"THE SOUND OF MUSIC" (or the lack thereof). Pt. 1

I am currently reading a book by the late, (I’m sorry to say) Charmian Carr by the title of, “Forever Liesl.” As the moniker of her compelling volume implies, Charmian portrayed ‘Liesl’ in the mid-1960’s movie classic, “The Sound of Music.”

As I read my latest chapter I chanced upon a couple of passages which stood out for me, and which recounted the words and actions of the actor who assumed the role of Captain Georg Johannes Ritter von Trapp, (Christopher Plummer), and those of the real life Maria Augusta Kutschera von Trapp, (wife of Captain von Trapp).

It seems Christopher Plummer, for all his positive traits and abilities, could be somewhat of a grouch, irreverent and difficult with which to work. During the filming of the movie, and sometime afterwards Charmian reported that the actor came out with some ‘hum dingers.’

In one case, Mr. Plummer complained about having to do a retake of the final scene of the movie. 

It seems he was tasked with carrying the smallest of the children, ‘Gretl’ (Kym Karath) piggy back up a steep slope.

“Another take? Not again! I can’t carry that kid one more step up this mountain. She’s built like a bloody tank!” 

As a result, the director ended up using a child double who was lighter.

And there were times when Chris would arrive on the set grumbling and swearing.

“It’s raining. We’re not going to work today. Why the h_ _ _ do we have to go through the paces when we know we’re not going to do anything? Bloody h_ _ _!"

(to be continued)

By William McDonald, PhD. Excerpt from "(Mc)Donald's Daily Diary" Vol. 50. Copyright pending

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