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An iconic image of Julie Andrews in "The Sound of Music". Source: https://www.britannica.com/ topic/The-Sound-of-Music-film-by-Wise (May be subject to copyright) |
Yet, hearing the names of the characters and parts of the story, did bring back memories of Christmas Eves past, a weird skit night in university, and more recently a very sad time.
You’re getting sleepy
Back in the days of the three channel universe, there was not a lot on TV on Christmas Eve. But, rest assured CTV would air “The Sound of Music” on Channel 13.
Back in the days of the three channel universe, there was not a lot on TV on Christmas Eve. But, rest assured CTV would air “The Sound of Music” on Channel 13.
The image of Julie Andrews running in a field towards the screen and belting out, “The hills are alive with the sound of music” is burned in my brain. Yet, if memory serves, I have never actually seen that scene, and for a very simple reason.
In our family, the tradition was to open presents on Christmas Eve. So, after the presents were opened, we would settle in to watch “The Sound of Music”.
Without fail, I would get comfortable on the couch, maybe even stretch out, start getting into the movie – and fall asleep.
Every time.
The Sound of Music meets Peter Gunn
When I went to university, the students’ association of the residence I lived in hosted these week-long events or festivals at various times throughout the year. There were three towers in the complex – Kelsey, Henday and Mackenzie Halls – and each one took turns hosting a hall event. Teams were called units, and each one was made up of three floors, one from each tower.
When I went to university, the students’ association of the residence I lived in hosted these week-long events or festivals at various times throughout the year. There were three towers in the complex – Kelsey, Henday and Mackenzie Halls – and each one took turns hosting a hall event. Teams were called units, and each one was made up of three floors, one from each tower.
In 1988, Henday Hall hosted “Skulktoberfest” which had an Oktoberfest and German theme. One of the events, in this week of activities, was a lip sync or skit night. The theme was “The Sound of Music”.
My floor, Fifth Kelsey was in a unit with Third Henday and 10th Mackenzie. We gathered on Third Henday, who were the leaders of our unit, to brainstorm what to do for the entire week.
Everything was settled, except the skit. I met with the other coordinators, Peter Thomas of Third Henday, and Scott Empson, of 10th Mac. I am not sure how we came up with the idea we did.
Scott would dress up as essentially the Julie Andrews character, and start singing “A Few of My Favourite Things”. Then he would start flashing joints. Then Peter, me and two guys from his floor named John and Rob, dressed in suits and sun glasses would come in to the theme from “Peter Gunn”. We would dance some sort of weird polka, that involved chest bumping, then chase after Scott, arrest him and take him away.
We didn’t win, although we had by far the most unique, or at least most unorthodox, take on the “Sound of Music” theme. It turns out we were disqualified because we were only supposed to use the music from “The Sound of Music”.
Scott and I were not impressed.
I would likely have been madder if I had seen the whole movie.
Paying tribute
It was a year ago in October when we laid my Mom to rest. When we were putting together the music, my brother, sister and I all agreed on “Edelweiss”. It was one of Mom’s favourite songs, and it was in “The Sound of Music”.
It was a year ago in October when we laid my Mom to rest. When we were putting together the music, my brother, sister and I all agreed on “Edelweiss”. It was one of Mom’s favourite songs, and it was in “The Sound of Music”.
When the funeral home was putting together a slide show of pictures, we had supplied two songs to go with it. When they put together all the photos, a third song was needed. So, we suggested “Edelweiss”.
My Mom had seen “The Sound of Music” several times, and liked the movie. More importantly, she really liked that song.
Being German, and having an actual Edelweiss pressed in her photo album that she had picked herself, it seemed like a fitting tribute.
Parting thoughts
“The Sound of Music” is one of those iconic movies that can be used for a variety of purposes. It is interesting that I have never seen it beginning to end, but ended up using content from it, for other things, both happy and sad.
“The Sound of Music” is one of those iconic movies that can be used for a variety of purposes. It is interesting that I have never seen it beginning to end, but ended up using content from it, for other things, both happy and sad.
With a live version of “The Sound of Music” taking the stage here in Claresholm in January, I will finally have my chance to see it beginning to end.
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