This A&E documentary hosted by Peter Graves explores the real Von Trapp family and Maria Von Trapp, which inspired two films and a stage musical. If you prefer to keep the film and musical image of the Von Trapp family intact, you may not want to view this documentary because they are quite different. However, I felt compelled to watch it to see what the real story behind The Sound of Music was all about.
The documentary explores how Georg Von Trapp was a highly decorated Naval Captain in WWI and was married to Agatha Whitehead, Austrian heir to a fortune. Like shown in the movie, they had 7 children. But Agatha died suddenly and the Captain requested help from the local Catholic Abbey for help. Enter Maria Kutschera as a tutor.
The documentary explores how Maria ingratiated herself into the family, eventually married Georg, and they had 3 more children for a total of 10. In this documentary son Johannes and daughters Eleonor, Rosemarie, and Maria ('Mitzy') help explain the real story of the Von Trapp family.
The biggest surprise was that the real Maria wasn't quite the warm and cuddly personality I expected. She was actually very domineering and had a volatile temper, while Georg was soft-spoken and reserved. And the family's musical talents had captured the attention of Adolph Hilter, who wanted them to perform for his birthday. This and some other incidents is what prompted the family to fear the Nazis and flee, leaving behind almost all their possessions.
Once in the USA the Von Trapps struggled but eventually became a signing sensation as they toured the country for nearly 20 years. One thing I learned is that the Von Trapp family did not share in the huge profits generated from their story. But 'Mitzi' mentions that they did gain fame and their family will never be forgotten.
I really enjoyed this documentary even though it shows the real Von Trapp family had struggles and problems never remotely portrayed in the film. They were real people who smartly fled Nazi Europe despite the terrible risks and difficulties that created. And yes, their story, even the 'Hollywood' version, will live on indefinitely.