Rating: 
Summary: A serious book about "SOM" has YET to be written.
Review: This is the only book-length study of "The Sound of Music" currently available, though this situation is soon to be rectified by the forthcoming release of Charmian Carr's "Forever Liesl: A Memoir of the Sound of Music" (Viking Press). Considering the wide, undiminished appeal of "SOM" it is surprising that this is indeed the only book published to date on its making and marketing.The book is valuable, but has several flaws. First of all, the "voice" adopted by the author. She assumes a kind of casual, insider's "voice" which can be annoying, since she was not there. As a historian myself I am biased in favor of a more detached, scholarly approach. This is obviously a subjective opinion. A more objective criticism applies to the author's sources. It is clear, as she herself suggests, that some members of the cast would not discuss the film with her. When discussing the experiences of the seven children in the cast, for example, she relies, almost exclusively, on the actress who played little Gretl. Since she was only 5 yrs. old when she made the movie, I'm not sure how trustworthy her memories are after over thirty years. And in deference to those in the cast and crew who did serve as informants, the author never verifies the veracity of their statements, some of which on occasion have a self-serving feel to them. As I said, the author is writing here in the guise more of "insider" and fan of the stars rather than as a reporter/historian of the process. The latter approach sometimes requires a suspension of belief, especially when dealing with age-old memories, that is not on display here. And it requires a more critical stance. That said, perhaps the informal, chummy approach is what "SOM" fans prefer. We certainly don't need a jargon-laden, academic deconstruction of the film. But as one who takes "SOM" seriously as a film, and not just as great entertainment, I do believe it deserves the kind of serious, more objective treatment granted to other American film classics. And it IS a classic, whatever insecure, self-satisfied snobs say to the contrary (lots of Harvard students LOVE "SOM"). Back to Antopol's book. An "insider" voice? It isn't appropriate for her to adopt one, though it is certainly appropriate for Charmian Carr's upcoming book. As Liesl, she was there. For an insider's take, Carr's will be THE book to read and I am looking forward to it. In short, then, as a truly serious exploration of "SOM," one long over-due, Antopol's book just does not cut it. But it is a fun, modest start and on that score I would be a Scrooge not to recommend it, and I do, though with the above quibbles.
Rating: 
Summary: An excellent history of one of America's most popular movies
Review: TSOM is a movie beloved by millions. When it hit screens in the mid-'60s, lines formed around city blocks to see this charming story again and again. Critics blasted its sugary-sweet content, but the public would not be dissuaded, and in many theaters, it played for a year solid. This book contains many many juicy tid-bits, from the alternative casts (Yul Brynner as the Captain?!?) to the problems of filming in a rain-soaked Salzburg. It is a must-have for fans of Julie Andrews, Robert Wise, or Hollywood musicals.
Rating:
Summary: The Sound of Music
Review: Well now one can really go on and on about this terrific movie, my very favorite.I was delighed with the book, from it's size to the lovely photos and the great stories. I thought it was great to see the effort that was put into this beautiful movie and the way that the scenery, how the movie was put together,and how alot more of Maria's book, even in just little things, were added so well.My own grandchildren found out the delight of this movie earlier this year and you could say that our house was filled with the Sound of music for several months while they got their fill of it.Then to top it off , the sing-a- long version came to town,to see it again on the big screen was just great stuff,as we have seen it many times on tv,. but this was only the 2nd time on big screen. It's the only way to see a great movie!!!My book has been looked at and fought over many times. This is a lovely book and I recomend it to anyone who loves the Sound of Music also the special edition dvd with the extra dvd.I have also read Charmian Carr's book Forever Leisl and enjoyed the stories in that book too.The photos are wonderful, and I am looking forward to reading Letters to Leisl.
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