There are many films that I can watch over and over, but none have captured my heart like The Sound of Music. It debuted when I was in fourth grade and is, by far, my favorite movie of all time. The beautiful music especially, always enthralls me. Several years ago I played the movie’s timeless “Bridal March” on the organ for the wedding of a friend. As she walked down the aisle, I couldn’t help but picture the iconic wedding scene of Maria and the Captain. Maria and the Von Trapp family pull me in with each twist and turn of their story. Each time I watch, I am struck with this simple theme woven throughout the movie: love wins out.
The Sound of Music not only quickly became my favorite movie, but also introduced me to my favorite actress, the iconic Julie Andrews.
This British dame has been stealing hearts for years, both with her films and her incredible four-octave singing range. My children grew up not only with The Sound of Music, but with our family favorite, Mary Poppins. I will never forget the many times I would sing along with my sons, Eric and Brian, as we attempted to spell “supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!”
Photo courtesy of moviesongs.com.
Throughout her illustrious career, Julie has proven herself a veteran of comedy, drama, and music and has received countless Academy and Tony awards for her performances. She touches each generation in a new way with her artistry and films. Her role as Queen Clarisse Renaldi in the two The Princess Diaries movies showcased both her comedy and grace. This role proved to be quite fitting considering Andrews was honored by the British Empire with the title of Dame Commander in 2000. After a disastrous throat surgery in 1997, her 2004 film, The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement, marked the first time she sang for the public since the surgery robbed her of most of her range.
In recent years, Andrews has transitioned into children’s entertainment. My grandchildren share my love for The Sound of Music and Mary Poppins but also recognize her voice in some of their favorite movies like Enchanted, Shrek, and Despicable Me. Andrews has also written several children’s books with her daughter, Emma.
Now in her eighties, Julie is still as elegant as ever. She sets such an example of effortless beauty and grace for women all over the world. I am continually in awe of her talent each time I watch one of her many films. The timeless elegance of Julie Andrews will allow her work to continue touching generations for years to come.
What is your favorite Julie Andrews film?
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Julie Andrews is my inspiration!
She has kept me sane during this pandemic. Oh how I wish I could tell het personally. If I had the privilege to meet this awesome lady…I would be so emotional…she is my heroine.
The best of of everything!
Love her so much.
Definitely Sound of Music because my Mom and Dad met in Salzburg, Austria, fell in love, married and my brother was born there. My Mom was a displaced person from Latvia during WWII. My Dad was an MP in the US Army. I’m glad and thankful they met and fell in love or I wouldn’t be here. Mom speaks many languages, always sought a Church and added special knowledge about Salzburg when we watched The Sound of Music. Also, Mom and Dad were married in the same Church in the movie. 🙂
Oh My Goodness ~ how could I possible choose just one?
Many good ones have been mentioned and I believe I’ve enjoyed each one many times.
I think my favorite is which ever one I am watching at the time!
Years ago, my family took turns suggesting people that we would like to meet. My response was Julie Andrews. My answer would be the same today.
I have always loved Julie Andrews and have seen everyone of her films! She is the epitome style and grace and have always wanted to meet her! I bought her book “Home” a couple of years ago and was very impressed in her coming from the background she had to the wonderful woman she is today!
The Sound of Music changed my life, after seeing that movie I had to go to Salzburg and see where the movie was made. While I was there I met my future husband, who was in the US Air Force. We met through an old high school friend I just happened to run into while in Salzburg,(small world) We went to all the beautiful places where the movies was made.
Just a couple of years ago we went back, not the same, with the Starbucks coffee and Mc Donalds, mingled among the quaint shops. But if you haven’t been, it is still a beautiful city.
The Sound of Music is “the“ movie for everyone to enjoy. All generations agree.
This sentence helped me often :“ When the Lord closes a door He always leaves a window opened.“ (When Maria leaves the Abbey.)
Julie Andrews is and will always be a wonderful lady.
I still remember when I was a little girl and my mother let me stay up late so I could watch Rogers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella with Julie Andrews. She was about 18 or 19 at the time (playing in My Fair Lady). What a treat! I still remember some of the songs. The rest of the cast was wonderful as well. I finally found a CD a few years ago and I still enjoy it just as much as I did then. She is definitely one of a kind!
I am a fan of Julie Andrews and The Sound of Music. It is because of this movie that I fell in love with Austria. I also watch Julie Andrews every New Year’s Day as she hosts the special presentation from Vienna. And yes Phyllis, I agree…such class, grace and real beauty that radiates from within.
I love the film, that she and James Garner also said was one of their favorites, The Americanization of Emily. It shows the smart, tough and funny side of Julie Andrews. Another one that they did together was Victor/Victoria with wonderful music by Henry Mancini.
Yes, the Sound of Music is an all time favorite. Julie Andrews is an absolute awesome performer and we have a collection of her CD’s
and love to play them on road trips….Think I’ll put one on when we
have dinner tonight. Truly a God blessed voice and we are all so lucky
she has shared her talent with us all. Thanks Julie and thank you too!
Carmel
I, too, grew up loving Julie Andrews and all her movies! Such grace, poise, kindness, etc. etc. etc. Lovely lady! The Sound of Music is my favorite of all movies! Still watch it!
I was privileged to see Julie Andrews in 1958 on the stage in London where she portrayed Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady with Rex Harrison as her costar. The American producer of the movie rendition did not think an unknown Englishwoman would be enough of a draw for his musical big screen extravaganza and so the part went to Audrey Hepburn, another favorite of mine. Julie Andrews sparked my love of live theater and I have never been disappointed in any venue in which she has performed, My compliments to you for this delightful affirmation of our lovely, classy Ms. Andrews.
Her movies were favorites in our household as well and continue to be with our granddaughter. However, one of my favorites is a holiday movie she made with James Garner called “One special night”. Beautiful scenery and touching story and, of course, the beauty and grace of Julie Andrews. Check it out!
Thanks for the summer reminder. Our grandchildren are here with us at the lake….. Perfect movies to again play!!!
I too absolutely adored Julie Andrews growing up. She has timeless grace, elegance and kindness just eminates from her. I am so excited that my grandchildren love her as much as I did and do! She proves that being a well spoken, caring and a lady is something that leaves a mark on all generations.
Ask my 4-year-old granddaughter what her favorite movie is, and she’ll quickly reply, “The Sound of Music”! She’s already watched it nearly a dozen times and has memorized lines and music. That being said, I love that movie dearly and saw it in the theater when I was a child — spectacular!
I love all of her movies. Have you seen “One Special Night” staring Julie Andrews and James Garner. Two of my favorite actors and they have such a chemistry between them. Very sweet movie.
I, too, grew up seeing her movies and hearing her amazing voice in musical wonderful albums.
Those are the bright spots in life, which we treasure.
So many beautiful memories!
Applause, and more! Julie has
grace, poise, and class. My
children loved “Mary Poppins.”
We all loved “The Sound of Music,” and we have enjoyed it
many times.
Who can forget Julie Andrews’ performances on The Carol Burnett Show? What a sense of humor she has.
Julie Andrews rules. I have idolized her since I was in kindergarten and she was Mary Poppins (which I saw five times, even had the Halloween costume and doll). I wished my name were Julie, and that I would one day sing and dance like her (none of those things happened). She has CLASS. And probably never uses all caps. Or sentence fragments. She is practically perfect in every way, after all.