IN 1938, THE VON TRAPP FAMILY FLED FROM AUSTRIA TO THE US,
WHERE THEY BECAME WORLD FAMOUS AS THE "TRAPP FAMILY SINGERS".
THIS FILM TELLS THE STORY OF THOSE DRAMATIC YEARS
THROUGH THE EYES OF THE ELDEST DAUGHTER, AGATHE.
(ROMANTIC CLASSICAL MUSIC)
THE TRAPP FAMILY A LIFE OF MUSIC
(INAUDIBLE, LIVELY VOICES)
- WOMAN: Hey. - (DOORBELL RINGS)
MARCUS: I'll get it.
SALZBURG CHAMBER CHOIR TRAPP
(INAUDIBLE VOICES)
BASED ON THE BOOK
"MEMORIES BEFORE AND AFTER THE SOUND OF MUSIC" BY AGATHE VON TRAPP
Kirsty?
AGATHE: Do you know where Kirsty is?
MARCUS: Uh, yeah. She's sulking upstairs.
CARRIE: Why?
We had a talk about her attitude.
She isn't in her room, Marcus.
- Oh? - And her backpack has gone.
She'll have gone to her mother's, which is where she wanted to be.
- Stop her. - I won't pander to her.
- She's being childish. - But you're her father.
(SIGHS) Are you really not going to go?
- AGATHE: It's Christmas Eve. - No.
And you think she's being childish.
What a ridiculous man.
- Give me the car keys. - No.
I'll go, dear.
(SUSPENSEFUL CLASSICAL MUSIC)
Aunt Agathe. What are you doing here?
Waiting for your train?
Yeah.
Is three days such a long time to be with us?
- No. - So?
- I want to be with my mother. - Is that true?
Or is it that you just don't want to be with your father?
- You wouldn't understand. - Is that so?
And what exactly do you know about me
and what I would or wouldn't understand, young lady?
Mhm, precisely.
Nothing.
You just see a boring old woman, and nothing else.
I wanted to run away once.
- When I was young. - Yeah, right.
You are quite a tiresome little thing.
Look, thanks for coming down.
- But you don't have to stay. - Mmm.
I've nothing better to do.
So, do you want to know
why I was so miserable?
Or are you too busy wallowing in your own self-pity?
I do remember what it's like
to think I was unwanted.
I grew up in a fairytale landscape...
AGATHE: In a fairytale house.
I was a mischievous little goblin.
MRS MAYER: Let's look for the next one.
OLDER AGATHE: Oh, but a very happy little goblin.
(LITTLE AGATHE, WHISPERING) Come on, quickly!
MRS MAYER: Agathe!
(INAUDIBLE SINGING)
MRS MAYER: Sigi, now sit down here.
Hold this. My own grandson's a thief.
What a shame. Now you sit here and think about what you've done, understand?
(MRS MAYER SIGHS)
AGATHE: Sigi. Sigi!
Sigi?
One for you, one for me.
And one for Mama.
Mama.
Are you alright?
(WHISPERING) A little tired.
But I'll be just fine.
- Are you being a good girl? - Yes.
He'll need your help.
While I'm poorly.
Shall I sing for you?
I'd like that.
(SINGS "BRAHMS' LULLABY" IN GERMAN)
Thank you.
(INAUDIBLE VOICES FROM INSIDE HOUSE)
(RINGING BELL)
Where's Agathe?
(GENTLE PIANO MUSIC)
AGATHE: (WHISPERING) Mama.
GEORG: There you are.
- I'm sorry. - It's alright.
I wanted to give her my present.
But she's asleep. I put it next to her.
That's good.
I'll make sure she gets it.
Now come on, everyone's waiting for you.
(VON TRAPP CHILDREN SING "SILENT NIGHT" IN GERMAN)
(MUFFLED SINGING)
MRS MAYER: There you go.
(INAUDIBLE VOICES)
GIRL: You might want to put it here.
- WOMAN: Up there? - BOY: I don't like it.
(SOUND OF GLASS BREAKING)
- Mama! - MATHILDE: Agathe, come.
- Where are they taking her? - The hospital.
- RUPERT: What's going on? - They're taking Mama away.
- Papa? - Mama's going to hospital.
- So she can get better. - We didn't say goodbye.
No need to worry. You'll see her again soon.
- (AGATHE SOBS) - (MATHILDE GROANS)
(MUFFLED) Mama! Mama!
She didn't open the present.
I'm sorry. You can give it to her when she comes back.
- Will she be coming back? - Yes, of course.
- Promise? - Promise.
Come on.
OLDER AGATHE: It was the last time I saw her.
Our last Christmas together.
- (SNIFFS) - I'm so sorry.
She had such wonderful eyes, you know?
So beautiful...
(SIGHS) So full of love.
It was terrible to think that I would never
feel her gaze on me again.
- I didn't mean to upset you. - Oh...
You didn't, dear.
It's just that I still find it as puzzling...
and upsetting...
as the day I did
we buried her.
(CHILDREN'S CHOIR SINGING "NUN RUHEN ALLE WÄLDER" BY PAUL GERHARDT)
(DRAMATIC MUSIC)
(INAUDIBLE PRIEST'S VOICE)
You sang beautifully, Agathe. You always do.
I shall never sing again. That was the last time.
Agathe. Agathe.
Agathe!
You promised she'd come back. You lied.
Never again. I promise.
OLDER AGATHE: That was another promise he couldn't keep.
I didn't sing again.
For over ten years.
That's why you wanted to run away?
Oh, no. No, that was much later.
My father thought a move would be better for all of us.
And he was right.
AGATHE: Zell Erlhof was just too full of memories.
Particularly for him.
But also for me.
(CHILDREN'S VOICES AND SOUNDS OF OBJECTS BEING MOVED)
Where's your granny? I want to say goodbye.
SIGI: She's locked herself in the bathroom.
- Can't stop crying. - Oh no.
- Should I? - No. She hates goodbyes.
- Don't be sad. - We're leaving Mama behind.
No, we're not.
Your mama is not in there, she's here.
She's always with us, wherever we are.
(BABY CRIES)
AGATHE: Goodbye, Sigi.
Come and visit!
OLDER AGATHE: And so away we went.
To start a new life. In Salzburg.
We didn't know that they would be our happiest years.
MARTINA: Agathe, what's for lunch?
AGATHE: Do I look like the cook?
WERNER: You're doing the nanny's job. Why not the cook's too?
(LAUGHTER)
AGATHE: Hedwig, your coat does not belong on the floor.
Shoes, Martina.
Hang it up... Under the stairs.
See, that wasn't too difficult, was it?
AGATHE: Werner, why is your shirt so filthy?
- WERNER: It isn't. - Werner...
HEDWIG: May I be excused?
AGATHE: Of course. When you've finished your lunch.
(HEDWIG SIGHS)
What's the problem?
She's only four years older than me.
- Why does she boss me around? - So I don't have to.
(HEDWIG SIGHS)
OLDER AGATHE: My father wasn't
interested in running a household.
And so, with my mother gone, it fell to me,
as the oldest daughter, to take the reins.
And... I loved it.
OLDER AGATHE: From top to bottom, everything came through me.
- Your tea, Papa. - Thank you.
So, you've done it again.
What?
That's the fourth nanny in eleven months.
- What's it got to do with me? - You know what.
It's you they find difficult.
I'll be advertising for another.
- Why? I can manage. - You're 16 years old.
It's not fair on you.
You need time for yourself. To read, play the piano, go for walks, concerts.
You're not the children's mother.
So you're looking for a new mother?
Not that again. That's not what I said, and not what I meant.
How can we afford it? Salzburg is more expensive.
That is none of your concern.
You know nothing about this family's finances,
and if you did, I'd like to know how.
OLDER AGATHE: Looking back, I think I was extremely selfish.
Why?
You were looking after everyone.
I never gave my father's situation a second thought.
He was a traditional man of the Austro-Hungarian empire,
and that had gone, divvied up,
after the First World War.
He was a naval man living in a country
that had lost its coastal areas.
He no longer felt he had a place in the world.
And, on top of that,
he had lost his wife.
He no longer knew what his role was.
Oh, it's unimaginable,
when I think about it now, but...
all I could think about then...
was me.
- Good morning. - Morning.
- Why the uniform? - It's your birthday.
Is it? Oh no. Not the uniform this year.
Nonsense.
Happy birthday.
(SIGHS)
How does it feel?
Perfect.
(SOUND OF OBJECT DROPPING ON FLOOR)
Oh, look at that.
I forgot I had this.
(THRILL WHISTLE)
(DOOR OPENS)
- RUPERT: Happy birthday, Papa. - Oh. Hello.
Ready for your concert?
Concert?
(VON TRAPP CHILDREN SING "AUF EINEM BAUM EIN KUCKUCK")
(CHILDREN GRADUALLY STOP SINGING)
- What is it? - MARIA: Don't stop on my account.
It was wonderful.
- Can I help you? - I'm the new nanny.
Ah, Miss Gustl, ah! I was expecting you in your habit.
- Miss Gustl's from the convent. - I'm a novice.
Agathe, will you show Miss Gustl to her room?
- At the end of the hall. - Of course.
MARIA: So how long have you lived here?
I'm not sure I've ever been in such a... big house.
I'll need a map and a compass to find my way around.
(CHILDREN GIGGLING)
Ah, Miss Gustl. Settling in?
Uh, yes, fine, thank you.
- But please call me Maria. - Maria. Excellent.
I'm not feeling very well.
- Will you excuse me? - Yes, of course.
Right.
Shall we begin? Dear Lord...
MARIA: We thank you for all you have provided
and ask you to bless all in this house.
Thank you for this food. This meal is a sign of your love for us.
Bless it to our use and us to your service,
and make us ever mindful of the needs of others.
For Christ, our Lord, we pray, Amen.
GEORG AND THE CHILDREN: Amen.
(WHISPERING) Agathe.
Give this one a chance, will you?
(INAUDIBLE VOICES)
HOUSEKEEPER: Thank you.
- Maria? - Yes?
Konrad. I'm the new chauffeur.
- I was wondering... - Yes?
Well, it's the weekend...
Yes?
- You and I could... - Have a lovely day, children.
- Thank you, Maria. - Captain.
Oh, Konrad, I... I'm sorry. What were you saying?
Doesn't matter.
(RUPERT, INAUDIBLE)
MARIA: Come on, children.
MARIA: Keep up now.
(CHILDREN LAUGHING)
(MARIA, INAUDIBLE)
- You're settling in? - Yes, sir. Thank you.
Good.
- Sir? - Yes?
I wanted to thank you again for this opportunity.
It's a pleasure. Sorry I couldn't offer more.
When I heard you were having a bit of a time of it, I...
Well, we sailors should look out for one another.
Yes, Captain.
I won't let you down, sir.
(KNOCKS ON DOOR)
- Come in. - (DOOR OPENS)
MATHILDE: There's someone to see you.
- SIGI: Mmm, smells wonderful. - HOUSEKEEPER: It's very good.
AGATHE: Sigi.
Hello, Agathe.
(AGATHE LAUGHS)
It's so nice to see you.
Yes...
So...
How's your granny?
My granny, well... she has a new job now.
- Really? - With the Dreibergs.
- That's wonderful. - It's a miracle.
There's nothing out there at the moment.
They didn't take you on?
- No, but... - I could talk to Papa.
- He just hired an old driver. - No, it's fine.
That's... That's what I've come to tell you. I...
I've a new job as well. Here in Salzburg.
- Really? - Yes.
- At the printers. - At the printers?
I did a little campaigning for the Democrats last year,
and the chap I worked with, his cousin runs a workers' paper. So...
- Here I am. - (AGATHE LAUGHS)
Apprentice typesetter.
But anyway... None of that matters.
What's important is that...
I'll be seeing you more often now.
Sigi, I'd like that so much.
Yes.
(AGATHE LAUGHS BRIEFLY)
Might go for a walk.
- Alright. - Maria?
Care to join me?
Uh...
Yes, of course. Why not?
OLDER AGATHE: She was only meant to stay for six months.
It was inevitable,
I suppose.
The two of them.
(GEORG LAUGHING)
(INAUDIBLE CHILDREN'S VOICES)
Come sit.
Agathe.
I have asked Maria for her hand in marriage.
- I see. - I'd like your blessing.
And I'd like you to be happy for me.
- Do I have a choice? - Agathe...
I've struggled since your mother passed.
You know that better than anyone else.
And now, with Maria, I...
I feel I have a chance.
- At what? - At being happy again.
And being the father to my children they deserve.
Well?
If it is the will of God, you should marry her.
But do you give me your blessing?
You don't need my blessing to be happy again.
OLDER AGATHE: I couldn't bring myself to tell him I wanted just that.
For him to be happy
I regret it bitterly now.
I wish I had been a bigger person.
More... grown-up.
More understanding.
But... in the beginning, it was tough.
Very tough.
OLDER AGATHE: For all of us.
(WEDDING BELLS)
(INAUDIBLE VOICES)
(JOYFUL CRIES AND LAUGHTER)
WOMAN: There they go.
(CAR ENGINE STARTS UP)
(CROWD CLAPS AND CHEERS)
Thank you, Agathe.
(CROWD CLAPS AND CHEERS)
HEDWIG: What do we call Maria now? Mama?
WERNER: She's not my mother.
Everything will be fine.
OLDER AGATHE: I thought I could just carry on,
show him how much he needed me,
how... indispensable I was to all of them, but...
You don't know how you fit in.
Exactly.
So, did Maria have children?
Oh, yes.
(MARIA SIGHS)
(SOUND OF FOOTSTEPS)
- Good morning, Papa. - Morning, Agathe.
- How did you sleep? - Very well.
- Enjoy your coffee, Papa. - Thank you.
Breakfast is ready downstairs.
She just brought us coffee.
I can't do anything without her
jumping out of nowhere and offering help.
- She does it deliberately. - By helping?
Don't pretend to be obtuse.
- You know what she's up to. - It's difficult for her.
She was very close to her mother. I'll speak to her.
I've been trying to make her happy.
But whatever I do seems to make her worse.
I said I'll speak to her.
Good.
- Agathe. - Yes, Papa?
Do you need anything?
Uhm... No, that's alright. I'll see you later.
Alright.
KIRSTY: He has a new wife,
a new baby, a...
new life.
But that doesn't mean you're not part of it though.
Just a less important part.
Mm... Circumstances change.
- People change. - Yes... And no.
VOICE OVER LOUDSPEAKER: Arriving shortly on track 2: the 3pm to Seattle.
This train will make stops at...
Isn't that your train?
There's another one in a bit.
GEORG: Are we all here?
GEORG: Sit down.
We're missing somebody.
- Agathe. - Someone go and fetch her.
JOHANNA: Agathe? Agathe?
I'm coming.
JOHANNA: She's coming.
Look towards me.
OLDER AGATHE: We tried to be a happy family
Of course we had no idea of what was to come.
I had my own battles to fight with my wicked stepmother.
(THEY CHUCKLE)
Do we have time for a drink?
- Yes, of course. - Alright then.
MARIA: My move. Four.
I'm leaving now.
To see Mrs Mayer. It's her birthday, remember?
- Send her my best. - She'll love the flowers.
They're for my mother.
I have chocolates for Mrs Mayer.
(MARIA SIGHS)
RADIO SPEAKER: German chancellor Hitler has announced restrictions
for Jews in many areas of public life.
Forthcoming legislation supported by the majority of Germans...
- AGATHE: I'd like to pick Sigi up. - KONRAD: Oh. Does your father know?
That is none of your business.
RADIO SPEAKER: The National Socialist Movement is standing firm
against these treasonable elements
and purging society of an epidemic that threatens the purity
of our great German culture.
No nation is immune to these...
Go to your room, please, darling.
(GEORG CLEARS HIS THROAT)
Do you think our money is safe?
- How do you mean? - In the bank.
Everything's feeling uncertain.
Better than under the mattress.
- Georg... - Of course it is.
I moved it back from London.
Is it safe in an Austrian bank?
Safer than in London. I know Frau Lammer personally.
Better to have it with someone you trust.
Don't worry.
There is nothing to concern yourself with.
Promise.
(CAR'S ENGINE SPUTTERS)
SIGI: Can I help you?
KONRAD: No thank you, it's all right.
What's that?
- Do you mind? - I can't believe it.
- Are you serious? - What is it to you?
- Does the captain know? - What business is it of his?
He'd like to know there's a Nazi working for him.
I'm sure the captain knows where my loyalties lie.
- To Hitler. - To Austria.
(SIGI SIGHS LOUDLY)
But I dare say
that jockey Dolfuss could learn something from across the border.
I mean, look at this place. It's a mess.
The recession ended four years ago and there's still no work.
I have a job, and so do you.
My two brothers are on the dole.
There's no welfare.
Where I come from, women and children are on the streets,
begging for bread.
Hitler will make it better?
- Maybe, yes. - Oh, come on.
Look what's going on there. Sigi, you're a Social Democrat.
Surely you approve.
- What are you talking about? - Look at where you work.
Everyone knows.
Germany's getting back on its feet while we're still on our knees.
You can't argue with Hitler's achievements.
More jobs, more workers' rights, more equality, stability.
But at what cost, huh?
- At what cost? - Something has to be done.
Surely a leftie like you doesn't think it's fair
that the power's in the hands of the rich.
And the lucky few they choose to elevate.
And joining Germany will solve everything?
Hitler just wants a war.
(CHUCKLING) Says who? Your old man?
I can form opinions on my own.
Nobody needs to be told anything. It's blindingly obvious.
Right.
Let's go. It's fixed.
(CHURCH BELLS)
I shouldn't expect a commie like you to understand.
And you veterans are all the same.
Still pining for your empire.
Yeah?
And you children are all the same.
Ungrateful recipients of privileges paid for in blood.
What did you ever fight for, Sigi?
(CAR HORN)
- SIGI: My home. - AGATHE: Beautiful.
- MRS MAYER: Oh, here she is! - Mrs Mayer!
I bought you these. Happy birthday.
You shouldn't have. She remembers my birthday.
- Not like you. - That's why we're here.
So come in. Welcome.
I've made Marillenknödel.
No! Oh...
- It's my favourite. - I know, I know.
Something wrong, dear?
No, not at all. Just...
It reminds me of my childhood.
Now... Let me have a good look at you.
Why so unhappy?
I'm not.
See, you mustn't be angry with your father.
You want him to be happy, no?
- Of course. - I know it's hard.
But it's not easy for him either.
Every time he looks at you he must see your mother.
I do.
SIGI: Your whole life revolves around your father.
- It's ridiculous. - Sigi!
SIGI: What do we want German fascists for when we have our own?
- Sigi... - What else can you call them?
They've outlawed anybody that doesn't agree with them.
The paper was raided twice in the last two weeks.
They'll shut it down soon.
Why talk about such miserable things?
Agathe, tell me about life in Salzburg.
Granny, this is important.
Lotte Lehmann is playing at the festival again.
Who's Lotte Lehmann?
The greatest soprano in the world.
That'd be nice, huh?
Oh, tickets are sold out.
- Next year, perhaps. - Mmm.
Granny, shouldn't you get your washing in? It's raining.
It's okay.
No, you should.
Oh, I see.
I hadn't realised how much I'd missed her.
Yeah.
- Agathe... - I should go and help her.
- She'll be fine... - It's fine. I don't mind.
Agathe, I...
AGATHE: Let me help you.
GEORG: Agathe? Is that you?
You think you might write to the Pastor?
Mother's grave was looking quite overgrown.
They haven't been removing the dead flowers either.
OLDER AGATHE: Sigi was right.
My whole life revolved around my father.
The time had come for me to move on, but...
I didn't realise it.
Perhaps I didn't even want to.
I was so occupied
with Maria.
I couldn't see anything else.
Not even what was happening outside my front door.
It turned out Konrad was not alone
in believing that a united Austria and Germany
might be for the best.
But...
it's hard to see the full picture
when you're standing so close.
(JOYFUL CLASSICAL MUSIC)
Hello, Günther!
(DOORBELL RINGS)
Mathilde, is Agathe in?
- Yes. - I've got something for her.
VOICE OVER LOUDSPEAKER: People of Salzburg!
The festival, your festival, has been hijacked by foreign artists!
Greedy Jews!
Will you let them infest your culture?
- Fight back! - WOMAN: Why are they saying that?
Boycott the Festpiele! Now!
(INAUDIBLE VOICES)
(INAUDIBLE CHATTER)
KONRAD: Heil Hitler!
- CROWD: Heil Hitler! - KONRAD: Heil Hitler!
CROWD: Heil Hitler!
MAN: Yeah, Sigi, come on here.
- MAN: This way. - Agathe, quick!
(FAINT OPERA SINGING)
(LOTTE LEHMANN SINGS FRANZ SCHUBERT'S "DIE FORELLE")
- (PIANO PLAYING STOPS) - LOTTE: This is where I'm..
Come on!
I can't believe it's her!
(LOTTE STOPS SINGING)
Is someone there?
I thought I made it very clear: No spectators.
You there.
No...
- Can you not speak? - Yes, uhm...
- Yes, I can. - I can't hear you. Come here.
I'm so sorry to disturb you, Madam Lehmann.
Well.
You know my name, so might I know yours?
Agathe.
I'm... I'm sorry. It will never happen again.
Do you like Schubert?
Yes, I... I do.
- Are you coming to the concert? - No.
You thought you'd get in for free.
No! We couldn't get any tickets.
Do you sing?
- Not anymore. - Why not?
Not since my mother died.
I am sorry.
- Did it happen recently? - Ten years ago.
You haven't sung for ten years?
Well, I'm not going to let you go until I hear you sing.
Up you come.
No, I... No, I can't.
- Come on... - You've heard me.
It's only fair, don't you think?
No, I... I really can't.
Come on, let's see. You like Schubert.
Do you know "Die Winterreise"?
- Yes. - Good.
Then I think you should sing...
"Frühlingstraum"?
Come. Bruno?
(BRUNO STARTS PLAYING SCHUBERT'S "FRÜHLINGSTRAUM")
I can't.
(AGATHE STARTS SINGING)
I can't hear you.
Good. Keep going.
Now breathe.
I'm sorry. I have to leave now.
Wait.
Where did you learn to sing like that?
Fr... From my mother, when I was little.
And what was your name again?
Agathe. Agathe von Trapp.
Any relation to the war hero?
- He's my father. - Really?
Well, Agathe von Trapp...
It was very nice to meet you.
You too.
SIGI: I mean, that was amazing.
- You sang for Lotte Lehmann. - I know...
(SIGI SIGHS)
- I'd forgotten. - What?
Well, just how beautiful your voice is.
(AGATHE LAUGHS)
(AGATHE SIGHS)
(LAUGHTER)
It's important to get your king in his castle quickly.
Herr Müller the attorney is here.
And don't cheat.
Ah, Franz! Unexpected pleasure.
- Georg. - Come, sit.
(AGATHE LAUGHS)
The accountants go in tomorrow, so we'll know more then.
How is this possible?
The travel agency side of the business was hit hard
by Hitler's taxes on German visitors.
There's a suspicion
the bank had been keeping it afloat.
- With my money? I must call Catherine. - Georg...
Miss Lammer was arrested this morning.
No...
I hope I'm making it clear how serious this is.
The bank is gone.
You need to prepare yourselves for the worst.
What does that mean?
- I'm sorry, I... - Franz.
It means...
everything is gone.
I'm sorry.
God help us.
- What are we going to do? - Nothing.
What do you mean, nothing?
What is there to do?
Except wake up tomorrow and do as always.
Have a family breakfast, play some music,
the children do their schoolwork.
You can't be serious.
- RUPERT: We could get jobs. - I could teach music.
- I don't want that. - They're right.
We should at least try.
We'll have to make some changes.
We'll have to let some of the staff go.
- What? - RUPERT: Maria's right.
We can't keep on living as if nothing's happened.
(HITLER ON RADIO, IN GERMAN) In our eyes, the German youth of the future
must be slim and trim,
swift as a greyhound,
tough as leather and hard as Krupp steel.
We have to educate a new...
GEORG: Ah, Konrad.
- Sir. - HITLER ON RADIO: ...destroyedby..
- Konrad... - HITLER ON RADIO: ...the symptoms...
Would you turn that off for me?
HITLER ON RADIO: ...ofthis time.
With all due respect, sir, that's our Führer.
Our Führer?
- You're not serious? - I am.
You don't believe this nonsense, do you?
- I do, sir. - The man's a dangerous idiot.
I think it remains to be seen.
I see.
I see. Uh, Konrad... I'm afraid I have some bad news.
With the collapse of the bank, things have changed.
The fact is... There's no easy way of saying this.
I can no longer afford to employ a chauffeur.
I'm so sorry.
- You're sacking me? - I can't employ you anymore.
I'll give you good references. You've been loyal.
And that's how the upper classes would pay loyalty?
It's to do with economics, not class.
If you want someone to blame, try Hitler. He's the cause of this.
Don't be a fool. It's a month's wages.
I don't want your pity money. That's what it is.
That's what this job was.
Pity.
You pitied me.
Like you always have.
I think you know that's not true.
Good luck, Konrad.
(DRAMATIC CLASSICAL MUSIC)
- There you go. - Thank you.
I know what you're thinking.
Poor me. No more servants to wait on me hand and foot.
But... it wasn't like that at all.
These dear people were like family to us.
We'd known them all our lives.
I won't lie though.
OLDER AGATHE: It took some getting used to.
(AGATHE SINGS BRAHMS' "LULLABY")
(DOORBELL RINGS)
- Mathilde! - (DOORBELL RINGS)
Will somebody please open the door?
I'm going, Papa.
(DOORBELL RINGS)
- (AGATHE SIGHS) - LOTTE: There she is.
My little songbird.
GEORG: You'll have to forgive us. Things are no longer easy.
LOTTE: Oh, no, no, no!
This is perfect.
Thank you.
- How is the festival? - Well...
The Nazis are determined to shut us down.
They protest to every performance and try to intimidate anyone connected.
They hate everything we value most.
Indeed.
Still, it doesn't affect ticket sales. We're never quick enough.
- Come as my guests. - Wonderful!
Agathe's already had a sneak preview.
Really?
Tell me, Captain, are all your children as gifted?
Uh, I'm sorry?
As Agathe, at singing?
Well, uh... Well, we... We do all sing, as a family.
How wonderful. I would love to hear that.
(CHILDREN SING FRANZ SCHUBERT'S "AVE MARIA" TO PIANO)
LOTTE: Brilliant.
MAN: They're coming!
NAZI: Let's meet up with the others.
NAZI: Near the doorway.
Idiots!
Come on, boys!
(GANG SHOUTS INAUDIBLY)
Don't worry. We'll get them later.
RIP HITLER'S MASK OFF. THE NAZIS ARE DECEIVING THE WORKERS!
She says we're totally unique.
As a family choir, I mean. At least not with our vocal range.
- What? - Nothing. I'm happy for you.
Sorry, I'm talking too much. I'm...
I'm excited. What about you?
Ach, nothing much.
Really?
You look exhausted.
- You've got black bags under your eyes. - Thank you.
- It's true. - Well...
We've been printing leaflets at night.
- What if someone finds out? - Ach... Nobody will find out.
What does your granny say?
Well, I hope she would be proud.
We have to do something.
Hitler's taken two Nazi ministers. It's happening.
We're all sleepwalking into it.
Please just be careful.
- What you're doing is dangerous. - I know.
- Little resistance fighter, me. - I'm serious.
Oh. So you're really worried about me.
I am.
Which means you care about me.
You know I do.
I better head home.
You better remember me when you're famous.
OLDER AGATHE: Lotte sang her last festival
that summer of '37,
but it wasn't the last we saw of her.
In many ways, she saved our lives.
- It's always nice to have you visit. - Thank you.
It might be the last time for a while.
Why?
I'm going on another American tour.
And I'm afraid I don't think I'll be coming back.
Really?
You must realise what's going on.
Well, things are a little uncertain...
I don't know. They feel quite certain to me.
This so-called unification will happen.
Just look at Germany to see what that will mean.
As far as the authorities are concerned,
my husband's children, or anyone of Jewish descent, will cease to exist.
Perhaps literally, if you believe what is being said.
You should come with me.
The family could open for me.
- What? - That would be wonderful.
People would love you.
We've never...
performed in public. And we won't.
That's not what I've heard.
Agathe, haven't you told him?
Told me what?
We've been planning a concert. Introducing the Trapp family.
Why don't I get us some tea?
Father, could you help?
How dare you make family decisions behind my back?
- I wanted to surprise you. - You have.
- You've shocked me. - It's an opportunity.
- To sing in public. - How would that make us look?
- I don't understand. - The humiliation.
- Don't be ridiculous. - It's not ridiculous.
It may be to you, but not to me. We have a family name to uphold.
No one knows us in America. You don't have to worry there.
What are you talking about? We're the von Trapps.
We're not a band of travelling minstrels.
- What about the Mozarts? - No...
You won't bamboozle me with that argument.
We are not abandoning our home because of some rumours of war.
Rumours?
- So many people are leaving! - We are not cowards!
We don't run at the first whiff of trouble.
Look around you!
Things are changing and we need to change with them to survive!
Surely even you can see that!
Who on earth do you think you are?
How dare you speak to me like that?
Ever since your mother died, you've taken the contrary position.
You tried to take control. You've been beastly to Maria.
From the first minute. Let me tell you something.
It is time that you grew up.
You are 24 years old.
Stop clinging to me, stop clinging to this family. Leave!
If you want to see the world, leave! Go to America! Be my guest.
Go with your glamorous friend.
But your family won't join you. Do you understand?
You shouldn't have said those things.
- She needed to hear it. - Nonsense.
The only person who needs to hear anything is you.
But you're deaf to all reason.
We must prepare ourselves to leave.
We can't pretend this isn't happening.
(AGATHE SOBS QUIETLY)
(DRAMATIC STRING MUSIC)
Where is Agathe?
I saw her go to her room.
Did she not hear the gong?
Perhaps you should check on her.
I'm sure she'll be fine.
OLDER AGATHE: So, there I was.
Just like you.
What is it?
I don't know.
I feel a little stupid, I guess.
Why?
Well, I mean...
There was so much going on around you then.
Everything was complicated.
And so dangerous.
For me, my mum and dad got split up.
He remarried and had a baby.
Get over it.
If only it were that simple.
Compared to you, maybe it should be.
So...
Did you leave?
I was about to.
(APPROACHING STEPS IN GRASS)
(CRICKETS AND BIRDS CHIRPING)
Where are you going?
I don't know.
Come with me.
(CHURCH BELLS RINGING)
Let's light a candle for your mother.
It reminds me of the convent.
- Do you miss it? - Not so much anymore.
It wasn't the life for me.
Why were you there then?
That, my dear, is another story for another time.
Your father is frightened.
He's been through one war,
and simply can't believe that, after all that,
after all those horrors,
there might be another.
He's an old Austrian.
An old Austro-Hungarian.
Indeed.
And he's frightened of change.
He's such a proud man.
And he lost everything.
It's hard for him.
I think I've been of little help.
That's not true.
It's strange and difficult for all of us.
So what can we do?
We help him as much as we can.
Understand, before we leave,
that we have no other choice but to leave.
- But to leave where? - America, of course.
But all in due time.
Firstly, we must get him to think this concert was all his idea.
You really do know my papa.
I like to think so.
So how do we do that?
Together. Because the one thing we have in common is
that we both love the old fool.
Georg, this isn't the 1920s.
The invasion is imminent, and we need to change.
One concert changes nothing.
Maybe not, but it's a start.
And who knows what may happen after? Things may come of it.
We have bills to pay, food to buy, clothes for the little ones.
I preferred it when you two didn't get along quite so well.
(CHURCH BELLS)
- There you are. - FRIEND: I... I'm sorry.
I... I came to say I'm not coming.
- What? - I can't.
This isn't a fight we can win.
So we just let them walk in and take over?
You know how many people have been killed.
Do you want to be the next?
- So you're scared? - Of course.
And you would be too if you had any sense.
You know what? Maybe I have no sense.
But I just can't do nothing!
That's how they win. That's how they always win!
(SOUND OF CAR APPROACHING SLOWLY AND STOPPING)
(DOORBELL RINGING)
(POURING RAIN)
- Konrad. - Captain. May I?
Ladies.
- What brings you here, Konrad? - A friendly word of warning.
Please don't tell anybody you heard it from me.
Unification is around the corner.
We're talking maybe weeks.
Well, I can't say I'm delighted by that.
I know we don't see eye to eye on this,
and that's precisely why I'm here.
Under the new regulations, for people unwilling to cooperate,
some, shall we say, reevaluation of their position
and ownership of their property will be unavoidable.
So the Nazis are eyeing up my house?
For crying out loud, Georg.
Captain...
- I'm on your side. - I don't think you are.
All I'm asking for is a small sign of collaboration.
I cannot collaborate with a party
that will see the destruction of Austria and all that I hold dear.
Oh.
My information tells me you and your family
are considering singing at the concert hall.
I was surprised that a family
of your standing... would even consider such a proposition.
But I know how dire your financial situation is.
That being said, you are under no circumstances to perform.
How dare you presume to come in here and tell me what I must do?
(KONRAD LAUGHS)
There will also be no more mingling with that Jew Reinhardt,
and what's left of his festival cronies.
Speaking of which,
it would do you a great deal of good
if this was to be seen flying from your roof
when the German troops march into Salzburg.
Trust me, Captain,
you won't regret it.
Good day.
(DOOR SLAMS SHUT)
You'll have your concert. Inform the relevant people
and make the necessary arrangements.
(CHILDREN LAUGH AND TALK INAUDIBLY)
(CHURCH BELLS TOLL)
I think it's the right thing to do. A show of resistance.
- It's just a concert. - But your father was warned off.
I think it's courageous.
Then I get to see you all sing again.
- Wait a second. - What are you doing?
- If someone comes, shout. - What?
Sigi...
I'm nearly done.
- (NAZIS LAUGHING) - Sigi!
Run!
It's him. Get him!
(SHOUTS)
(INAUDIBLE CRIES)
- (SIGI GROANS) - (MAN LAUGHS)
Hold him.
- (LAUGHTER) - MAN: Yeah.
(SLAMMING SOUND)
(GRUNTS)
Back off. Back off.
(DOGS BARKING IN DISTANCE)
Don't you see he's had enough?
- NAZI: Come on, get her. - KONRAD: No.
Alright, let's go.
OLDER AGATHE: Sigi died on the way to the hospital.
(DRAMATIC CLASSICAL MUSIC)
Agathe?
You were the love of his life,
Agathe...
He never was able to tell you, but he loved you more...
than life itself....
He would've done anything for you.
But...
Now he... he's with your mother.
I'm so sorry.
- You never knew? - That he loved me? Oh...
There was a lot I didn't know then.
Is that why you never got married?
- I'm sorry, I... - It's alright.
I do know that I never met anyone like Sigi again.
But that's one of life's great curses.
Of course.
You never know what you've got
until it's taken away.
- Did they catch them at least? - Oh no, no. It was hopeless.
By that time the Nazis weren't just thugs in the streets,
they already held positions in the government.
There was nothing we could do.
Except to try and honour Sigi.
Somehow.
- By fighting back? - In our own small way.
Yes.
(INAUDIBLE, EXCITED VOICES)
(INAUDIBLE WHISPERS)
There's no persuading him?
I was up half the night.
He doesn't approve. He'll never approve.
We can't expect him to be there tonight.
Come, leave him be. Let's go.
GIRL: Come on.
(INAUDIBLE VOICES)
THE SALZBURG CHAMBER CHOIR TRAPP
I thought you said they wouldn't sing.
My message obviously wasn't clear enough.
Voice over loudspeaker: The performance will start in three minutes.
Give it your all.
- This is just the beginning. - I hope so.
(PIANO INTRO TO FRANZ SCHUBERT'S "AVE MARIA")
(VON TRAPP CHILDREN SING FRANZ SCHUBERT'S "AVE MARIA")
The old man isn't there.
MAN IN AUDIENCE: Bravo!
- Well done! - Wonderful!
Bravo!
Well done.
Bravo!
I told you. I won't become a member of you wretched party.
What makes you think I'd take command of a submarine?
Is this really what you want? To go back to war?
Do you miss it so much?
Did you forget what it was like
lying in your bunk listening to the sounds of a 100 drowned men
knocking against the ship?
Why did you do it?
Why did you sing at that Jewfest?
Captain.
You've made your position impossible.
Sign it, Captain. Sign it or lose everything.
And by everything, I mean every... thing.
Are you threatening me, Konrad? How dare you?
You've got till midnight. Next time I come here, I won't be alone.
(OPERA ON RADIO)
I will not be driven away from our home!
From the things that define us! Never!
Is what defines you really here in this house?
It's time to listen, Georg. Time to act.
People are being arrested. They are disappearing.
No one knows what happened to them. See what happened to Sigi!
We are going to lose the house.
We are going to lose everything.
But we don't have to lose you as well.
- (FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING) - RUPERT: It's happening.
The Germans are approaching the border. They cross tonight.
(OPERA ON RADIO)
Time's up, Georg.
NAZI: You called me, Sir?
Get everyone ready.
(WHISTLES)
Let's go! Let's go!
Hurry up.
Come on.
Ready.
CHANCELLOR SCHUSCHNIGG ON RADIO: The President of the Confederation
charges me with communicating to the Austrian people
that we bow to violence,
since we do not intend at any cost
to shed German blood, not even in these dark hours.
We have given orders to our troops,
should the advance take place,
to retire without expecting the opposing resistance
and await the decisions of the forthcoming hours...
That's why he gave me till tonight.
Konrad. He knew.
(SCHUSCHNIGG ON RADIO, INAUDIBLE)
Get the little ones.
We need to leave now.
MARIA: Get your things.
- (DOGS BARKING) - Hurry up.
Come on, get him in the van.
MARIA: Leave it. Come on.
GEORG: Alright? Everybody here? Let's go. Quick as we can.
MARIA: Come on. Come quickly.
(MUSIC: VINCENZO BELLINI'S "CASTA DIVA" FROM "NORMA")
(DOOR CLOSES)
GEORG: Right, come on now. Follow me.
KONRAD: Dismount.
- AGATHE: Oh! - (SOUND OF DOOR BEING SMASHED IN)
(SOUNDS OF OBJECTS BEING SMASHED)
(MUSIC: VINCENZO BELLINI'S "CASTA DIVA" FROM "NORMA")
OLDER AGATHE: At the last moment, we were able to cross the border.
You came to America with nothing?
Mmm, only what we could carry.
Like so many others.
- Weren't you scared? - Yes. But we were a family.
We are a family.
And you are part of it.
Me? How so?
Because you are a von Trapp.
You are our legacy, my dear.
VOICE OVER LOUDSPEAKER: On Track 1, your train to Seattle.
Oh, there's your train.
VOICE OVER LOUDSPEAKER: ...the yellow line. The train departs...
Yeah.
VOICE OVER LOUDSPEAKER: Thank you for travelling with us.
Have a pleasant journey.
Merry Christmas.
Give my love to your mother.
(DOOR OPENS)
(DOOR CLOSES)
(KNOCKING ON CAR WINDOW)
(CAR DOOR OPENS)
Oh...
(AGATHE CHUCKLES QUIETLY)
MARCUS: She wasn't there. I missed her.
What are we going to do now?
Dad?
Kirsty.
- I'm sorry, Dad. - No, honey.
I'm the one who should be sorry.
I'm the one who's supposed to be a grown-up here.
So glad you're back.
Me too.
(INAUDIBLE CHATTER AND LAUGHTER)
AGATHE: Kirsty, dear.
- Aunt Agathe. - Here.
I want you to have this.
- Are you sure? - Of course.
I'll treasure it always.
I know.
Thank you.
(PIANO INTRO TO "SILENT NIGHT")
(FAMILY SINGS "SILENT NIGHT")
("SILENT NIGHT" FADES OUT AND SCORE FADES IN)
(MUSIC SPEEDS UP AND BECOMES MORE CHEERFUL)
THE SUCCESSFUL FEATURE FILMS "THE TRAPP FAMILY",
"THE TRAPP FAMILY IN AMERICA" AND "THE SOUND OF MUSIC"
MADE THE VON TRAPPS WORLD FAMOUS.
UNTIL RECENTLY, THE SIBLINGS WOULD MEET TO SING TOGETHER.
AT THE AGE OF 90, AGATHE WROTE DOWN HER MEMORIES.
THE STORY OF HER ESCAPE FROM HER HOMELAND
AND HER NEW LIFE IN THE US
STILL INSPIRES GENERATIONS OF VIEWERS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD