As The Sound of Music celebrates its 60th anniversary, the surviving child stars—Kym Karath, Debbie Turner, Angela Cartwright, Duane Chase, and Nicholas Hammond—share exclusive insights into their favorite on-set moments and the mischievous pranks that solidified their lifelong bond, revealing a joyful reality behind the beloved classic.
For six decades, The Sound of Music (1965) has captivated audiences worldwide, becoming far more than just a film—it’s a cultural touchstone. Its enchanting songs, breathtaking Austrian landscapes, and a heartwarming tale of family and freedom have cemented its place as a perennial classic. As the movie celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2025, the surviving child stars who brought the von Trapp children to life are sharing never-before-heard insights into their experiences on set, offering a fresh perspective on the magic behind the beloved musical.
The film, starring Julie Andrews as Maria and Christopher Plummer as Captain von Trapp, was an immediate phenomenon. It became the first movie to gross over $100 million at the box office, winning five Oscars in 1966, including Best Picture and Best Director. Its soundtrack also achieved monumental success, topping the Billboard 200 chart for an astonishing 106 weeks in the top 10, underscoring its profound impact on popular culture.
Voices from the Past: Child Stars Share Core Memories
People magazine recently spoke exclusively with five of the surviving actors who played the von Trapp children: Kym Karath (Gretl), Debbie Turner (Marta), Angela Cartwright (Brigitta), Duane Chase (Kurt), and Nicholas Hammond (Friedrich). Their recollections paint a vivid picture of a production that was transformative for their young lives, filled with wonder, hard work, and genuine camaraderie.
For Kym Karath, who was just seven years old, the lavish production at 20th Century Fox was an awe-inspiring experience. She recalled the incredible wardrobe department, where clothes were meticulously designed and made for them, and being “in awe of the elaborate interior sets.” Karath also cherished the thrill of singing with a live orchestra, a memory that stands out from her early career.
Nicholas Hammond (Friedrich), who was 14 at the time, remembers the shift from sterile L.A. soundstages to the vibrant reality of Salzburg. “Suddenly, when you’re in costume, when you’re standing in the Mirabell Garden, when you’re jumping up and down those steps to the playback of ‘Do Ri Me,’ it suddenly felt, ‘This is huge,’” Hammond told People, realizing the immense scale of the project during filming in Austria.
Angela Cartwright (Brigitta), a seasoned child actor at 13, highlighted the extensive musical rehearsals that minimized mistakes during shooting. She vividly recalled the experience of performing at the open-air festival in Salzburg, singing alongside Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer in front of a live audience. Debbie Turner (Marta), then 8, viewed filming as an extension of childhood play, appreciating Julie Andrews’ warm and inviting nature. Andrews, who had not yet released Mary Poppins, was perceived simply as “this lady’s so nice!” by the young cast, as reported by People.
Duane Chase (Kurt), 13 when cast, recalled the moment director Robert Wise asked him if he’d like to go to Austria, confirming he had landed the part without a screen test. Chase also cherishes a signed photograph from Christopher Plummer, inscribed, “To those two laughing boys – your friend, Chris,” a testament to their on-set bond.
Behind the Scenes: The Unsung Challenges of Salzburg
Despite the idyllic portrayal on screen, filming in Salzburg was not without its difficulties. The cast and crew faced numerous challenges, including uncooperative locals, unpredictable weather, and the physical realities of growing child actors.
The local population initially resisted the production due to the story’s political message, with actor Nicholas Hammond noting, “The town didn’t want us there.” Even a local marionette theater refused to lend its puppets for the iconic “The Lonely Goatherd” scene, forcing the crew to create their own. The weather also proved challenging, with Salzburg experiencing its worst spring in 50 years, necessitating extensive use of arc lights to simulate sunshine.
Filming delays led to noticeable growth spurts among the child actors. Debbie Turner lost her front teeth, requiring fake ones, while Nicholas Hammond grew 15 cm taller, leading to constant costume adjustments and even having to stand barefoot in scenes to appear shorter than Charmian Carr (Liesl). For the scene where Captain von Trapp carries Gretl, Kym Karath had gained too much weight, requiring a stunt double. She also famously sank during the lake scene and “promptly threw up all over Heather Menzies (Louisa)” upon being rescued.
Even Julie Andrews faced hurdles, particularly during the iconic opening scene in the Austrian mountains. The downdraft from the helicopter filming her kept knocking her down, requiring multiple takes to capture the magical shot. Christopher Plummer, initially reluctant about his role, famously called the film “The Sound of Mucus,” though he eventually grew to appreciate its impact and his bond with Andrews.
A Family Forever: The Lasting Bond of the Cast
Despite the challenges, the nine-month filming process fostered an unbreakable bond among the cast members. The child stars, affectionately referring to themselves as “Non-Trapps,” found themselves spending a lot of time together, both on and off set. Organized field trips arranged by their set teacher took them to castles and Bavarian wonders, creating shared memories beyond the filming itself.
Angela Cartwright recounted the “mischievous pranks” they played in their hotel during rainy days, such as switching guests’ shoes left out for shining. Nicholas Hammond also remembered “terribly innocent” pranks like throwing toilet paper out of windows. These lighthearted moments, born from youthful boredom, further solidified their enduring connection, a bond they maintain to this day.
The cast’s first collective viewing of the finished film at the premiere in Los Angeles was another indelible moment. Angela Cartwright recalled the grandeur of arriving in a carriage and wearing their party clothes from the movie, witnessing the “huge” event unfold before their eyes. The shared experience of creating movie history and navigating the challenges together forged a family unit that transcends the screen, as highlighted by People.
Salzburg’s Continued Celebration: Fan Experiences Today
The magic of The Sound of Music continues to thrive, especially in Salzburg, Austria, where the true story began and much of the film was shot. For the 60th anniversary, the city is rolling out numerous attractions for fans worldwide:
- Sound of Music Tour: Panorama Tours, which handled transportation for the cast and crew during filming, offers tours to iconic locations like Mirabell Gardens, Leopoldskron Castle, and the basilica in Mondsee.
- Exhibitions: Schloss Leopoldskron will host a guest exhibition, “Sound of Music Salzburg – Insight and Outlook,” from March 22, 2025. A dedicated Sound of Music Museum is also planned to open at Hellbrunn Palace in 2026.
- Marionette Theater: The Salzburg Marionette Theater, known for its unique productions, will feature weekly performances of “The Sound of Music” from May to August.
- “Dirndl Meets Hollywood” Exhibition: From July 3 to September 6, 2025, the Salzburger Heimatwerk will display traditional dirndl dresses, exhibits from the Trapp Family, and items from the Roger Pluijm collection, celebrating the film’s influence on alpine fashion. An anniversary dirndl based on Maria’s design will also be available for purchase.
- Culinary Journeys: Special tours offer Maria’s favorite dishes, such as schnitzel with noodles and crispy apple strudel, with options for cooking classes to prepare traditional Salzburg desserts.
A Legacy That Sings On
Six decades after its premiere, The Sound of Music continues to resonate deeply with audiences, not just as a piece of cinema, but as a source of joy and escape. The candid recollections from its child stars, revealing the wonder and the playful mischief behind the scenes, only add to the rich tapestry of its history. Their enduring bond, a “second family” forged amidst Austrian rain and Hollywood magic, mirrors the film’s timeless message of love, family, and the power of music. As Salzburg celebrates its anniversary, the hills are indeed still alive with the sound of music, inviting new generations to explore its captivating realm.
