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The Sound of Music Family Scrapbook
It's not an exaggeration to say that The Sound of Music is the most beloved film musical of all time. It has touched more than one generation, as over the years, many parents have shared the magic of this wonderful movie with their children. Seven very special children experienced The Sound of Music firsthand: the seven young actors cast as the von Trapp children. Now, for the first time, they tell their stories about making this celebrated film, from their auditions to rehearsals in Los Angeles to an incredible spring and summer in Salzburg, Austria. What was it like to work with Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer? How did they learn the songs and dances for the musical numbers? Who almost drowned when the boat tipped over? What was it like to attend the gala Hollywood premiere? What were their lives like after starring in this legendary movie? And how did they become a family in real life, remaining as close as any brothers and sisters for the last 45 years? The answers are revealed at last and as a bonus, they have collected their never-before-seen own home movie footage on a brand-new DVD. It is included here, along with personal cherished memorabilia, such as letters sent home to their families from Europe, a page from the script with edits written in the margin, and a ticket to the premiere. For anyone who is thrilled by the sight of Julie Andrews spinning around on top of a mountain, or who spontaneously bursts out singing "Do-Re-Mi," this captivating behind-the-scenes inside story is a must read.
96 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
January 22, 2012
Now you know my secret – I am a long time, hard core fan of The Sound of Music. I own the LP and CD; DVDs in three languages (do check out the Japanese version – ‘delicious noodles’ are one of the favourite things) and have seen several stage versions. Nothing can compare to the original movie though. Because it was filmed pre-DVD extras (goodness, even before DVD and video invention), there has not been that much ‘extra’ information out there, although the most recent DVD release is very, very good. That is why we need this book – written by the seven actors who played the von Trapp children. The book focuses on the children’s experience – so you will find little from Julie Andrews or Christophe Plummer.
The book contains many photographs that I’ve never seen before – behind the scenes shots and photos lovingly taken by the parents who accompanied them to Austria (except for Charmian Carr, who played Liesl – she was 21 at the time). Considering this was pre-digital cameras and pre-mobile phone cameras, there’s a lot of material. Each of the ‘children’ (naturally all adults now, doing a range of things – not all involving acting) has a section of their own, explaining their lives pre and post The Sound of Music. It’s fascinating to think that little Kym Karath (Gretl) is now all grown up and that Nicholas Hammond (Friedrich) now calls Australia home! There are also sections on how certain scenes were filmed (e.g. The ‘Do-Re-Mi’ montage) and the premiere. Did you know Charmian Carr got to travel the world for 2 years promoting the movie? Now I know definitely that I would like to be Liesl!
But wait – there’s even more for fans. There are several sections containing facsimiles of items to do with the movie – from Angela Cartwright (Brigitta) and Heather Menzies’ (Louisa) secret club rulebook, Nicholas Hammond’s (partial) script and premiere tickets. There’s also a DVD of home movies taken in Austria and beyond – but please remember that camcorder technology wasn’t as developed in the 1960s. While interesting, there’s a buzzing sound which is kind of annoying (I suggest you turn the sound down) and some blurred footage. It’s still a lot of fun though, from the beautiful landscapes to the gorgeous 60’s wardrobes.
There are several typos in the book – the last page has a caption for ‘Julia’ Andrews for example and there’s a few full stops missing. That shouldn’t detract you away from this gorgeous book though. It’s definitely something to treasure for fans.
http://samstillreading.wordpress.com
The book contains many photographs that I’ve never seen before – behind the scenes shots and photos lovingly taken by the parents who accompanied them to Austria (except for Charmian Carr, who played Liesl – she was 21 at the time). Considering this was pre-digital cameras and pre-mobile phone cameras, there’s a lot of material. Each of the ‘children’ (naturally all adults now, doing a range of things – not all involving acting) has a section of their own, explaining their lives pre and post The Sound of Music. It’s fascinating to think that little Kym Karath (Gretl) is now all grown up and that Nicholas Hammond (Friedrich) now calls Australia home! There are also sections on how certain scenes were filmed (e.g. The ‘Do-Re-Mi’ montage) and the premiere. Did you know Charmian Carr got to travel the world for 2 years promoting the movie? Now I know definitely that I would like to be Liesl!
But wait – there’s even more for fans. There are several sections containing facsimiles of items to do with the movie – from Angela Cartwright (Brigitta) and Heather Menzies’ (Louisa) secret club rulebook, Nicholas Hammond’s (partial) script and premiere tickets. There’s also a DVD of home movies taken in Austria and beyond – but please remember that camcorder technology wasn’t as developed in the 1960s. While interesting, there’s a buzzing sound which is kind of annoying (I suggest you turn the sound down) and some blurred footage. It’s still a lot of fun though, from the beautiful landscapes to the gorgeous 60’s wardrobes.
There are several typos in the book – the last page has a caption for ‘Julia’ Andrews for example and there’s a few full stops missing. That shouldn’t detract you away from this gorgeous book though. It’s definitely something to treasure for fans.
http://samstillreading.wordpress.com
August 18, 2016
Because I am a sap, The Sound of Music is my favorite movie. I am well aware that the real von Trapp family did not swing from trees and skip down the road clad in clothes fashioned from curtains all the while singing about drops of golden sun. Nonetheless, the music and images never fail to bring a smile to my face. If I'm listening, I guarantee I WILL sing along. This scrapbook, created to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the movie's release, is filled with cast photos, script notes, music sheets, and anecdotes. The coffee table makes for an ideal home, perfect for perusing at one's leisure, and is a great gift for the saps in your life.
October 4, 2017
A must-have in any "Sound of Music" lover's library. It is full of pictures and replicated memorabilia of the seven children along with personal anecdotes and stories written by each actor. It was a joy to read their thoughts and memories and see how the bonds they created 45 years ago are still as strong.
May 1, 2019
Outstanding book and DVD. It feels like you are on the set.
October 27, 2019
Loved it! I thought this was a wonderful book about the filming of the movie. I loved the stories and details. Learned so much and have a new appreciation for how hard everyone worked on making this film. Enjoyed learning more about all of those in the film and their relationships with each other and their own families.
August 12, 2023
Great behind-the-scenes book for any fan of the movie musical!
November 29, 2024
A fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the personal lives of the children who started in the Sound of Music!
March 20, 2017
The Sound of Music is a happy memory of my all too short childhood with my mother. She took me to see a re-release of the movie in the 1980s (as I was born in the 1970s) and I was transported to a magical movie world that had a background in real life.
Musicals are in general not "My Favourite Thing" so to speak but if you have a heart you are bound to love this treasure.
The book had many fantastic details and photos and it would have got a five if it were longer with more photos and details! So really nothing to critisize here - just not enough material for this fan :)
Musicals are in general not "My Favourite Thing" so to speak but if you have a heart you are bound to love this treasure.
The book had many fantastic details and photos and it would have got a five if it were longer with more photos and details! So really nothing to critisize here - just not enough material for this fan :)
October 26, 2015
I grew up with "The Sound of Music" and it's always been one of my favourite movies, so when I heard of this scrapbook, I knew I had to have it! "Behind the scenes" information has always been of great interest to me :)
Fortunately, this book totally lived up to my expectations, and I breezed through it in one day. While I was perhaps less interested in the "where are they now" chapters, I loved the insights given and enjoyed all the fun anecdotes. The book was co-written by the people who played the seven von Trapp children, so I did miss a few more anecdotes about Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer but oh well. I did find it awesome that the seven 'children' still stick together :-)
A great book to water my enduring adoration of this movie :)
Fortunately, this book totally lived up to my expectations, and I breezed through it in one day. While I was perhaps less interested in the "where are they now" chapters, I loved the insights given and enjoyed all the fun anecdotes. The book was co-written by the people who played the seven von Trapp children, so I did miss a few more anecdotes about Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer but oh well. I did find it awesome that the seven 'children' still stick together :-)
A great book to water my enduring adoration of this movie :)
June 7, 2015
As a hard core fan of "The Sound of Music," this was a very fun and interesting book that gave more details of the actors who portrayed the Von Trapp children and their experiences before, during, and after the production of this iconic film. I absolutely loved learning more about them and seeing the notes, pictures, and other memorabilia from their past. Sure, the editing wasn't always the best and the captions on the pictures were poor at best, but honestly my only major complaint was that it wasn't about 300 pages longer and much more in depth. If you love the movie, you are destined to love the book and all of the neat tales these individuals share.
Grade: A
Grade: A
November 20, 2012
This just wasn't what I was expecting or wanting. I was hoping for something more about the movie. There is some of that, but it's mostly about the lives of the child actors. And while obviously they chose to tell these stories, at times they felt so personal that I felt uncomfortable reading them. And I guess, to me, The Sound of Music is about the story, not the actors, so it was just a different kind of perspective.
I fastforwarded through the DVD, but it's kind of cool. It's behind the scenes footage. No sound, just video.
I fastforwarded through the DVD, but it's kind of cool. It's behind the scenes footage. No sound, just video.
September 30, 2014
If you grew up watching this movie, you will want to read this book. However, the editing was awful in some spots (there a caption that is the same in 2 photos in the Angela Cartwright section with 2 very different photos). The stories tend to become repetitive or not fully explained. It would have also been nice if all of the photos were labeled with who was who more clearly. Overall though, it is a great book but it had some minor flaws.
September 21, 2015
Amazing momento of the most beloved musical movie of all time!
Lots of inside info on the making of the movie, some great photos and lovely little souvenirs included, plus stories of the child actor's lives after.
The noise on the dvd was annoying but it was still nice to watch.
I was very impressed with how much was packed into this book, a must have for any Sound of Music fan, and one I'll treasure forever!
Lots of inside info on the making of the movie, some great photos and lovely little souvenirs included, plus stories of the child actor's lives after.
The noise on the dvd was annoying but it was still nice to watch.
I was very impressed with how much was packed into this book, a must have for any Sound of Music fan, and one I'll treasure forever!
August 22, 2013
A must for the true "Sound of Music" fan. The kind of book to be savoured slowly. Great to see the film from the kids' perspective. My only complaint: I wish it had been even longer! (Note: not that much of interest/value on the DVD and not great quality - understandable since the footage is from the 1960's.)
July 29, 2016
Nice memory book of the Sound of Music from the seven actors who played the Von Trapp children, including personal memorabilia, back stories, photos and updates on where they are now in their lives. I am considering buying this for my father and his wife who love the movie.
February 17, 2015
Very fun enjoyable read. This is a scrapbook of the actors who played the Von Trapp children during the making of the movie. It includes a DVD of 8mm home movies shot by their mothers on set and behind the scenes (with no sound but the sound of the projector).
October 8, 2016
An amazing and really interesting book! I loved seeing all the behind the scenes photos and hearing the anecdotes from the "Von Trapp Children" about what filming was like. All the replica bits and pieces of things like drawings and movie tickets were awesome additions!
June 4, 2012
Excellent! A must have!!!
April 11, 2019
Probably one of the best" behind the scenes" books ever !!! Everyone should own it. It gives you a whole new perspective on one of the best movies ever.
February 28, 2014
A must for all Sound of Music geeks like me. Great stories, photos & memorabilia from the actors/actresses who played the vonTrapp children. Delightful!
March 16, 2014
If you're a sound of music geek like me then you MUST have this!
September 15, 2014
If you're a fan of The Sound of Music then I cannot recommend this book enough!
May 3, 2015
I definitely bought this today, definitely read it today, and definitely did not cry at it.
July 16, 2015
This was a fun read. A couple of things I already knew from reading autobiographies and the like, but still fun, especially the memorabilia.
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January 29, 2016Hope the library has it - $45, ouch! That's a bit steep! Plus, it's only 96pp, but at least it comes with a dvd, so that must be why it's so expensive.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews