically a one-hit wonder in the movie biz and how tremendous that one experience in her life has been. There are no airs of pretentiousness as you might expect from a celebrity, instead Carr comes across as honest, proud, and sentimental of her involvement with the film.
Fans will be pleased with the number of tidbits told through the eyes of Liesl - I now have an idea of the shooting schedule, and was surprised to hear about her relationships with several of the characters (a flirtation between the Captain and Liesl!?!), and loved some of the insider info you'd never guess - like the crazy accident that happened while filming the infamous gazebo scene. The little anecdotes between each chapter were also sweet, if a little extreme in some cases, but they were ultimately relatable at their core.
I liked the leapfrog style of the book - having it laid out in typical "Here's my background, here's the film, here's after" would have been boring. Instead Carr puts together an interesting jigsaw puzzle of her life chapter by chapter, which was pretty cool. This is the rare book that does exactly what you want it to - focus in on the Sound of Music, and the Sound of Music alone, and how much its permeated not only the life of the author, but so many who were involved with the film and beyond.
The Bottom Line: A must-read for any Sound of Music fan.
Anything Memorable?: I feel like there should be something...but no.
50-Book Challenge?: Book #38 in 2010.
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