Here are some fun facts about *The Sound of Music* film that you will discover on Kosherica’s incredible Jewish history Danube riverboat tour happening this week. While we always make a point of visiting significant Jewish history locations, we also explore culturally rich destinations like Salzburg, where this iconic movie was filmed.
1. **Maria von Trapp’s Low Payment**: Maria von Trapp sold the rights to her life story for just $9,000, missing out on royalties from the Broadway hit and the film, which grossed around $300 million.
2. **Fox Almost Passed on the Film**: After the costly failure of *Cleopatra*, 20th Century-Fox nearly didn’t make *The Sound of Music*. It was only revived when Richard Zanuck took over.
3. **Original Director’s Darker Vision**: William Wyler, the original director, envisioned a darker film with more focus on Nazi imagery. He eventually left the project, and Robert Wise took over.
4. **Alternative Casting Choices**: Doris Day, Grace Kelly, and Yul Brynner were among those considered for the lead roles before Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer were cast.
5. **Liesl’s Real Age**: Charmian Carr, who played the 16-year-old Liesl, was actually 21 during filming.
6. **Julie Andrews’ Hair Mishap**: Andrews’ attempt at highlights resulted in orange hair, leading to a last-minute bleaching before filming began.
7. **Plummer’s Voice Was Dubbed**: Christopher Plummer’s singing was provided by singer Bill Lee, while Mother Abbess’s singing was also dubbed.
8. **“Do-Re-Mi” Filming Challenges**: Filming the iconic “Do-Re-Mi” number in Salzburg was delayed by bad weather, taking almost two months to complete.
9. **Andrews’ Famous Fall**: The helicopter filming the opening scene caused a downdraft, leading to Andrews falling—thankfully, after the shot was captured.
10. **Giggles During “Something Good”**: Andrews and Plummer’s giggling during the “Something Good” scene was hidden by shooting them in silhouette to cover up their laughter.