Angela Cartwright Talks The Sound of Music’s 60th Anniversary | Interview

Photo Credit: Disney

ComingSoon Senior Editor Brandon Schreur spoke to The Sound of Music’s Angela Cartwright about the 60th anniversary of the iconic musical movie. Cartwright discussed her experiences filming the movie and watching it for the first time, the legacy it has left on the world, and more.

“Experience the breathtaking theatrical presentation of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s iconic musical film The Sound of Music,” the synopsis for the movie’s theatrical rerelease reads. “Meticulously restored and remastered in 4K for its 60th anniversary, the beloved classic is more brilliant than ever with pristine picture and sound. In this true-life story, Julie Andrews lights up the screen as Maria, a spirited young woman who leaves the convent and becomes a governess to the seven unruly children of Captain von Trapp (Christopher Plummer). Her warmth, charm, and songs soon win the hearts of the children and their father. But when the threat of war rises, Maria is forced to attempt a daring escape with her new family. One of the most successful movie musicals of all time, The Sound of Music features unforgettable treasures like ‘Edelweiss,’ ‘My Favorite Things,’ ‘Climb Ev’ry Mountain’ and ‘Do-Re-Mi.’

The Sound of Music returns to theaters worldwide this weekend from Fathom Events, starting on September 12. It will also be available to purchase on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and Digital formats on September 23, 2025.

Brandon Schreur: Before I ask you anything, I just wanted to say real quick congratulations on the 60th anniversary of The Sound of Music. That’s a huge milestone and so exciting, so congratulations.

Angela Cartwright: It’s crazy. It’s so hard to believe that it’s been 60 years.

I’m sure. That leads into what my first question for you was going to be. Just in general, how does it feel now that The Sound of Music is turning 60? It’s such a big milestone, and it’s awesome to hear that it’s going back into theaters this weekend. Is it ever surreal to see that the movie has become such a big, iconic piece of art?

Well, it is kind of unreal. I don’t know how I feel. Of course, I’m very grateful to have been part of such an iconic movie. When we made it, we knew that it was something special. I think because of Julie, who just kind of charged through this movie and just owned it. We adored her. But we had no idea that it would span this amount of time. I mean, there are not a whole lot of movies that touch so many people all over the world, and they get such enjoyment out of watching it every time. Some people have seen it 500 or 600 times. I mean, it’s crazy. But I get suckered in every time that it’s on TV, too. I’m very anxious to see it in 4K, though. I think it’s going to be amazing.

I can’t wait, either. I’m so excited. I’d love to ask you some questions about what it was like filming The Sound of Music back then. Obviously, you’re one of the seven von Trapp children. Do you remember what it was like meeting the other six for the other time? Was it kind of an instant connection, or were there some nerves, there, like, ‘We’re all here, and let’s see how this turns out?’

There weren’t really nerves. I do remember that Heather, who plays Louisa, instantly, we made a connection because we both loved The Beatles. You know, we were teenagers. I was barely a teenager, I turned 12 on the movie. But I certainly loved The Beatles, and she did, too. So, it was like being in a place with your best friend. Going on a trip somewhere; you’re family was there, so that was good, but you were also with your best friend. We just had so many adventures. Our school teacher took us to so many places in Salzburg and around Austria and Bavaria as field trips. So, we really got to experience it all.

We were there much longer than we thought we’d be, in Austria, because of the rain. It did rain. But it was such a great experience, in my mind. It was a journey. And it has stayed that way for 60 years.

Totally. That leads into what I wanted to ask you next, because the seven of you came onto the project, I’m sure it was a huge big deal. But I’m curious how that relationship kind of changed as you went along filming. The more you guys hung out, how did you grow together?

Just like any family does. We just all, we went to school together. We had this connection because we were singing, we were dancing, we were in rehearsals, and then when we filmed. It was just like a family. And it still is, to this day. We call ourselves the non-Trapps. We have a Thread where we always stay in touch. We’ve been through births, deaths, marriages, and so many experiences, just like a regular family. But we live in all different parts of the continent. It’s kind of an anomaly, really. It’s just so weird that we’re all just this family unit. But we’re not related in any way, except through this movie.

That’s so awesome to hear, I love that. One of the things I’ve always loved about The Sound of Music — and I’ve seen this movie many times throughout the course of my life — but one of the things I’ve always loved is how, despite there being seven of the von Trapp children, they’re all so different. They all bring their own struggles, shortcomings, wants, and needs to this movie. What does this character that you play, Brigitta, mean to you at the time? Like, what stood out to you the most when you brought her to the screen while playing her?

Well, Brigitta was very unfiltered. She said whatever was on her mind. She noticed everything. She was kind of really a fun character, I thought. I felt that she fit me the best, except I’m a little more filtered than she is. I would never say, ‘Your face is all red!’ Or, ‘That’s the ugliest dress I’ve ever seen!’ Angela would not have done that. But Brigitta did! She just said what’s on her mind. I have a feeling that Brigitta was most like what the von Trapp mother was like. So, she learned a lot from that.

But each kid had their own personality. And that was not necessarily so in the play. Robert Wise created that. He created a family where people were different, just like in real life, instead of all these blonde kids. We each have our own personality. Duane [Chase] was a little more mischievous and much more quiet. Louisa would climb upstairs with spiders in a jar. I think people relate to the different people there are in this movie.

I totally agree. Another fun thing about the movie is that, obviously, we all know that, at the end, the real-life Maria von Trapp makes a cameo. At what point during the process of making The Sound of Music and after The Sound of Music’s release did you actually meet her and the rest of the von Trapps? What was that like?

Maria was in the scene, the ‘I Have Confidence.’ She’s in the background with Julie. We did meet her, just briefly. I didn’t really know who she was, at the time. We knew the story, but we basically knew the story that was in the script. So it wasn’t until later that I read the real story of the von Trapps, which is an amazing story. We did go to the von Trapp lodge, which is in Stowe, Vermont. And, oh my god, it looks very much like Austria up there. But they are a very resilient family, up there. They’ve created a beautiful space and have passed it down through generations. So, that was kind of enlightening. I could see these people coming to America and making their home there. But there were a lot of kids. I think there were ten, altogether.

That’s a lot.

Yeah. But I think it’s a wonderful story. And I think it was brought to the screen in such a great way. I don’t think it’s a sickly, sweet story. I know that Chris Plummer, in the beginning, had a lot of worry about that. I think Julie did, too. I just don’t think it is. When you see it, you see something in it.

Totally. We’ve talked about the filming of The Sound of Music, but do you remember the first time you ever actually sat down and watched the movie, from start to finish? I’m sure that’s a totally different experience from filming it. That first time you watched it, do you remember what it was like actually seeing the whole thing play out in front of you?

We saw bits and pieces of it when we were in Austria. Then we did a bit of looping, like up in the trees and stuff like that. We saw just little bits and pieces of it. But, as far as seeing it from beginning to end, it was really at the premiere. That was amazing. Bob Wise had us dressed in our party clothes that we wore in the movie, which was great, because that was taken care of. We arrived in a carriage, a horse-drawn carriage. And then all of Hollywood was there. I remember it being a very festive night; people were so excited to see this movie. And to sit in the theater, have the curtains open, and it was bigger than life. It was glorious, it really was.

That’s what’s so cool about it being in theaters. People can experience it on the big screen, which is how it was meant to be seen, originally, before it was playing at home on the television. Which it also stands up, but this is an experience to see it on the big screen.

That leads into my last question, too. I remember my mom showing me The Sound of Music when I was a little kid because it’s her favorite movie of all time. She never wavered on that, either; we’d make her go see Transformers and Star Wars, and we’d be like, ‘What’d you think?’ And she’d be like, ‘Well, The Sound of Music is better.’ Do you hear that a lot, as far as younger people? It’s the 60th anniversary of The Sound of Music; do you think of this as a timeless movie that’s going to keep getting passed down to generation after generation?

Oh, I do hope so. I mean, you’re a different generation from your mom. I know my grandkids — my kids, first of all, and then my grandkids. My kids have passed it to my grandkids. They love this movie. They love the music. It’s just a fun movie. So, I do hope it continues. Disney now owns it. I hope that they revitalize it every five years and give people the experience. That sing-along, I don’t know if you’ve ever been.

People are having fun in those.

That does not go away. People love it. They just love it. 

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Thanks to Angela Cartwright for taking the time to talk about The Sound of Music.

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