In 1964, the filming of **The Sound of Music** was anything but smooth.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eGNbT56R7p8

A single sound brought chaos to the set, nearly derailing one of the film’s most iconic scenes.

It wasn’t a dramatic or tragic moment; instead, it was something surprisingly funny—too funny, in fact.

Take after take was ruined as the cast struggled to maintain their composure.

The studio spent thousands trying to fix the situation, ultimately burying the story for decades.

That is, until Julie Andrews revealed the truth on live television.

What really happened in that gazebo scene?

And why did Christopher Plummer, who famously disliked the film, agree to keep quiet about the chaos?

### The Origins of a Beloved Story

The story of **The Sound of Music** began quietly in the mid-1950s.

In 1956, German producer Wolfgang Liebeneiner released two films based on Maria von Trapp’s memoir, *The Story of the Trapp Family Singers*.

These films, *Die Trapp-Familie* and its sequel, resonated deeply with post-war audiences in West Germany, who craved heartwarming tales of hope.

Both films became box office successes, capturing the hearts of viewers across Europe and even South America.

However, when American studios were shown these films, the reaction was less than enthusiastic.

Hollywood deemed them too sentimental and “foreign,” dismissing the possibility of bringing the von Trapp family’s story to the U.S.

That is, until director Vincent J. Donehue saw the potential beneath the surface.

### A Broadway Musical is Born

Donehue, having just won a Tony Award, recognized the story’s heart and soul.

He boldly suggested turning it into a Broadway musical for Mary Martin.

This simple idea triggered a chain reaction that would lead to one of the biggest musicals in history.

However, Maria von Trapp had made a questionable business decision years earlier.

In the early 1950s, she sold the film rights to her life story for a mere nine thousand dollars.

Even adjusted for inflation, that amount is only about one hundred four thousand dollars today—a tiny fraction of what the story would eventually earn.

When Hollywood came calling later, Maria stood firm, insisting that her family’s story be told truthfully.

### The Quest for Maria

By the late 1950s, Broadway star Mary Martin and her husband were determined to bring the von Trapp story to the stage.

However, they faced a significant hurdle: no one knew where Maria was.

At that time, she was deeply involved in missionary work in Papua New Guinea, with no means of communication.

When she finally returned to the U.S., Richard Halliday presented her with tickets to see his wife perform in *Annie Get Your Gun*.

Maria was captivated by Mary Martin’s performance but still explained that she had already sold the film rights.

Yet, she gave them a surprising green light, allowing them to pursue the project.

### The Gamble That Paid Off

When producers began developing the musical, they originally intended to mix traditional Austrian folk songs with a few new tunes.

However, when they approached Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein, they insisted on writing the entire score.

This decision transformed the project, leading to the creation of classics like *My Favorite Things*, *Do-Re-Mi*, and *Edelweiss*.

The show opened on November 16, 1959, at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre, starring Mary Martin as Maria.

The production cost four hundred thousand dollars but quickly became a sensation, generating over two hundred thirty-two million dollars in advanced bookings alone.

This was just the beginning of its success.

### From Stage to Screen

By the summer of 1960, a bidding war for the movie rights ensued.

Twentieth Century Fox emerged victorious, paying a staggering one million two hundred fifty thousand dollars for the rights.

This amount was more than thirteen million dollars today, a risky investment for a studio recovering from the disastrous *Cleopatra*.

Fox executives were hopeful, but the pressure was intense.

They included a clause in the contract that would pay Rodgers and Hammerstein’s estate ten percent of the profits if the film grossed over twelve and a half million dollars.

### Julie Andrews: The Star Who Almost Wasn’t

Julie Andrews was already a Broadway sensation by the early 1960s, but when it came to casting for *My Fair Lady*, Hollywood overlooked her.

Instead, they chose Audrey Hepburn, leaving Andrews devastated.

However, fate intervened when director Robert Wise saw an early cut of *Mary Poppins* and immediately wanted Andrews for the role of Maria.

Despite being offered a flat fee of two hundred twenty-five thousand dollars—without royalties—Andrews accepted the role.

Meanwhile, Mary Martin had negotiated a deal that earned her over eight million dollars from the Broadway profits.

### The Role No One Wanted

Casting Captain Georg von Trapp proved challenging, as many major actors turned down the role.

Christopher Plummer, who eventually took the part, initially rejected it multiple times, dubbing the film “The Sound of Mucus.”

However, he agreed to take on the role after meeting with director Robert Wise, on the condition that he could reshape the character.

Plummer’s insistence on depth and emotion led to the creation of the song *Edelweiss*, which added complexity to his character.

### Behind the Scenes Chaos

While filming, Plummer struggled with his own demons, often drinking during takes.

In fact, some of the most emotional scenes were shot while he was intoxicated, including the poignant moment when he sings *Edelweiss*.

Despite his personal battles, Plummer delivered a performance that moved audiences worldwide.

However, the irony was that his singing voice was often dubbed by Bill Lee, leaving him feeling undermined.

### The Gazebo Scene Disaster

One of the film’s most romantic moments, the gazebo scene, was a complete disaster to film.

The massive carbon arc lights used to simulate moonlight made a noise that sounded remarkably like a fart.

Every time Plummer leaned in to kiss Andrews, the sound interrupted the moment, leading to uncontrollable laughter from the cast and crew.

After numerous failed attempts, director Robert Wise decided to shoot the scene in silhouette to hide the laughter.

### Conclusion

The behind-the-scenes chaos of *The Sound of Music* reveals the complexities of filmmaking.

From unexpected disasters to personal struggles, the film became a symbol of resilience and creativity.

Despite the challenges, it transformed into a beloved classic that continues to resonate with audiences around the world.

Today, *The Sound of Music* remains a testament to the magic of cinema, showcasing both the triumphs and trials of its creation.