Who hasn't seen The Sound of Music at least a few times? it's more or less seen as the quintessential movie musical, and has many fans all over the world, who go to special karaoke screenings of their favorite, to sing along with the many great songs from the picture. Catherine Meechan is one of the movie's biggest fans. The Sound of Music was the first movie she ever saw in the cinema, and she has watched it many times since, even starting her own website about it. Here she tells us all about why she loves the movie so much and what she thinks makes it stand out from other movie musicals.
A few of my favorite things
Q: An obvious question to start with: what is it that makes The Sound of Music so special to you?
A: It was the very first film I saw at the cinema, when I was eight years old in 1965, and for that reason it will always have a special place in my heart.
Q: What did you feel when you saw the Sound of Music for the first time?
A: It was breathtaking, I had never seen anything so beautiful, from the scenery to the music. It was so epic and colourful on the big screen.
Q: Do you feel like the movie has, in one way or another, changed your life?
A: While I don't think the film has changed my life, I think its had a positive effect, and I'm sure most people would agree on that: its such a feelgood film.
Q: How many times have you seen the movie?
A: I honestly couldn't say, as I saw it several times in the cinema, then bought the video in the 1980s, not forgetting the countless times I watched it on TV!
Q: What is your favorite character from the movie? And your favorite moment?
A: I don't have one particular character, I loved them all and think its a great ensemble cast. My favourite moment, on the other hand, is the Mother Abbess singing 'Climb Every Mountain' to Maria. This is my favourite because its a lovely, moving song that encourages you to never give up.
Q: The music has been a very important aspect of the movie's success. What do you think of the music from the movie? Any songs that stand out in your opinion?
A: I think its one of the greatest movie soundtracks ever recorded, and not just because I'm a fan of the film, but because its got such a variety of great songs. Apart from 'Climb Every Mountain', I love all the songs equally.
Q: Over here in Holland we have had several karaoke-showings of the movie in cinemas. Have you ever watched the movie in a karaoke way?
A: While I can understand why many people enjoy going to see the film in this way, I prefer the film as it was originally made.
Q: Have you been actively following any of the actors or actresses from the movie? Do you think the Sound of Music was the highlight of their careers?
A: I like the films of both Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer, who have done a variety of different roles since the movie, but I wouldnt say it's the highlight of their careers. On the other hand, the actors who played the children haven't had as much success in acting as Julie and Christopher, so for the children it probably is the highlight of their careers.
Q: Whenever I see The Sound of Music, I get an urge to also watch Mary Poppins. Julie Andrews made these two movies in a row, I think, and both are much beloved classics with small parallels in the storyline. Have you also seen Mary Poppins and what do you think of that movie?
A: Yes, I think its a truly magical film that, like The Sound of Music, has lovely music and makes you feel good.
Q: Have you been involved with the online Sound of Music fandom from the beginning? How has it evolved from the moment you first became involved?
A: I've had my website for about 6 years now, and when I first started, there weren't that many similar websites. However, with more opportunites to create your own website, many more people have opened up their own shrines to the film. This is good because it keeps the movie alive, and shows that all age groups are still in love with the story. Also I would like to say thank you to the many visitors to my website and the lovely letters in my Guestbook.
Q: How far does your love for the Sound of Music go? Do you have the website and for instance the DVD-editions that you watch a lot, and that's it, or does it go further than that?
A: I first bought the video when it was released, which I think was in the early '80s, and I've read the story of the real Von Trapp family, which was very inspiring. I've got both the DVD editions that have been released, now with the website I really don't need to watch the movie and I hope maybe one day to visit Salzburg, Austria where the movie was filmed. I also receive a lot of mail from around the world on a regular basis which is wonderful and means the movie is fairly consistant in my life! I'm astounded at how many fans are out there!
Q: The Sound of Music is a wonderful movie. Do you think it's maybe the pinnacle of the movie musical genre, and there has never been anything better, or do you think there are other movies in the genre that are just as great? Have there been any recent ones you enjoyed?
A: On a personal level, its my favourite, and the best musical ever made. However, I think that there have been so many great musicals made, such as West Side Story, Grease and Carousel, so while its my favourite, I understand that there are others who would say differently! I haven't seen any of the more recently made musicals so I cannot really say how they compare to the classics.
Q: In closing, can you tell me a little bit about yourself?
A: I'm from Glasgow in Scotland, and I celebrate my half-century later this year (a less direct way of saying 50!) As a child I was always told how much I looked like the British actress Hayley Mills. I have been a vegetarian for many years and adore animals, I like to read classic literature (and poetry), such as Jane Austen, Charles Dickens etc. I'm also a great golf fan and try to watch all the big tournaments.
I have enjoyed doing this Interview and would like to dedicate it to my beloved little cat Lois, who passed away earlier this month aged 16. He will always be one of 'my favourite things'.
May the sound of music always be in your heart.
You can visit Catherine's Sound of Music site by clicking here.
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Posted by: LeOgAhEr | June 01, 2007 at 11:11 AM
Dear Catherine
I also love this movie. It has been a central part of my life since I saw it as a young child. I tried to get through to your Sound of Music but it said it was disabled. If you get it up and running, please let me know as I'd love to have a look. I've also got a SoM site and welcome your comment.
regards Alicia
Posted by: Alicia White | October 31, 2010 at 01:21 PM
Sorry I forgot to include the URL, www.the-sound-of-music.com
Posted by: Alicia White | October 31, 2010 at 01:23 PM