This classic musical continues to have wide appeal despite, or perhaps even because of, its cringe factor. Like that other widely-popular sing-a-long extravaganza, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, The Sound of Music draws loyal and enthusiastic audiences as well as newcomers who wonder what all the fuss is about. The mostly-happy Cinderella tale of nun-turned-governess-turned-wife, however, aims straight for the family market.

Maria (a smiley Julie Andrews) does her best as governess to the seven wealthy but unruly von Trapp children. It won't spoil the movie to reveal that she wins over not only the children, but their stern naval-officer father (Christopher Plummer in fine form) with her musical talents and upbeat view on life. For those of us who grew up watching it every year on TV at Christmas, the nostalgia it evokes contributes to a strange bond with people from around the world, so that someone from Canada might find themselves laughing, and yes, even cringing, with a South African who knows all the songs from the film.

There is more than nostalgia and family values, however, to this movie. The "true story" of the von Trapps takes place during the Nazi occupation of Austria, following which the family is forced to make a daring escape through the Alps. Mostly, however, this is a tale about looking on the sunny side of life, accompanied by such classic songs as "My Favourite Things" and "Do-Re-Mi." Anyone who appreciates the power of music can't deny the strange uplifting charm of this admittedly sappy movie.

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