73711618 the Sound of Music Script

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The Sound of Music

FADE IN

EXT. THE AUSTRIAN ALPS - DAY - HELICOPTER SHOTS

The screen glows an eerie blue, then fills with swirling white mists. Weflythrough the misty cloud and emerge over a craggy, snow-drapedmountain range.

The massive, forbidding peaks stretch to the horizon, then disappearbehindmore dense mist. The white fog gives way to silky sheets of snowcovering amountainside.

We fly over a sheer rock face. Hundreds of feet below a river runsthrough agrassy valley like a glistening white ribbon.

The snow-covered Alps give way to gently rolling hills and lush forests.

Birds whistle. We fly out from behind a hillside and over a broad lake,glittering in the brightening sunshine. MUSIC sneaks in.

We fly over a clear glassy lake that mirrors a huge mountain beside it

andthe blue sky above. Then over a magnificent green valley nestledamong thehills.

In the valley below, the roofs of a small town lie clustered togetherarounda church and its steeple.

Now, we glide over elegant, lakeside castles and mansions with acresof

emerald green farmland.

We fly toward a sunny alpine meadow where a young woman withshort blondehair strolls through the grass, swinging her arms in a carefree stride.Shewears black shoes and stockings and a gray smocked apron over ablack dress.



Her name is Maria.

As we close in on her rapidly, she spreads her arms and twirls in a joyfulspin.

MARIA(sings) The hills are alive with the sound of musicWith songs they have sung for a thousand years The hills fill my heart with the sound of musicMy heart wants to sing every song it hearsMy heart wants to beat like the wings of thebirds that rise from the lake to the treesMy heart wants to sigh like a chime that fliesfrom a church on a breeze

She runs to a brook and skips stones in it.

MARIA(sings) To laugh like a brook when it trips and falls overstones on its way To sing through the night like a lark who is learning toprayI go to the hills when my heart is lonelyI know I will hear what I've heard before

My heart will be blessed with the sound of musicAnd I'll sing once more

Church bells toll in the distance.

Maria's dreamy smile fades and becomes a confused frown. Withsuddenrealization, she puts a hand to her head and gallops across the field.Shestops, searches for something, and spots a black wimple headpiecelying in

the grass.

MARIA Ohhhh!

She snatches it up, then dashes off.

MAIN TITLE SEQUENCE - VIEWS OF SALZBURG, AUSTRIA



A title reads: "Salzburg, Austria in the last Golden Days of the Thirties"

INT. THE ABBEY - DAY

Nuns in black habits and novices wearing smocked gray aprons walk

calmlyacross a cobblestone courtyard. Carrying Bibles, they file into a chapeldecorated with richly colored stained glass windows and stonesculptures.

The women chant in Latin: "Dixit dominus" -- followed by a "MorningHymn" and"Alleluia."

Kneeling at the altar with two sisters the Reverend Mother raises hergently

lined face to an artistic rendering of the Madonna and Child and claspsherwhite-gloved hands in prayer. The other sisters kneel in the pews.Blackhood-like wimples, lined with pleated cloth frame their faces and covertheirhair. Frail, elderly nuns kneel side by side with youthful novices inmeditation and prayer.

Church bells ring. The Reverend Mother rises to her feet, turns to thecongregation of sisters and crosses herself.

OUTSIDE THE CHAPEL - LATER

The Reverend Mother walks with two sisters: SISTER BERTHE, theMistress of Novices who would probably enjoy using a ruler on your knuckles andSISTERMARGARETTA, the Mistress of Postulants, who probably will one day bemade asaint. A young nun approaches.

SISTER BERNICE Reverend Mother?

MOTHER ABBESS Sister Bernice?

SISTER BERNICE I simply cannot find her.

MOTHER ABBESS Maria?



SISTER BERNICE She's missing from the Abbey again.

SISTER BERTHE Perhaps we should have put a cowbell around herneck.

SISTER MARGARETTA Have you tried the barn? You know how muchshe adores theanimals.

SISTER BERNICE I have looked everywhere, in all of the usual places.

MOTHER ABBESS Sister Bernice, considering that it's Maria, I suggestyoulook in someplace unusual.

Sister Bernice nods and walks away. The three nuns cross the

courtyard.

SISTER BERTHE Well, Reverend Mother, I hope this new infraction endswhatever doubts you may still have about Maria's future here.

MOTHER ABBESS I always try to keep faith in my doubts, Sister Berthe.

SISTER MARGARETTA After all, the wool of a black sheep is just aswarm.

SISTER BERTHE We are not talking about sheep, black or white, Sister

Margaretta. Of all the candidates for the novitiate I would say thatMaria isthe least likely--

MOTHER ABBESS (chides them) Children, children.

Mother Abbess sees several nuns gathered, staring at them, puzzled.

MOTHER ABBESS (to the other nuns) ... er, we were speculating aboutthequalifications of some of our postulants. The Mistress of Novices and

theMistress of Postulants were trying to help me by expressing oppositepointsof view. Tell me, Sister Catherine, what do you think of ... Maria?

SISTER CATHERINE She's a wonderful girl ... some of the time.

MOTHER ABBESS Sister Agatha?



SISTER AGATHA It's very easy to like Maria ... except when it's, uh,difficult.

MOTHER ABBESS And you, Sister Sophia?

SISTER SOPHIA Oh, I love her very dearly. But she always seems to beintrouble, doesn't she?

SISTER BERTHE Exactly what I say!(sings)She climbs a tree and scrapes her kneeHer dress has got a tear

SISTER SOPHIA (sings)

She waltzes on her way to MassAnd whistles on the stair

SISTER BERTHE (sings)And underneath her wimpleShe has curlers in her hair

SISTER CATHERINE (sings)I've even heard her singing in the Abbey

SISTER AGATHA (sings) She's always late for chapel

SISTER SOPHIA (sings) But her penitence is realSISTER BERTHE (sings) She's always late for everythingSISTER CATHERINE (sings) Except for every mealSISTER BERTHE (sings)I hate to have to say itBut I very firmly feel

SISTERS BERTHE AGATHA SOPHIA CATHERINE (sings)Maria's not an asset to the Abbey

SISTER MARGARETTA (sings) I'd like to say a word in her behalf

MOTHER ABBESS (spoken) Then say it, Sister Margaretta.

SISTER MARGARETTA (sings) Maria makes me laugh

Sister Berthe scowls. Reverend Mother smiles.

MOTHER ABBESS (sings)





How do you solve a problem like Maria?How do you catch a cloud and pin it down?How do you find a word that means Maria?A flibbertijibbet!SISTER MARGARETTA A will-o'-the wisp!

SISTER BERTHE A clown!

THE SINGING NUNSMany a thing you know you'd like to tell herMany a thing she ought to understandMOTHER ABBESS (sings) But how do you make her staySISTER BERTHE (sings) And listen to all you say?SISTER MARGARETTA (sings) How do you keep a wave upon the sand?

THE SINGING NUNS Oh, how do you solve a problem like Maria?

A door slams. Footsteps, running. Maria races headlong into thecourtyard,snatches a handful of water from a nearby pump and gulps it down. Then,wimple in hand, she tears past the nuns and stops dead in her tracks.Shemeets their startled gaze. Then rolls her eyes to Heaven helplessly andwalksaway.

THE SINGING NUNS How do you hold a moonbeam in your hand?

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. CORRIDOR - LATER

Maria waits in the dark, austere hallway. Sister Margaretta emergesfrom anoffice.

SISTER MARGARETTA You may go in now, Maria.

Maria gulps nervously. Sister Margaretta smiles and squeezes her arminencouragement. Maria steps into ...

THE REVEREND MOTHER'S OFFICE

Maria shuts the door behind her.



MOTHER ABBESS Come here, my child.

Maria hurries over to the Abbess who sits behind a large desk. Shekneels andquickly kisses the Reverend Mother's hand.

MOTHER ABBESS Now, sit down.

MARIA Oh ... Oh, Reverend Mother, I'm so sorry. I just couldn't helpmyself. The gates were open and the hills were beckoning and beforeI--

MOTHER ABBESS Maria, I haven't summoned you here for apologies.

MARIA Oh, please, Mother, do let me ask for forgiveness.

MOTHER ABBESS If it'd make you feel better.

MARIA Yes. Well, you see, the sky was so blue today and everythingwas sogreen and fragrant, I just had to be a part of it. And the And theUntersbergkept leading me higher and higher as though it wanted me to go rightthroughthe clouds with it.

MOTHER ABBESS Child, suppose darkness had come and you were

lost?

MARIA Oh, Mother, I could never be lost up there. That's my mountain.I was brought up on it. It was the mountain that led me to you.

MOTHER ABBESS Oh?

MARIA When I was a child, I would come down the mountain and climba treeand look over into your garden. I'd see the sisters at work and I'd hearthem

sing on their way to vespers. Which brings me to anothertransgression,Reverend Mother. I was singing out there today without permission.

MOTHER ABBESS Maria, it is only here in the Abbey that we have rulesaboutpostulants singing.



MARIA I can't seem to stop singing wherever I am. And what's worse, Ican't seem to stop saying things. I ... everything and anything I thinkandfeel.

MOTHER ABBESS Some people would call that honesty.

MARIA Oh, but it's terrible, Reverend Mother. You know how SisterBerthealways makes me kiss the floor after we've had a disagreement? Well,lately,I've taken to kissing the floor when I see her coming -- just to savetime.

MOTHER ABBESS Maria ... when you saw us over the Abbey wall andlonged to

be one of us, that didn't necessarily mean that you were prepared forthe waywe live here, did it?

MARIA No, Mother, but I, I pray and I try. And I am learning. I really am.

MOTHER ABBESS And what is the most important lesson you havelearned here,my child?

MARIA To find out what is the will of God and ... to do it

wholeheartedly.

The Reverend Mother stands up decisively.

MOTHER ABBESS Maria, it seems to be the will of God that you leaveus.

MARIA Leave?!

MOTHER ABBESS Only for a while, Maria.

MARIA Oh, no, Mother! Please don't do that! Don't send me away! Thisiswhere I belong. It's my home, my family. It's my life.

MOTHER ABBESS But are you truly ready for it?

MARIA Yes, I am.



MOTHER ABBESS Perhaps if you go out into the world for a time,knowing whatwe expect of you, you will have a chance to find out if you can expectit of yourself.

MARIA I know what you expect, Mother. And I can do it. I promise Ican.

MOTHER ABBESS Maria.

Maria gazes into the nun's stern, kind face.

MARIA Yes, Mother. (sinks into her chair) If it is God's will.

The nun picks up a letter from her desk.

MOTHER ABBESS There is a family near Salzburg that needs agoverness untilSeptember.

MARIA Until September!

MOTHER ABBESS To take care of seven children.

MARIA Seven children!

MOTHER ABBESS Do you like children, Maria?

MARIA Oh, yes, but seven ... ?

MOTHER ABBESS I will tell Captain Von Trapp to expect you tomorrow.

MARIA Uh, Captain?

MOTHER ABBESS A retired officer of the Imperial Navy. A fine man andabrave one. His wife died several years ago leaving him alone with the

children. Now, I understand he's had a most difficult time managing tokeepa governess there.

MARIA Uh ... why "difficult", Reverend Mother?

MOTHER ABBESS The Lord will show you in His own good time.



Maria gives her a look.

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. THE TRIP TO THE VON TRAPPS' - DAY

Maria walks out of the Abbey wearing a drab gray dress, baggy burlap jacket,and a wide-brimmed leather hat. She carries a guitar case in one handand acarpetbag in the other.

Maria stops and looks back with a sad, wistful frown, then continuestowardthe Abbey's iron gates.

MARIA When the Lord closes a door... (sighs)... somewhere he opens awindow.(sings)What will this day be like? I wonder.

Maria steps through the gate and out into the sunlight.

MARIA(sings)What will my future be? I wonder.It could be so exciting to be out in the world, to be free

My heart should be wildly rejoicingOh, what's the matter with me?

I've always longed for adventure To do the things I've never daredNow here I'm facing adventure Then why am I so scared?

Maria leans against a stone wall.

MARIA

(sings)A Captain with seven childrenWhat's so fearsome about that?

She walks into the town square.

MARIA(sings)



Oh, I must stop these doubts, all these worriesIf I don't I just know I'll turn backI must dream of the things I am seekingI am seeking the courage I lack

She stops by a fountain.

MARIA (sings) The courage to serve them with relianceFace my mistakes without defianceShow them I'm worthyAnd while I show themI'll show me

So, let them bring on all their problemsI'll do better than my best

I have confidence they'll put me to the testBut I'll make them see I have confidence in me

She boards a bus.

MARIA (sings)Somehow I will impress themI will be firm but kindAnd all those children -- Heaven bless them! They will look up to meAnd mind me with each step I am more certain ...

She gets off the bus.

MARIA (sings)... Everything will turn out fineI have confidence the world can all be mine They'll have to agree I have confidence in me

She skips and dances down a tree-lined road, swinging her baggageand kickingher heels together.

MARIA (sings)I have confidence in sunshineI have confidence in rainI have confidence that spring will come againBesides which you see I have confidence in me

Strength doesn't lie in numbers



Strength doesn't lie in wealthStrength lies in nights of peaceful slumbersWhen you wake up -- Wake Up!It's healthy!

All I trust I leave my heart toAll I trust becomes my ownI have confidence in confidence alone ...

Panting, Maria stumbles to a stop in front of an imposing, elegantmanor. Sheapproaches the huge iron gate and peers in, unconfidently.

MARIA (spoken quietly) Oh, help!

She opens the gate and enters. She hesitates for a moment, her back

to thegate, then marches forward.

MARIA (sings)I have confidence in confidence aloneBesides which you see I have confidence in me!

She sprints across the circular gravel driveway and stops at the frontdoor,setting her luggage down and pressing the door bell. She leans, out of breath, on the wall by the doorbell.

MARIA Oh!

Franz, the dour-faced butler, opens the door. She instantly straightens.

MARIA Hello! Here I am!

He studies her homely clothes with a doubtful look.

MARIA I'm from the convent. I'm the new governess, Captain.

FRANZ And I'm the old butler, Fraulein.

MARIA (disappointed) Oh. (makes the best of it, upbeat) Well, how doyou do?

She shakes his hand. He doesn't smile.

MARIA Hmm.



Maria picks up her guitar case and carpetbag and follows him into thehouse.

INT. VON TRAPP VILLA - CONTINUOUS

Maria's eyes widen at the cavernous, opulent front hall.

FRANZ You'll, uh -- wait here please.

With a last dubious glance at Maria, Franz stalks away. As if in atrance,Maria walks slowly down the front stairs and sets her baggage down.Shestares at the gilded furniture and glittering crystal chandelier.Balconies

line the upper walls on either side of the vast, spotlessly white room.

Walking across the gleaming wood floor, Maria stops in front of aclosed doorand peers in through the crack. She gently pushes the door open andstaresinto a dark, ornate ballroom lined with gilt-edged mirrors and dustywindows.Maria enters hesitantly. Cloth dustcovers hang from the chandelier.Mariawanders across the dance floor, clasping her hands together in

excitement.She drops an exaggerated curtsy to an imaginary dance partner, thenswitchesplaces and bows deeply. Suddenly, the doors to the ballroom fly open.Mariastraightens from her bow.

A tall, elegantly handsome man with sharp, aristocratic features standsinthe doorway. He wears a trim gray suit with green cuffs and lapels.Startled,

Maria gazes fearfully at him and hurries out of the room.

CAPTAIN In the future, you will kindly remember there are certainrooms inthis house which are not to be disturbed.

MARIA Yes, Captain. Sir.



Captain Von Trapp closes the ballroom doors. Maria stares at him andsmiles.

CAPTAIN Why do you stare at me that way?

MARIA Well, you don't look at all like a sea Captain, sir.

CAPTAIN I'm afraid you don't look very much like a governess. Turnaround, please.

MARIA What?

CAPTAIN Hmm, turn.

Maria turns around as the Captain scrutinizes her clothes.

CAPTAIN Hat -- off.

She removes her leather hat.

CAPTAIN Sss -- It's the dress. You'll have to put on another one beforeyoumeet the children.

MARIA But I don't have another one. When we enter the Abbey, ourworldlyclothes are given to the poor.

CAPTAIN What about this one?

MARIA Well, the poor didn't want this one.

CAPTAIN Hmm.

MARIA Well, I would have made myself a new dress, but there wasn'ttime. Ican make my own clothes.

CAPTAIN Well, I'll see that you get some material... today, if possible.Now, Fraulein ... uh ...

MARIA Maria, sir.

CAPTAIN Fraulein Maria, I don't know how much the Mother Abbess hastold you.



MARIA Not much.

CAPTAIN You are the twelfth in a long line of governesses, who havecome tolook after my children since their mother died. I trust that you will be

animprovement on the last one. She stayed only two hours.

MARIA (giving him a worried look) What's wrong with the children?

CAPTAIN (pauses) There's nothing wrong with the children -- only thegovernesses.

MARIA Oh.

CAPTAIN They were completely unable to maintain discipline. Without

it,this house cannot be properly run. You will please remember that,Fraulein.

MARIA Yes, sir.

CAPTAIN Every morning you will drill the children in their studies. I willnot permit them to dream away their summer holidays. Eachafternoon, theywill march about the grounds, breathing deeply. Bedtime is to bestrictly

observed, no exceptions...

MARIA Excuse me, sir, when do they play?

CAPTAIN ... You will see to it that they conduct themselves at all timeswith the utmost orderliness and decorum. I'm placing you in command.

MARIA (with an overly enthusiastic salute) Yes, sir!

The Captain gives her look as if to ask, "Are you mocking me?" Mariaraises

her eyebrows at him. The Captain abruptly takes a silver boatswain'swhistlefrom his pocket and blows it shrilly. Maria's mouth drops open insurprise. Thunderous, pounding footsteps are heard above. Maria ducks forcover besidethe Captain.



Upstairs, six children, wearing identical blue sailor's uniforms dash outof their rooms and line up according to age along the balcony railing,standingat attention. Maria silently counts them. The Captain blows his whistle

againin a rhythmic pattern. Swinging their arms, the children march brisklydownstairs into the hall.

The oldest is a pretty, fresh-faced sixteen year old girl with wavybrownhair (Liesl). The next is a blonde, blue-eyed boy (Friedrich). Behind himmarches a girl with golden braids (Louisa). Then, a chubby-cheekedboy (Kurt).A little girl with brown hair and a button nose follows (Marta). A fiveyear

old girl with a round face brings up the rear (Gretl). There's anoticeablegap between Kurt and Marta -- one of the children is missing.

Responding to the Captain's whistle, they line up and stand atattention.

A dreamy-eyed girl with long black hair wanders in, her nose buried ina book(Brigitta). The Captain holds out his hand. She gives him the book andturns

to take her place in the line-up. The Captain gives her a gentle,scoldingtap on the rear. She takes her place.

The Captain paces back and forth before them, inspecting his troops.Hestraightens Kurt's collar. Friedrich's posture is not all that it could be. The Captain demonstrates.

CAPTAIN Hup.

The boy puffs out his chest.

CAPTAIN Now ...

He drops Brigitta's book on a nearby table.

CAPTAIN ... this is your new governess, Fraulein Maria.



The children eye her disapprovingly.

CAPTAIN As I sound your signals you will step forward and give yourname.(to Maria) You, Fraulein, will listen carefully, learn their signals, so that

you can call them when you want them.

The Captain blows a variety of whistle signals. Each child, respondingtotheir signal, steps forward in a military manner, announces his or hername,and then steps back in line.

LIESL Liesl!

FRIEDRICH Friedrich!

LOUISA Louisa!

KURT Kurt!

BRIGITTA Brigitta!

MARTA Marta!

The littlest girl forgets to step out. The Captain has to blow her signaltwice. She steps out and in but forgets to shout her name.

Maria is rather amused at this.

CAPTAIN (a little embarrassed, to Maria) And Gretl. Ahem.

Gretl makes a face. The Captain takes another whistle from his pocketandholds it out to Maria.

CAPTAIN Now, let's see how well you listened.

MARIA Oh, I, I, I won't need to whistle for them, Reverend Captain. Imean,um, I'll use their names. And such lovely names.

CAPTAIN Fraulein, this is a large house, the grounds are veryextensive,and I will not have anyone shouting. You will take this, please -- learnto



use it. The children will help you.

Maria accepts the whistle reluctantly.

CAPTAIN Now, when I want you, this is what you will hear.

He starts to blow a particularly obnoxious signal on his whistle.

MARIA (interrupts) Oh, no, sir, I'm sorry, sir! I could never answer to awhistle. Whistles are for dogs and cats and other animals, but not forchildren and definitely not for me. It would be too -- humiliating.

CAPTAIN Fraulein, were you this much trouble at the Abbey?

MARIA Oh, much more, sir!

CAPTAIN Hmm.

The Captain starts to walk away when Maria blows the whistles. Hestops andlooks back at her, annoyed.

MARIA Excuse me, sir, I don't know your signal.

CAPTAIN (coldly) You may call me -- Captain.

The Captain stares at her a moment, then exits. Maria smiles to

herself. Thechildren start to giggle. Maria turns to the children who snap back toattention and stare straight ahead.

MARIA (sighs) At ease.

In unison, they place their hands behind their backs. They're a well-trainedbunch.

MARIA Well, now that there's just us, would you please tell me all your

names again and how old you are?

The children step forward and back in military fashion announcing theirnamesand ages.

LIESL I'm Liesl. I'm sixteen years old, and I don't need a governess.



MARIA Well, I'm glad you told me, Liesl. We'll just be good friends.

FRIEDRICH I'm Friedrich. I'm fourteen. I'm impossible.

MARIA (laughs) Really? Who told you that, Friedrich?

FRIEDRICH Fraulein Josephine. Four governesses ago.

The blonde girl in braids steps out and in.

LOUISA I'm Brigitta.

MARIA (smiles) You, um, didn't tell me how old you are, Louisa.

Brigitta, the bookworm, steps out.

BRIGITTA I'm Brigitta. She's Louisa. She's thirteen years old, and you'resmart. I'm ten, and I think your dress is the ugliest one I ever saw.

Brigitta steps back in line. Kurt, the chubby cheeked boy, turns to her.

KURT Brigitta, you shouldn't say that.

BRIGITTA Why not? Don't you think it's ugly?

KURT Of course. But Fraulein Helga's was ugliest.

Kurt steps forward.

KURT I'm Kurt. I'm eleven. I'm incorrigible.

He steps back.

MARIA Congratulations.

KURT What's "incorrigible"?

MARIA I think it means you want to be treated like a boy.

Kurt rather likes that answer. Marta, the button-nosed girl, stepsforwardand tugs at Maria's sleeve.

MARIA Mm-hm?

MARTA I'm Marta, and I'm going to be seven on Tuesday, and I'd like a



pinkparasol.

MARIA Well, pink's my favorite color too.

The littlest, Gretl, stamps her foot.

MARIA Yes, you're Gretl.

Gretl holds up her hand showing all five fingers.

MARIA And you're five years old? My, you're practically a lady.

Gretl and Marta laugh at this. Maria looks at the line of children fromLieslto Gretl.

MARIA Now, I have to tell you a secret. I've never been a governessbefore.

The children look at one another, ready for mischief.

LOUISA You mean you don't know anything about being a governess?

MARIA Nothing. I'll need lots of advice.

LOUISA Well, the best way to start is to be sure to tell father to mind

hisown business.

They crowd around Maria.

FRIEDRICH You must never come to dinner on time.

BRIGITTA Never eat your soup quietly.

Friedrich makes slurping noises.

KURT And, during dessert, always blow your nose.

GRETL Don't believe a word they say, Fraulein Maria!

MARIA Oh, why not?

GRETL Because I like you!



Then Frau Schmidt, the housekeeper, walks in clapping her hands.

SCHMIDT All right now, children. Outside for your walk. Father's order.Now hurry up. Hurry up. Quick, quick, quick, quick, quick.

The children walk reluctantly to the front door.

SCHMIDT (to Maria) Uh, Fraulein Maria. I'm Frau Schmidt, thehousekeeper.

MARIA How do you do?

SCHMIDT How do you do? I'll show you to your room. Follow me.

They shake hands. Frau Schmidt picks up Maria's bag and leads her.Maria

picks up her guitar and follows her up the stairs.

MARIA (quietly, to Frau Schmidt) Poor little dears.

At the front door, the children pause and turn back to watch as Mariasuddenly drops her guitar, screams, and reaches into her dress pocket.

MARIA What? Ah! Ah! Aah! Oh! Ohh --

She pulls out a frog and flings it down the stairs. It creeps out the openfront door. Maria, leaning on the bannister, sighs with relief.

SCHMIDT (to Maria) You're very lucky. With Fraulein Helga it was asnake.

MARIA Ugh!

Maria glares at the children who turn and somberly exit through thedoor.

DISSOLVE TO:

IN THE DINING ROOM - THAT NIGHT

Captain Von Trapp and the children (who now wear dresses and suits)sit at along dining table, waiting. Maria dashes in and stops.

MARIA Good evening.



She walks to her seat.

MARIA Good evening, children.

THE CHILDREN Good evening, Fraulein Maria.

Maria starts to sit in her chair and then leaps up.

MARIA Whaaaah ha ha ha!

A pine cone sits on her chair.

CAPTAIN (mystified) Enchanting little ritual. Something you, uh,learned atthe Abbey?

MARIA No, it's, um, er ... um ... (patting her rear) ... rheumatism.

Maria sits. The children glance at each other, surprised and relievednot tobe punished for their practical joke. The Captain starts to eat. Thechildrenfollow suit.

MARIA Excuse me, Captain, but haven't we forgotten to thank theLord?

The Captain, with a mouthful of food, stares at her for a second andreluctantly puts down his fork. Everyone folds their hands and bowstheirheads.

MARIA For what we are about to receive may the Lord make us trulythankful.Amen.

CAPTAIN Amen.

THE CHILDREN Amen.

Everyone starts to eat. Maria casts a shrewd glance around the table.

MARIA I'd like to thank each and every one of you for the precious giftyouleft in my pocket earlier today.



The children exchange uneasy looks.

CAPTAIN (to Maria) Um, what gift?

Maria glances at Kurt's worried face.

MARIA It's meant to be a secret, Captain, between the children andme.

CAPTAIN Uh huh. Then I suggest that you keep it and let us eat.

MARIA Knowing how nervous I must have been, a stranger in a newhousehold,knowing how important it was for me to feel accepted, it was so kindandthoughtful of you to make my first moments here so warm and happy

andpleasant.

Maria grins at the Captain who forces himself to smile. Marta begins tosob.

CAPTAIN What is the matter, Marta?

MARTA Nothing.

Maria smiles to herself as the rest of the children break down into sobs,

oneby one. The Captain glances around the table, astonished.

CAPTAIN Uh, Fraulein, is to be at every meal or merely at, uh, dinnertimethat you intend leading us all through this rare and wonderful newworld of ... indigestion?

MARIA Oh, they're all right, Captain. They're just happy.

The children sob louder.

OUTSIDE THE TRAPP VILLA

A teenage courier with blonde hair rides up to the house on a bicycle.Hehops off and rings the doorbell. Wearing a gray uniform and cap, hecrosses



his arms and waits. The door opens and Franz appears.

FRANZ Ah, Rolfe. Good evening.

ROLFE Good evening, Franz. I trust everything is under control.

FRANZ Yes, yes.

ROLFE Good.

Franz glances back into the house to make sure no one is listening andstepsoutside to confer with Rolfe.

FRANZ Are there, uh, any developments?

ROLFE Perhaps. Is the Captain at home?

FRANZ He's at dinner.

ROLFE With the family?

FRANZ Yes.

ROLFE Please give him this telegram at once.

FRANZ Certainly.

Franz goes into the house and closes the door. Rolfe peeks through awindow,then walks his bike down the driveway.

IN THE DINING ROOM

Moments later, Franz hands the Captain the telegram.

FRANZ A telegram for you, sir.

CAPTAIN Hmm.

The Captain opens the telegram and reads it. Liesl glances toward thewindow.

LIESL Franz, who delivered it?

FRANZ That young lad, Rolfe, of course.



Liesl's hormones kick in.

LIESL Father, may I be excused?

The Captain grunts negatively. Maria notices Liesl's disappointment.

CAPTAIN Children, in the morning, I shall be going to Vienna.

The children groan.

MARTA Oh, no, Father!

FRIEDRICH Not again, Father.

The Captain glares at them.

GRETL How long will you be gone this time, Father?

Liesl rises with her empty water glass and moves to fill it at a nearbytable.

CAPTAIN I'm not sure, Gretl. I'm not sure.

LOUISA (to the Captain) To visit Baroness Schraeder again?

FRIEDRICH (to Louisa) Mind your own business!

CAPTAIN As a matter of fact, yes, Louisa.

MARTA (to the Captain) Why can't we ever get to see the Baroness?

KURT (to Marta) Why would she want to see you?

CAPTAIN It just so happens, Marta, that you are going to see theBaroness.I'm bringing her back with me to visit us all.

Maria has watched as Liesl stands up to get a glass of water but thenquietlyleaves the room, behind her father's back.

CHILDREN Good!

CAPTAIN And ... (rolling his eyes) ... Uncle Max.



CHILDREN (delighted) Uncle Max! Uncle Max!

EXT. TRAPP VILLA

Moments later. Liesl runs out of the house, across a marble terrace,

andsearches the banks of the moonlit lake. In a formal garden, near aglass-walled gazebo, she calls:

LIESL Rolfe!

Rolfe appears from behind a tree, against which leans his bike. Sheruns tohim.

LIESL Oh, Rolfe!

They throw their arms around each other. Rolfe breaks the clinch.

ROLFE No, Liesl, we mustn't.

LIESL Why not, silly?

ROLFE I don't know, it's just--

LIESL Isn't this why you're here waiting for me?

ROLFE Yes, of course. I've missed you, Liesl.

LIESL You have? How much?

ROLFE So much that I even thought of sending you a telegram just soI'd beable to deliver it here.

LIESL Oh, that's a lovely thought. Why don't you? Right now.

ROLFE (laughs) But I'm here!

LIESL Please, Rolfe. Send me a telegram. I'll start it for you: "Dear Liesl..."

ROLFE (amused, playing along) "Dear Liesl, I'd like to be able to tellyouhow I feel about you. Stop. Unfortunately, this wire is already too



expensive.Sincerely, Rolfe."

LIESL Sincerely?

ROLFE Cordially.

LIESL Cordially?

ROLFE Affectionately?

She hugs him tightly.

LIESL Mmmmmm!

ROLFE Will there be any reply?

LIESL "Dear Rolfe, stop. (she hugs him again) Don't stop! Your Liesl" If only we didn't always have to wait for someone to send Father atelegram.How do I know when I'll see you again?

ROLFE Well, let's see. (pacing) I could come here by mistake -- with atelegram for Colonel Schneider. He's here from Berlin staying with --Oh, noone's supposed to know he's here. Don't tell your father, now.

LIESL Why not?

ROLFE Well, your father's so -- so Austrian.

LIESL We're all Austrian.

ROLFE Well, some people think we ought to be German, and they'revery madat those who don't think so. They're getting ready to -- Well, let's hopeyour father doesn't get into trouble.

LIESL Don't worry about Father. He's a big naval hero. He was evendecorated by the Emperor.

ROLFE I know. I don't worry about him. But I do worry about hisdaughter.

LIESL Me? Why?



ROLFE Well, you're so --

LIESL What?

ROLFE Well, you're such a baby!

LIESL I'm sixteen. What's such a baby about that?

Rolfe smiles knowingly.

ROLFE (sings) You wait, little girl, on an empty stageFor fate to turn the light on Your life, little girl, is an empty page That men will want to write on

LIESL (sings) To write on

Liesl leans seductively close. Rolfe backs away, his eyes widening.

ROLFE (sings) You are sixteen going on seventeenBaby, it's time to thinkBetter beware, be canny and carefulBaby, you're on the brink

You are sixteen going on seventeenFellows will fall in lineEager young lads and roues and cadsWill offer you food and wine

Totally unprepared are you To face a world of men

Liesl tries unsuccessfully for a kiss.

ROLFE

Timid and shy and scared are youOf things beyond your ken

You need someone older an wiser Telling you what to doI am seventeen going on eighteenI'll take care of you



Liesl flies into his arms, Rolfe spins her around, then pushes her gentlyaway and holds up a warning finger. As thunder rolls above, Liesl poutsandmarches away. Rolfe follows and holds out his hand to her. She shakesit

firmly and then turns her back on him. Rolfe follows her around a tree.Sherelents and takes his hand. Just as they sit down, raindrops start to fall.Rolfe leads Liesl into the glass-walled gazebo which is lined withbenches.Liesl brushes the raindrops from her dress. The storm hits hard andheavynow.

LIESL (sings)I am sixteen going on seventeen

I know that I'm naiveFellows I meet may tell me I'm sweetAnd willingly I believe

I am sixteen going on seventeenInnocent as a roseBachelor dandies, drinkers of brandiesWhat do I know of those?

Totally unprepared am I To face a world of men

Timid and shy and scared am IOf things beyond my ken

Rolfe dodges her fingers when she walks them up his arm and tries toticklehis neck.

LIESL (sings)I need someone older and wiser Telling me what to do You are seventeen going on eighteen

I'll depend on you

Rolfe smiles dreamily as Liesl runs her hands through his hair, thencatchesher as she drops into his arms. He lifts her up on one of the benches,thentakes her hand and sashays her along its length. Liesl reaches the endof the



bench and points to the wide gap between her bench and the nextone. Rolfespins and gallantly goes down on one knee -- Liesl uses his other kneeas astepping stone to cross to the next bench. Skipping and twirling, he

escortsher around the interior of the gazebo. Gaining momentum, Liesl circlesthegazebo, jumping gracefully from bench to bench.

Rolfe takes Liesl's hands and swings her down in a graceful spin. Withonearm around her back, Rolfe leads Liesl around the gazebo. The twostep up anddown on the benches in perfect unison. They separate and leap ontoopposite

benches with spinning leg kicks. In the middle of the gazebo, they jump downinto each other's arms, twirl around exuberantly, then let go and dropontotwo facing benches. Breathing heavily, they gaze at each other withwide,uncertain eyes.

Each stands up and spins away only to end up face to face. They twirlapartand bump into each other again on the other side of the gazebo. Again,

theyback away from each other but meet again on the opposite side. Lieslstartsto pull away when Rolfe grabs her and places a firm kiss on her lips.Grinning, Rolfe sprints out of the gazebo into the rain. Liesl, mouthopen inshock, finally smiles, arms spread in joy.

LIESL Wheeeeeee!

CUT TO:

INT. MARIA'S BEDROOM - LATER THAT NIGHT

The thunderstorm continues outside. Wearing long white nightgown,Mariahurries to the window and closes it. There is a knock at the door.

MARIA Come in.



Frau Schmidt enters, carrying two bolts of cloth.

MARIA Frau Schmidt ...

SCHMIDT For your new dresses, Fraulein Maria. The Captain had thesesentout from town.

MARIA Oh, how lovely. Oh, I'm sure these will make the prettiestclothesI've ever had. Tell me, do you think the Captain would get me somemorematerial if I asked him?

SCHMIDT How many dresses does a governess need?

MARIA No, not for me. For the children. I want to make them someplayclothes.

SCHMIDT (re-opening Maria's window) The Von Trapp children don'tplay. Theymarch.

MARIA Oh, surely, you don't approve of that?

SCHMIDT Ever since the Captain lost his poor wife, he - he runs this

houseas if he were on one of his ships again. Whistles, orders. No moremusic,no more laughing. Nothing that reminds him of her ... even thechildren.

MARIA It's so wrong.

SCHMIDT Ah, well ... How do you like your room? There'll be newdrapes atthe windows ...

MARIA New drapes? But these are fine.

SCHMIDT Nevertheless, new ones have been ordered.

MARIA Oh, but I really don't need them.

SCHMIDT Good night, now.



MARIA Frau Schmidt. Do you think if I ask the Captain tomorrow aboutthematerial ...?

SCHMIDT Oh, he's leaving for Vienna in the morning.

MARIA Oh, yes, of course. Well, how long will he be gone?

SCHMIDT That all depends. The last time he visited the Baroness hestayedfor a month.

MARIA Oh.

SCHMIDT I shouldn't be saying this -- not to you, I mean I don't know

youthat well -- but if you ask me, the Captain's thinking very seriously of marrying the woman before the summer's over.

MARIA Oh, that'd be wonderful! Well, the children will have a motheragain.

SCHMIDT Yes ... well ... Good night.

MARIA Good night.

Schmidt leaves and Maria closes the door behind her. Maria takes off herrobe, and places it over a chair. She makes the sign of the cross,kneelsbeside her bed and prays. Behind her, the night air billows throughwindowcurtains and thunder rolls.

MARIA Dear Father, now I know why You've sent me here. To helpthesechildren prepare themselves for a new mother. And I pray that this will

become a happy family in Thy sight. God bless the Captain, God blessLiesland Friedrich, God bless Louisa, Brigitta, Marta and little Gretl. And, oh,Iforgot the other boy. What's his name? Well, God bless What's-his-name.

Liesl enters through the windows. She is soaking wet.



MARIA God bless the Reverend Mother, Sister Margaretta ... (sees Liesltryto exit the room) ...and everybody at Nonnberg Abbey. And now, dearGod,

about Liesl.

Liesl stops at the door and turns back to Maria.

MARIA Help her to know that I'm her friend, and help her to tell mewhatshe's been up to.

LIESL Are you going to tell on me?

MARIA (to Liesl) Shh. (finishes her prayers) Help me to be

understanding sothat I may guide her footsteps. In the name of the Father, and of theSon,and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.

LIESL I was out taking a walk and somebody locked the doors earlierthanusual and I didn't want to wake everybody up. So, when I saw yourwindowopen-- You're not going to tell Father, are you?

MARIA Hmm. (rises, goes to window) How in the world did you climb uphere?

LIESL That's how we always got into this room to play tricks on thegoverness. Louisa can make it with a whole jar of spiders in her hand.

MARIA (slamming window shut) Spiders!? (puts a hand to her chest indisgust)Liesl, were you out walking all by yourself?

Liesl nods yes at first, then she shakes her head from side to side.

MARIA You know, if we wash that dress out tonight, nobody wouldnotice ittomorrow. You could put this on.

Maria hands Liesl a nightgown from her armoir.

MARIA Take your dress in there, put it to soak in the bathtub, then



comeback here and sit on the bed and we'll have a talk.

Liesl pauses in the bathroom doorway.

LIESL I told you today I didn't need a governess. Well, maybe I do.

Liesl smiles gratefully. Maria closes the bathroom door and walks overtoshut the door of her armoir. Hands on hips, she looks at the bed, thenat thebathroom door. Frowning suspiciously, she reaches for the comforterandflings it back to reveal ... clean, spider-less white sheets. She checkstherest of the bed. No spiders. Relieved, she puts the comforter back in its

place.

A loud thunder clap. The door suddenly opens and Gretl, in anightgown, runsin and stands stiffly against the wall.

MARIA Gretl? Are you scared?

Gretl shakes her head. There is another clap of thunder and she runsintoMaria's arms.

MARIA You're not frightened of a thunderstorm, are you? You just stayrighthere with me. Oh! Uh! Where are the others?

GRETL They're asleep. They're not scared.

More thunder. Maria cuddles Gretl. Louisa, Brigitta and Marta run intotheroom.

MARIA (to Gretl) Oh, no? Look.

Gretl sees the other girls.

MARIA All right, everybody. Up here on the bed.

BRIGITTA Really?



MARIA Well, just this once. Come on.

The girls crowd onto the bed.

MARIA Now, all we have to do is to wait for the boys.

LOUISA You won't see them. Boys are brave.

As the thunder continues, the girls bury their heads in the bed.Friedrichand Kurt run into the room, then force themselves to walk calmly.Maria grins.

MARIA Eh, you boys weren't scared, too, were you?

FRIEDRICH Oh, no. We just wanted to be sure that you weren't.

MARIA That's very thoughtful of you, Friedrich.

FRIEDRICH It wasn't my idea. It was Kurt's.

MARIA Kurt! That's the one I left out. (to the ceiling) God bless Kurt.

A huge thunder clap -- everyone ducks. Maria looks at them all withamusement.

MARTA Why does it do that?

MARIA Well, the lightning says something to the thunder, and thethunderanswers back.

MARTA The lightning must be nasty.

MARIA Not really.

MARTA Then why does the thunder get so angry? It makes me want tocry.

More loud thunder. Really, they should soundproof these old villas. Thechildren bury their faces in the covers again.

MARIA Well, now, when anything bothers me and I'm feeling unhappy, I justtry and think of nice things.



LOUISA AND MARTA What kind of things?

MARIA Uh .. well, let me see, nice things. Daffodils. Green meadows.Skiesfull of stars. Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens ...

(sings)... Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittensBrown paper packages tied up with strings These are a few of my favorite things

More thunder. The children cower.

MARIA (sings)Cream-colored ponies and crisp apple streudelsDoorbells and sleigh bells and schnitzel with noodlesWild geese that fly with the moon on their wings

These are a few of my favorite things

Girls in white dresses with blue satin sashesSnowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashesSilver white winters that melt into springs These are a few of my favorite things

When the dog bitesWhen the bee stingsWhen I'm feeling sadI simply remember my favorite things

And then I don't feel so bad

Maria puts her arms around Marta and Gretl.

MARTA Does it really work?

MARIA Of course it does. You try it. What things do you like?

MARTA Pussy willows!

LOUISA Christmas!

GRETL Bunny rabbits!

KURT Snakes!

BRIGITTA Chocolate icing!

FRIEDRICH No school!



Liesl emerges from the bathroom, surprised to see the others.

LIESL Telegrams!

LOUISA Birthday presents!

BRIGITTA Any presents!

MARIA (agreeing) Yes!

GRETL Ladybugs!

MARIA What?

MARTA Cats!

KURT Rats!

LOUISA A good sneeze!

KURT Ah-choo!

MARIA Gesundheit! See what fun it is?(sings)Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittensBright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens

Brown paper packages tied up with strings These are a few of my favorite things

The children watch her expectantly. Maria and Oscar Hammerstein arerunningout of favorite things to sing about. Maria puts a hand to her head andhereyes widen -- she decides to repeat some stanzas.

MARIA (sings)Cream-colored ponies and crisp apple streudels

Doorbells and sleigh bells and schnitzel with noodlesWild geese that fly with the moon on their wings These are a few of my favorite things

Maria twirls hand in hand with the girls.

MARIA (sings)Girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes



Snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashesSilver white winters that melt into springs These are a few of my favorite things

When the dog bi--

The music abruptly stops as Maria suddenly runs into the Captain whostandsin the doorway with a disapproving frown.

MARIA ... dog bites ... uh ...

She steps back. The children, more terrified of their father than thethunder, line up in a row at attention.

MARIA (cheerfully) Uh, hello ...

CAPTAIN Fraulein, did I not tell you that bedtime is to be strictlyobserved in this house?

MARIA Well, the children were upset by the storm, so I thought that if I ... You did, sir.

CAPTAIN And do you or do you not have difficulty remembering suchsimpleinstructions?

MARIA (defiantly) Only during thunderstorms, sir.

Kurt laughs.

CAPTAIN Liesl?

LIESL Yes, father?

CAPTAIN I don't recall seeing you anywhere after dinner.

LIESL Oh, really? Well, as a matter of fact --

CAPTAIN Yes?

LIESL Well, I-I was, I was...

MARIA Uh, what she would like to say, Captain, is that, uh, she and Ihave



been getting better acquainted tonight. But it's much too late now togo intoall that. Come along children. You heard your father. Go back to bedimmediately.

As the children run out the room, Maria picks up her robe. The Captainturnstoward the door, watching the children go.

CAPTAIN Fraulein, you have managed to remember that I'm leaving inthe morning?

Maria nods.

CAPTAIN Is it also possible that you remember that the first rule in thishouse is discipline?

She nods again, reluctantly.

CAPTAIN Then I trust that before I return you will have acquired some?

MARIA Captain? Uh, I wonder if, before you go, I could talk to you aboutsome clothes for the children ...

CAPTAIN Fraulein Maria ...

MARIA ... for when they play. If I could just have some material ...

CAPTAIN You are obviously many things, not the least of which isrepetitious.

MARIA But they're children!

CAPTAIN Yes. And I am their father. Good night.

The Captain leaves the room, shutting the door.

MARIA (furious) Oh!

Maria looks around angrily, flings her robe on the bed, and sits in achairnext to the window. She looks at a window drape decorated with greenflowers.She stands up and takes the drape in her hands. An idea dawns on her.

MARIA (sings to herself)



Girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes

Eyes widening in excitement, she runs across the room and grabsanothercurtain.

MARIA (sings to herself)When the dog bitesWhen the bee stingsWhen I'm feeling sadI simply remember my favorite thingsAnd then I don't feel so bad

She drapes a curtain over her head like a scarf and wraps it aroundherself as a dress.

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. THE FIRST OUTING - DAY

Carrying her guitar case, Maria opens the villa's front gate and wavesthechildren out.

CHILDREN Where are we going?

They emerge one by one, carrying toys and picnic baskets. Each wearsanoutfit made from the green, flowered drapes. The boys wearlederhosen and thegirls wear smocked dresses. Grinning, Maria closes the gate and runsafterthem.

The children sprint across a foot bridge. They stop to watch boats ontheriver.

MARIA Look over here!

FRIEDRICH Oh, look!

MARIA Come on!

Maria skips away, the children follow.



Later, they run across a busy square in Salzburg, bustling with boxy,1930sautomobiles and horse-drawn carriages. They stop in front of afountain to

look at the statue of a horse standing in its center.

In an outdoor market, Maria picks out fruit and hands it to Kurt whopassesit down the line to Brigitta who puts it Louisa's basket.

MARIA Ho!

Maria holds up three tomatoes, pretends to juggle them, waving herhands inthe air without actually letting go. Smiling, she puts one down and

jugglestwo of them, to the delight of the children.

She tosses them to Gretl who drops one. The ripe tomato splatters ontheground. Gretl looks up nervously. Maria holds up a mock-warningfinger. Gretlgrins.

Later, with Maria in the lead, the children skip along a grassy, sun-dappled

river bank.

Later still, they lean out the windows of train car pushed by an oldsteamengine locomotive, chugging slowly up a mountainside.

They bound across a grassy meadow, dotted with wildflowers. The Alpsloompeacefully in the background.

The girls picnic while the boys throw a ball back and forth. Louisa lies

onthe ground and talks with Maria.

LOUISA Fraulein Maria?

MARIA Mm hmm?

LOUISA Can we do this every day?



MARIA Don't you think you'd soon get tired of it, Louisa?

LOUISA I suppose so... Every other day?

KURT I haven't had so much fun since the day we put glue on Fraulein Josephine's toothbrush.

MARIA I can't understand how children as nice as you can manage toplaysuch awful tricks on people.

BRIGITTA Oh, it's easy.

MARIA But why do it?

LIESL Well, how else can we get Father's attention?

BRIGITTA Yes.

MARIA Oh, I see. Well, we'll have to think about that one. All right,everybody. Over here.

MARTA What are we going to do?

MARIA Let's think of something to sing for the Baroness when shecomes.

MARTA Father doesn't like us to sing.

MARIA Well, perhaps we can change his mind. Now, what songs do youknow?

FRIEDRICH We don't know any songs.

MARIA Not any?

LOUISA We don't even know how to sing.

[BRIGITTA?] No.

MARIA Well, let's not lose any time. You must learn.

GRETL But how?

Maria picks up her guitar and ... blasts through the opening lick from



"Johnny B. Goode" -- no, just kidding ... strums her guitar and sings:

MARIA (sings)Let's start at the very beginningA very good place to start

When you read you begin with ...

GRETL (sings) A-B-C

MARIA (sings)When you sing you begin with do-re-mi

THE CHILDREN (sing)Do-re-mi

MARIA (sings)

Do-re-mi The first three notes just happen to beDo-re-mi

THE CHILDREN (sing)Do-re-mi

MARIA (sings)Do-re-mi-fa-so-la-ti(spoken)Oh, let's see if I can make it easier. Mmm ...

(sings)Doe, a deer, a female deerRay, a drop of golden sunMe, a name I call myself Far, a long, long way to runSew, a needle pulling threadLa, a note to follow Sew Tea, a drink with jam and bread That will bring us back to Do (oh-oh-oh)

MARIA AND THE CHILDREN

Doe, a deer, a female deerRay, a drop of golden sunMe, a name I call myself Far, a long, long way to runSew, a needle pulling threadLa, a note to follow Sew Tea, a drink with jam and bread That will bring us back to ...



Do, a deer, a female deerRay, a drop of golden sunMe, a name I call myself Far, a long, long way to run

Maria runs through the grass leading the children like the Pied Piper.

MARIA AND THE CHILDRENSew, a needle pulling threadLa, a note to follow Sew Tea, a drink with jam and bread

MARIA (sings) That will bring us back to DoDo-re-mi-fa-so-la-ti-doSo-do!

Suddenly, it's another day -- the children are dressed differently, onsomesteps overlooking the city.

MARIANow, children, do-re-mi-fa-so and so on are only the tools we use tobuild asong. Once you have these notes in your heads, you can sing a milliondifferent tunes by mixing them up. Like this. Uh ...(sings)

So Do La Fa Mi Do Re(spoken) Can you do that?

CHILDREN (sing)So Do La Fa Mi Do Re

MARIA (sings)So Do La Ti Do Re Do

CHILDREN (sing)So Do La Ti Do Re Do

MARIA (spoken) Now, put it all together.

MARIA AND THE CHILDREN (sing)So Do La Fa Mi Do Re, So Do La Ti Do Re Do

MARIA (spoken) Good!



BRIGITTA (spoken) But it doesn't mean anything.

MARIA (spoken) So we put in words. One word for every note. Likethis...(sings)

When you know the notes to sing You can sing most anything(spoken) Together!

The children sit on a sidewalk bench -- one leaps up with every note.

MARIA AND THE CHILDREN (sing)When you know the notes to sing You can sing most anything

On another day, wearing their playclothes, they peddle bicycles along

a lake.

MARIA AND THE CHILDREN (sing)Doe, a deer, a female deerRay, a drop of golden sunMe, a name I call myself Far, a long, long way to runSew, a needle pulling threadLa, a note to follow Sew Tea, a drink with jam and bread That will bring us back to Do

On yet another day, wearing regular knickers and dresses, they ride ahorse-drawn carriage through the streets of Salzburg. Maria points to eachchild inturn:

CHILDREN (sing)Do Re Mi Fa So La Ti DoDo Ti La So Fa Mi Re

CHILDREN (sing)Do Mi MiMi So SoRe Fa FaLa Ti Ti

They repeat the lines above four more times at a faster tempo as Mariasings



in counterpoint:

MARIA (sings)When you know the notes to sing You can sing most ...

MARIA AND THE CHILDREN (sing)... anything!!!

They march around the edge of a fountain. Maria skips through anarbor,followed by the children. She pretends to wave a flag to start animpromptufoot race between her and the boys. Then they dance around fountainsandstatues and things.

MARIA AND THE CHILDREN (sing)Doe, a deer, a female deerRay, a drop of golden sunMe, a name I call myself Far, a long, long way to runSew, a needle pulling threadLa, a note to follow Sew Tea, a drink with jam and bread That will bring us back to

The children stand on different levels of an outdoor staircase, hoppingup ordown the steps with each note:

MARIA:CHILDREN:Do . . .So DoRe . . .La FaMi . . .

Mi DoFa . . .ReSo . . .So DoLa . . .La Fa Ti . . .



La So Fa Mi Re Ti Do Ti Do --

MARIA (hitting climactic high notes)

Oh - oh

CHILDREN (sing) So Do

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. THE CAPTAIN'S CAR - DAY

A gleaming black convertible drives down a country road, the Captainat thewheel, next to a slim, elegant blonde woman who laughs a lot, the

Baroness.In the back seat sits moustached impresario Max Detweiler.

BARONESS Mountains are magnificent, Georg. Really magnificent.

CAPTAIN I had them put up just for you, darling.

BARONESS Oh!

MAX Even if it's to a height of ten thousand feet, Georg always believesin

rising to the occasion.

CAPTAIN Unless the jokes improve, Max, I'm taking back my invitation.

MAX You didn't invite me to your villa. I invited myself.

BARONESS Naturally.

MAX You needed a chaperone and I needed a place to stay where thecuisine issuperb, the wine cellar unexcelled and the price, uh, perfect.

BARONESS (laughs) Max, you are outrageous.

MAX Not at all. I'm a very charming sponge.

They drive past a monastery from which can be heard beautiful voicesraisedin song.



MAX Listen.

CAPTAIN That's the Klopmann Monastery Choir.

MAX They're good! Very good. I must explore this territory in the nextfewdays. Somewhere a hungry little singing group is waiting for MaxDetweilerto pluck it out of obscurity and make it famous at the Salzburg FolkFestival.

CAPTAIN They get the fame, you get the money.

MAX 'Tis unfair I admit it but someday that'll be changed. I shall getthe

fame, too.

The Baroness laughs. They roll past a grove of trees. Dressed in theirplayclothes, the Von Trapp children hang from the branches, laughing andyelling.

BARONESS Good heavens, what's this?

CAPTAIN Oh, it's nothing, just some local urchins.

The Captain drives past them, failing at first to recognize his ownchildren-- but then his eyes widen suddenly in doubt.

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. TRAPP VILLA - MARBLED TERRACE - LATER THAT DAY

The Captain and the Baroness stroll along. They stop to gaze at theshimmering lake.

BARONESS This really is exciting for me, Georg, being here with you.

CAPTAIN Oh ho ho ho ho ho. Trees, lakes, mountains. When you'veseen one,you've seen them all.

BARONESS That is not what I mean and you know it.



CAPTAIN Ah, you-you mean me. I'm exciting.

BARONESS Is that so impossible?

CAPTAIN No, just, uh, highly improbable.

BARONESS There you go, running yourself down again.

CAPTAIN Well, I'm a dangerous driver.

The Baroness laughs. They keep walking, arm in arm.

BARONESS You know, you're-you're much less of a riddle when I seeyou here,Georg.

CAPTAIN In my natural habitat?

BARONESS Yes, exactly.

CAPTAIN Are you trying to say that I'm more at home here among thebirds andthe flowers and the wind that moves through the trees like a restlesssea,hm?

BARONESS How poetic!

CAPTAIN Yes, it was rather, wasn't it?

She laughs.

CAPTAIN More at home here than in Vienna? In all your glitteringsalons?Gossiping gaily with bores I detest? Soaking myself in champagne?Stumblingabout to waltzes by Strausses I can't even remember? Is that whatyou're

trying to say?

BARONESS More or less, yes.

CAPTAIN Now, whatever gave you that idea?

BARONESS (laughs) How I do like it here, Georg. It's so lovely andpeaceful.



How can you leave it as often as you do?

CAPTAIN Ah, pretending to be madly active, I suppose. Activitysuggests alife filled with purpose.

BARONESS Could it be running away from memories?

CAPTAIN Mm hm. Or perhaps just searching for a reason to stay.

BARONESS Oh, I hope that's why you've been coming to Vienna sooften. Orwere there other distractions there?

CAPTAIN Oh, I'd hardly call you a mere distraction, darling.

BARONESS Well, what would you call me, Georg?

CAPTAIN Mmmm. Lovely. Charming, witty, graceful. The perfecthostess. And,uh -- you're going to hate me for this -- in a way, my savior.

BARONESS Oh, how unromantic.

CAPTAIN Well, I'd be an ungrateful wretch if I didn't tell you at leastoncethat it was you who brought some meaning back into my life.

BARONESS Oh, I am amusing, I suppose. And I do have the finestcouturier inVienna. And the most glittering circle of friends. And I do give somerathergay parties.

CAPTAIN Ho ho ho, yes.

BARONESS But take all that away and you - you have just wealthy,unattached

little me .. searching just like you.

CAPTAIN Ah, heh heh.

On the veranda, a servant offers Max a tray.

SERVANT More strudel, Herr Detweiler?



MAX (feeling his stomach) How many have I had?

SERVANT Two.

MAX Make it an uneven three.

The Captain and the Baroness join him.

CAPTAIN Still eating, Max, hm? Tch, tch. Must be unhappy.

MAX That marvelous mixed quartet I've been trying for months to stealawayfrom Saul Feurock.

BARONESS What happened, darling?

MAX Yesterday, Sascha Petrie stole them first. If there's one thing Ihate,it's a thief.

CAPTAIN But, Max, you really must try and learn to, uh, love yourself.

MAX For this I had to call Paris, Rome and Stockholm.

BARONESS On Georg's telephone, of course.

MAX Well, how else could I afford it? Oh, dear, I like rich people. I like

the way they live. I like the way I live when I'm with them.

CAPTAIN I wonder where the children are.

BARONESS Obviously, they must have heard I was coming and wentinto hiding.

CAPTAIN I was hoping they'd be here to welcome you. Uh, Max, uh, dostep outof character for a moment and, uh, try and be charming.

The Captain strides into the house. The shrewd-faced Max waits forhim toleave, then approaches the Baroness.

MAX Well?

BARONESS Well, what?



MAX Have you made up Georg's mind yet? Do I hear wedding bells?

BARONESS Pealing madly.

MAX Honest?

BARONESS But not necessarily for me.

MAX What kind of talk's that?

BARONESS That is "none of your business" talk, Max. I'm terribly fondof Georg and I will not have you toying with us.

MAX But I'm a child. I like toys. So tell me everything.

She shakes her head and says nothing.

MAX Aw, come on. Tell Max every teensy weensy, intimate, disgustingdetail.

BARONESS Well, let's just say I have a feeling I may be here onapproval.

MAX Well, I approve of that. How can you miss?

BARONESS Far too easily.

MAX If I know you, darling -- and I do -- you will find a way.

BARONESS Oh, he's no ordinary man.

MAX Wah-ho, he's rich.

BARONESS When his wife died, she left him with a terrible heartache.

MAX When your husband died, he left you with a terrible fortune.

BARONESS (mockingly) Oh, Max, you really are a beast!

MAX You and Georg are like family to me. That's why I want to see youtwo getmarried. We must keep all that lovely money in the family.

She giggles.



On another side of the house, Rolfe drops his bicycle on the lawn andpicksup a handful of pebbles. The Captain walks onto the veranda and seestheyoung courier tossing the pebbles against a second story window,

presumablyLiesl's room.

CAPTAIN What are you doing there?

ROLFE (startled) Oh, Captain Von Trapp, I was just looking for-- I didn'tsee-- I mean, I didn't know you were-- (giving the Nazi salute) HeilHitler!

Max and the Baroness join the Captain who registers displeasure atRolfe's

salute.

CAPTAIN Who are you?

ROLFE I have a telegram for Herr Detweiler.

MAX I'm Herr Detweiler.

ROLFE Yes, sir.

Rolfe joins them and offers the telegram to Max but the Captain

snatches itaway and hands it to Max.

CAPTAIN (sharply) All right. You've delivered your telegram. Now, getout.

Chastened, Rolfe runs to his bike and wheels it away.

BARONESS Oh, Georg. He's just a boy.

CAPTAIN (tense) Yes. And I'm just an Austrian.

MAX What's gonna happen's going to happen. Just make sure it doesn'thappento you.

CAPTAIN (angry, voice raised) Max! Don't you ever say that again!

MAX You know I have no political convictions. Can I help it if other



peopledo?

CAPTAIN Oh, yes, you can help it! (more quietly) You must help it.

Max walks away, flustered. The Captain leans on the veranda's railing,hishead bowed. The Baroness eyes him sympathetically.

BARONESS (gently) Hello?

He does not respond.

BARONESS You're far away. Where are you?

CAPTAIN In a world that's ... disappearing, I'm afraid.

BARONESS Is there any way I could bring you back to the world I'm in?

The children's voices are heard shouting, coming nearer. The Captainsmilesat the Baroness, then jerks his head toward the lake.

With Maria in the prow, the children row a skiff toward the house. Theysinga ragged version of "Do Re Mi" ...

The Captain walks across the terrace to a gate on the shore of thelake. Ahand on his hip, he waits for them, scowling impatiently.

The children spot him and stand up to wave. The boat rocksprecariously.

CHILDREN Papa! Papa! Papa!

MARIA (rising) Oh! Oh, Captain! You're home!

The boat capsizes sending Maria and the children into the water. Thechildrenmake a lot of noise and slosh around.

CAPTAIN Come out of that water at once!

The Captain flings open the gate as his grinning children wade ashore.Her



short hair plastered to her head, Maria drags the skiff behind her.

MARIA Oh! You must be Baroness Schraeder!

Next to the grim-faced Captain, the Baroness struggles not to laugh.

Soaking wet, the children climb onto the terrace, everyone talkingsimultaneously.

LOUISA I'm soaked to the skin!

Then the Captain takes a whistle from his pocket and with one blast,silencesthe children's chatter. They slosh to their places in line and stand atattention.

CAPTAIN Straight line!

The Captain paces back and forth in front of his children. He pauses atLouisa and pulls the flowered, green scarf from her hair. Maria frownssympathetically.

CAPTAIN (smiles) This is Baroness Schraeder...

His smile fades at the sight of his raggedy children.

CAPTAIN (to the Baroness) ... and these, are my children.

BARONESS How do you do?

CAPTAIN All right. Go inside, dry off, clean up, change your clothes,report back here! Immediately!

The children scramble into the house. Maria frowns with disgust andfollowsthem.

CAPTAIN Fraulein, you will stay here, please!

Maria stops, her back to the Captain.

BARONESS I, uh, think I'd better go see what Max is up to.

The Baroness in her tailored, sophisticated suit, leaves by walking pastMaria who wears her plain, brown, wet dress. Maria turns to face theCaptain.



CAPTAIN Now, Fraulein. I want a truthful answer from you.

MARIA Yes, Captain?

CAPTAIN Is it possible or could I have just imagined it -- have mychildrenby any chance been climbing trees today?

MARIA Yes, Captain.

CAPTAIN I see. (holds up Louisa's scarf) And where, may I ask, did theygetthese, um, these, uh ...?

MARIA Play clothes.

CAPTAIN Oh, is that what you call them?

MARIA I made them -- from the drapes that used to hang in mybedroom.

CAPTAIN Drapes!

MARIA They still had plenty of wear left. The children have beeneverywherein them.

CAPTAIN (incredulous) Do you mean to tell me that my children havebeenroaming about Salzburg dressed up in nothing but some old drapes?!

MARIA Mm-hmm. And having a marvelous time!

CAPTAIN They have uniforms!

MARIA Straitjackets, if you'll forgive me.

CAPTAIN I will not forgive you for that.

MARIA Children cannot do all the things they're supposed to do if theyhaveto worry about spoiling their precious clothes all the ...

CAPTAIN I haven't heard them complain yet.



MARIA Well, they wouldn't dare. They love you too much. They fearyou toomuch.

CAPTAIN I don't wish you to discuss my children in this manner.

MARIA Well, you've got to hear from someone. You're never home longenoughto know them.

CAPTAIN I said I don't want to hear any more from you about mychildren.

MARIA I know you don't! But you've got to! (beat) Now, take Liesl...

CAPTAIN You will not say one word about Liesl, Fraulein ...

MARIA She's not a child anymore. One of these days you're going towake upand find she's a woman. You won't even know her. And Friedrich. He'sa boybut he wants to be a man like you and there's no one to show him how.

CAPTAIN Don't you dare tell me about my son!

MARIA Brigitta could tell you about him if you'd let her get close to you.

She notices everything.

CAPTAIN Fraulein ...

MARIA And Kurt pretends he's tough not to show how hurt he is whenyoubrush him aside...

CAPTAIN That will do.

MARIA ... the way you do all of them. Louisa I don't know about...

CAPTAIN I said, that will do!

MARIA ... but someone has to find out about her and the little ones justwant to be loved. Oh, please, Captain, love them, love them all!

CAPTAIN I don't care to hear anything further from you about mychildren!



MARIA I am not finished yet, Captain!

CAPTAIN Oh, yes, you are, Captain!

Maria looks at him, surprised.

CAPTAIN (corrects himself) Fraulein. (beat) Now, you will pack yourthingsthis minute ...

CHILDREN'S VOICES "The hills are alive ... "

CAPTAIN ... and return to the Abbey ...

CHILDREN'S VOICES "With the sound of music ... "

CAPTAIN What's that?

CHILDREN'S VOICES "Ah-ah-ah-ah!"

MARIA It's singing.

CHILDREN'S VOICES "With songs they have sung ... "

CAPTAIN Yes, I realize it's singing but who is singing?

CHILDREN'S VOICES "For a thousand years ... "

MARIA The children.

CAPTAIN (astonished) The children?

CHILDREN'S VOICES "The hills fill my heart ..."

MARIA I taught them something to sing for the Baroness.

Ignoring her, the Captain strides to the house. Maria watches him go,

troubled.

INSIDE THE VILLA

The Captain slows as he reaches a spacious drawing room. Wearingtheiruniforms, the children sing for Max and the Baroness.



CHILDREN(singing)... with the sound of musicMy heart wants to sing every song it hearsMy heart wants to beat like the wings of the birds

that rise from the lake to the trees (to the trees)

The Captain hides by the doorway. His eyes soften, he nods slightly tothemusic.

CHILDREN(singing)My heart wants to sigh like a chime that fliesfrom a church on a breeze To laugh like a brook when it trips and falls over

stones on its way (on it's way)

With a growing smile, the Captain walks into the room and joins in.

THE CAPTAIN AND THE CHILDREN (singing) To sing through the night like a lark who is learning to prayI go to the hills when my heart is lonely

Everyone gapes at him, astonished.

The children exchange amazed glances and gaze adoringly at their

father as hesings solo:

CAPTAIN (sings) I know I will hear what I've heard before

The children back him for the last lines:

CAPTAIN (sings)My heart will be blessed with the sound of musicAnd I'll sing once more

Maria appears in the doorway and watches. The Captain smiles faintlyandtakes a few hesitant step toward his children. Brigitta runs over andgiveshim a hug. The rest of the children surround him. The Captain hugs thelittle ones and playfully nudges the others. They all start to laugh.Marialooks in and bows her head.



CAPTAIN Ah!

Maria motions to Gretl to take a small bouquet of white wildflowers tothe

Baroness. Gretl gives the Baroness her bouquet.

BARONESS Edelweiss!

Gretl curtsies.

BARONESS Oh!

The Baroness hugs Gretl.

BARONESS (to Captain) You never told me how enchanting your

children are.

The Captain shakes his head as if to say, No, I didn't realize it myself.Heturns, looks over at the doorway, and sees Maria who hurries to thestairs.

CAPTAIN (whispers to the children) Don't go 'way!

The Captain strides quickly out of the room just as Maria reaches thestaircase.

CAPTAIN Fraulein...

She hesitates, then turns to face him.

CAPTAIN I ... behaved badly. I apologize.

MARIA No, I'm, I'm far too outspoken. It's one of my worst faults.

CAPTAIN You were right. I don't know my children.

MARIA There's still time, Captain. They want so much to be close toyou.

CAPTAIN And you've brought ... music back into the house? I'dforgotten.

Maria starts up the stairs.



CAPTAIN Fraulein.

She stops.

CAPTAIN I want you to stay.

She stares at him. The Captain smiles contritely.

CAPTAIN I, uh, ask you to stay.

MARIA If I could be of any help.

CAPTAIN You have already. More than you know.

Their eyes meet. With a quick, shy smile, the Captain strides back tothe

drawing room.

Beaming with happiness, Maria clasps her hands and dashes upstairs.

DISSOLVES TO:

INT. BALLROOM

Another day. The once dark ballroom, now brightly lit. The Baronessand Maxsit in front of a puppet theater. The Captain peeps behind the theater,

then joins Max and the Baroness. All three applaud as the music begins.Maria andthe children stand backstage.

MARIA (whispers) Marta! (calls to Marta) Curtain!

The curtain opens to reveal a marionette -- a shepherd wearinglederhosen.

MARIA (sings)

High on a hill was a lonely goatherdLay ee odl lay ee odl lay hee hooLoud was the voice of the lonely goatherdLay ee odl lay ee odl-oo

Folks in a town that was quite remote heardLay ee odl lay ee odl lay hee hooLusty and clear from the goatherd's throat heard



Lay ee odl lay ee odl-oo

Above the stage, the children work the puppet strings. On stage, goatsdancealongside the shepherd.

CHILDREN (singing)O ho lay dee odl lee o, o ho lay dee odl ayO ho lay dee odl lee o, lay dee odl lee o lay

MARIA (whispers) Marta! Marta!

Marta unrolls a new backdrop: a castle.

MARIA (whispers) Gretl! The prince!

Gretl shoves a prince puppet onstage.

MARIA (sings)A prince on the bridge of a castle moat heardLay ee odl lay ee odl lay hee hoo

Two bearded male puppets with backpacks walk on.

THE BOYS (singing)Men on a road with a load to tote heardLay ee odl lay ee odl-oo

A curtain rises to show: A beer hall. A puppet carrying many mugs of beer totwo men sitting at a table with forks and knives at the ready.Marionettemusicians play while marionette customers drink mugs of marionettebeer.

THE CHILDREN (singing)Men in the midst of a table d'hote heardLay ee odl lay ee odl lay hee hoo

MARIA (sings)Men drinking beer with the foam afloat heardLay ee odl lay ee odl-oo

Marta blows the foam from a beer and splashes Maria who coughs. Agirl puppetwith blonde braids appears to join the shepherd.



MARIA (sings)One little girl in a pale pink coat heardLay ee odl lay ee odl lay hee hoo

BRIGITTA (sings)She yodeled back to the lonely goatherdLay ee odl lay ee odl-oo

The blonde girl's bosomy mother appears and pushes the girl to theshepherd.

MARIA (sings)Soon her Mama with a gleaming gloat heardLay ee odl lay ee odl lay hee hooWhat a duet for a girl and goatherd

MARIA AND THE CHILDREN (singing)Lay ee odl lay ee odl-oo

Mother and daughter dance with the shepherd. Three couples dancethe polka asthe band continues to play. Above them, Maria and the childrenmanipulate thepuppets with all the consummate skill of professional puppeteers like,oh,for example, Bill and Cora Baird. Max, the Baroness, and the Captain

laughwith delight.

MARIA AND THE CHILDREN (singing)Ummm (ummm) ...Odl lay ee (odl lay ee)Odl lay hee hee (odl lay hee hee)Odl lay ee ...

Maria breaks out into a serious case of yodeling. She sighs, wipes herbrow,

and signals to Marta for the next backdrop. Onstage, a boy and girlgoatreplace the shepherd and his girlfriend.

BRIGITTA (sings)One little girl in a pale pink coat heard

MARIA (sings)



Lay ee odl lay ee odl lay hoo hoo

BRIGITTA (sings)She yodeled back to the lonely goatherd

LIESL (sings)Lay ee odl lay ee odl-oo

The girl goat's mother appears and bucks her daughter into the boygoat.

MARIA (sings)Soon her Mama with a gleaming gloat heardLay ee odl lay ee odl lay hmm hmmWhat a duet for a girl and goatherdLay ee odl lay ee odl-oo

The two goats snuggle and that's all it takes for a baby goat to appearanddance with them. Apparently, the Austrian mountain goat is equippedwith somevery advanced biological mechanisms.

MARIA AND THE CHILDREN (singing)Happy are they lay dee olay dee lee o ...Lay ee odl lay ee odl lay hee hooSoon the duet will become a trio

MARIA (sings)Lay ee odl lay ee odl-oo

MARIA AND THE CHILDREN (singing)Odl lay ee, odl lay ee (odl lay ee)Odl lay hee hee (odl lay hee hee),Odl lay ee (odl lay ee)Odl lay odl lay (odl lay odl lay),Odl lay odl lee (odl lay odl lee)Odl lay odl lee (odl lay odl lee)

Odl lay odl lay odl lay

THE CHILDRENWhoo!

Max, the Captain and the Baroness laugh and applaud. The children jump outfrom behind the stage to bow and curtsy.



THE CAPTAIN, MAX AND THE BARONESS Bravo! Wonderful! etc.

GRETL Can we really keep the puppet show, Uncle Max?

MARTA Yes, may we?

MAX Of course, you may, my darlings. Why else would I have toldProfessor[Kolitz] to send the bill to your father?

The children chatter with excitement and exit with Max.

Maria emerges and leans against the theater, exhausted.

CAPTAIN Well done, Fraulein.

Maria smiles modestly.

CAPTAIN I really am very, very much impressed.

MARIA They're your children, Captain.

Their eyes meet in a lingering gaze. The Captain shifts uncomfortably,thentakes the Baroness' arm and starts out of the room.

BARONESS (coolly) My dear, is there anything you can't do?

MARIA Well, I'm not sure I'll make a very good nun.

CAPTAIN Oh ho ho.

BARONESS Well, if you have any problems I'd be happy to help you.

The Baroness smiles coldly and walks into the grand front hall. TheCaptainkeeps looking at Maria in her blue dress.

MAX Attention! Attention, everyone! I have an announcement to make!Surprise, surprise. Today, after a long and desperate search, I havefinallyfound a most exciting entry for the Salzburg Folk Festival!

The Captain knows full well what Max has in mind.



CAPTAIN Congratulations, Max. Who will you be exploiting this time?

MAX Ha ha!

BARONESS (guessing) The Saint Ignatius Choir?

MAX Guess again!

CAPTAIN Um ... let me see now, uh ... the Klopmann Choir?

MAX No, no, no, no, no.

CAPTAIN No?

MAX No, no.

LIESL Tell us.

MAX A singing group all in one family. You'll never guess, Georg.

CAPTAIN What a charming idea! Uh, whose family?

MAX (laughs) Yours.

CAPTAIN Oh.

CHILDREN (they love the idea) Ohhh!

MAX They'll be the talk of the festival.

CAPTAIN Hm!

The Captain studies Max with an amused grin and laughs.

MAX Well, now, what's so funny?

CAPTAIN You are, Max. You're expensive ... but very funny.

The children laugh.

MAX But you heard them. They'll be a sensation.

CAPTAIN No, Max.

CHILDREN (disappointed) Ohhhh!



MAX It's a wonderful idea! Fresh, original ...

CAPTAIN Max, my children do not sing in public.

MAX Well, you can't blame me for trying.

MARIA Children, who shall we hear from next?

The children huddle around Maria. Liesl leans forward and whisperssomethingto Maria.

MARIA Who?

CHILDREN Yes. Yes.

Maria picks up her guitar and looks uncertainly at the children whonod.

CHILDREN Yes. Yes.

Maria clears her throat and walks over to the Captain and holds theguitarout to him.

MARIA The vote is unanimous. You, Captain.

CAPTAIN Me?

Max laughs.

CAPTAIN I don't understand.

MARIA Please.

Maria holds out the guitar to the Captain. The Captain looks at thechildren,realizes what they're up to.

CAPTAIN No, no, no, no, no, no, no.

MARIA I'm told that a long time ago you were quite good.

CAPTAIN Well, that was a very, very, very long time ago.

LIESL I remember, Father.



Maria holds out the guitar to the Captain again.

FRIEDRICH Play us something we know.

BRIGITTA Oh, please, Father.

MARIA Please.

He smiles at the children affectionately.

CAPTAIN Well ...

The Captain takes the guitar and strums a few chords. The childrensettle onthe floor in front of him. Liesl takes a seat. Maria leans against a wall.

Max and the Baroness sit together.

BARONESS Why didn't you tell me?

MAX What?

BARONESS To bring along my harmonica.

Max chuckles.

CAPTAIN

(sings)Edelweiss, edelweissEvery morning you greet me

Small and white, clean and bright You look happy to meet me

The Captain smiles at Maria. The Baroness observes them shrewdly.

CAPTAIN (sings)Blossom of snow, may you bloom and grow

Bloom and grow foreverEdelweiss, edelweissBless my homeland forever

He looks at the Baroness who smiles eagerly, then nods to Liesl as hesingsanother refrain. Liesl joins in.



CAPTAIN AND LIESL (singing)Edelweiss, (edelweiss) edelweiss (edelweiss)Every morning you greet meSmall and white (small and white), clean and bright (clean and bright) You look happy to meet me

CAPTAIN (sings)Blossom of snow, may you bloom and growBloom and grow foreverEdelweiss, edelweissBless my homeland forever

Gazing at Maria, he grins and shrugs modestly.

MAX Any time you say the word, Georg, you can be part of my newact ...

The Captain laughs.

MAX ... the Von Trapp Family Singers.

BARONESS I have a wonderful idea, Georg. Let's really fill this housewithmusic. You must give a grand and glorious party for me while I'm here.

The children gasp with delight.

CAPTAIN A party?

CHILDREN Yes, yes, Father, please! Oh, Father, please.

BARONESS Yes, I think it's high time I met all your friends here inSalzburg, and they met me. Don't you agree?

CAPTAIN I see what you mean.

CHILDREN Oh, please. Please! Please!

Maria walks over to the children.

MARIA Children! It's time to go to bed! Come now. Say good night.

CHILDREN (disappointed) Ohhh ...

The children stand up.



CHILDREN Good night, Father. Good night. Good night, BaronessSchraeder.Good night, Uncle Max.

The Captain kisses and hugs his children. They dash out of the room,

beamingwith excitement. Gretl runs to catch up, then stops and turns in thedoorway.

GRETL It will be my first party, Father.

CUT TO:

THE PARTY - NIGHT

An orchestra plays a waltz as a number of guests dance around the

room --women in long, flowing ball gowns and men in tuxedoes. A conductorleads anorchestra using his violin bow as a baton. Outside, cars and carriagesfillthe driveway. The Captain and the Baroness greet the arriving guests.A redand white Austrian flag hangs conspicuously from the balcony. TheCaptainwears a medal from a matching red and white ribbon around his neck.

The Captain shakes hands with ZELLER, a ferret-faced, silver-haired,pro-NaziAustrian.

ZELLER Captain.

CAPTAIN Herr Zeller, Baroness Schraeder.

BARONESS Good evening, Herr Zeller.

ZELLER Baroness.

Zeller kisses the Baroness' gloved hand and moves into the hall. TheCaptain'spolite smile fades as he watches Zeller stops and scowlsdisapprovingly at theAustrian flag hanging from the balcony.

Zeller stalks into the ballroom and searches the crowd, then makes his



way toa stocky man with round glasses. Zeller clicks his heels together andbows.

ZELLER I suppose you noticed the obvious display of the Austrian flag

in thehallway.

Outside, the children stand on a garden terrace, peering through doorson oneside of the ballroom.

BRIGITTA The women look so beautiful.

KURT I think they look ugly.

LOUISA You just say that because you're scared of them.

KURT Silly, only grown-up men are scared of women.

GRETL I think the men look beautiful.

LOUISA How would you know?

Gretl points her nose in the air, snubbing Louisa. Liesl wanders ontothemarble terrace, staring dreamily into space. Brigitta stands watching

her asLiesl as she imagines a young man is asking her to dance. Lieslcurtsies andbegins to waltz by herself.

BRIGITTA Liesl, who are you dancing with?

LIESL Nobody.

BRIGITTA Oh, yes you are.

Friedrich cuts in, tapping Liesl on shoulder.

FRIEDRICH May I have this dance?

LIESL I'd be delighted, young man.

The children gather to watch Liesl and Friedrich waltz together. Mariawalks



onto the terrace and joins them.

MARIA Well, why didn't you children tell me you could dance?

KURT We were afraid you'd make us all dance together -- the Von

TrappFamily Dancers!

The other children laugh. As Kurt speaks, the music stops, the guestsapplaud, and the music begins again. The children glance toward theballroom.

GRETL What's that they are playing?

MARIA It's the Laendler. It's an Austrian folk dance.

KURT Show me.

MARIA Oh, Kurt, I haven't danced that since I was a little girl.

KURT Oh, you remember. Please.

MARIA Well --

KURT Please.

MARIA All right, come on over here.

They move to the center of the terrace.

MARIA Now, you bow and I curtsy.

KURT Like this?

MARIA Fine. Now, we go for a little walk -- this way.

Maria takes Kurt's hand and demonstrates a dance step.

MARIA One, two, three. One, two, three.

The Captain come out watching them dance.

MARIA One, two, three, step together. Now, step hop. Step hop. Now,turnunder. Whoop, not quite.



The Captain smiles and pulls on his white gloves.

MARIA This way. Hop, step, hop, and under.

KURT Hmm -- uh --

MARIA Kurt --

KURT Um --

MARIA We'll have to practice.

The Captain cuts in.

CAPTAIN Do allow me, will you?

KURT Mm-hmm.

Kurt joins the other children. Maria stares at the Captain in surprise. Heholds out his hand. She hesitates, then takes it. They start to danceliltingly around the terrace. With shy smiles they clasp hands and do aseries of graceful twirls.

The Captain claps his hands as Maria dances around him. She stopsand hedances around her. The Baroness comes out and stops short as shesees them

dancing and looking into each other's eyes. Behind her, the partyguests alsoperform the courtly dance.

Arms entwined, the Captain and Maria spin in a slow circle, gazingdeeplyinto each other's eyes. Maria steps back, troubled.

MARIA I don't remember any more.

They share a dreamy gaze. Brigitta walks over.

BRIGITTA Your face is all red.

MARIA Is it? I don't suppose I'm used to dancing.

The Captain smiles tenderly. The music ends, the guests applaud. TheBaroness,trying to hold her jealousy in check, walks over to the Captain.



BARONESS Why, that was beautifully done. What a lovely couple youmake.

CAPTAIN Yes. I think it's time the, uh, children said good night.

MARIA Yes. We'll be in the hall in a moment. We've got something veryspecial prepared. (to children) Right?

CHILDREN Right. Yeah. Yes. Let's go. Come on.

Maria and the children leave. The Captain takes the Baroness' arm.

BARONESS All that needless worrying, Georg. You thought youwouldn't find afriend at the party.

He glances back in Maria's direction.

CAPTAIN Chilly out tonight, isn't it?

BARONESS Oh, I don't know. Seemed rather warm to me.

The Captain purses his lips, then puts on a polite smile.

In the ballroom, Maria makes an announcement.

MARIA Ladies and gentlemen. The children of Captain Von Trapp wishto saygood night to you.

Maria leads the guests out of the ballroom and into the front hall. Thechildren line up in four rows on the front steps.

CHILDREN (singing) There's a sad sort of clanging from the clock in the hallAnd the bells in the steeple tooAnd up in the nursery an absurd little bird

Is popping out to say "cuckoo"

MARTA, GRETL, BRIGITTA (singing)Cuckoo, cuckoo

CHILDRENMARTA, GRETL, BRIGITTARegretfully they tell us



Cuckoo, cuckooBut firmly they compel usCuckoo, cuckoo To say goodbye ...

MARTA, GRETL, BRIGITTA (singing)Cuckoo!

CHILDREN (singing)... to you

The children march down the steps and line up in a row, waving at theguests.

CHILDREN (singing)So long, farewell, auf Wiedersehen, good night

MARTA (sings)I hate to go and leave this pretty sight

Friedrich pretends to kick Marta in the rear which causes her to hurryupstairs. All the children move over one spot in the line.

CHILDREN (singing)So long, farewell, auf Wiedersehen, adieu

FRIEDRICH (sings)

Adieu, adieu, to yieu and yieu and yieu

Liesl kicks Friedrich upstairs. Everyone moves over.

CHILDREN (singing)So long, farewell, au revoir, auf Wiedersehen

LIESL (sings)I'd like to stay and taste my first champagne(spoken, to the Captain) Yes?

CAPTAIN (spoken, dryly) No.

Pouting, Liesl gets back in line where Kurt kicks her upstairs. All moveover.

CHILDREN (singing)So long, farewell, auf Wiedersehen, goodbye



KURT (sings)I leave and heave a sigh and say goodbye -- (falsetto) Goodbye!

The Captain waves Kurt away. Brigitta steps forward.

BRIGITTA (sings)I'm glad to go, I cannot tell a lie

LOUISA (sings)I flit, I float, I fleetly flee, I fly

Like ballerinas, Brigitta and Louisa stretch their arms, skip from side toside then twirl upstairs. Gretl sits on the stairs, skooching up the steps.

GRETL (sings)

The sun has gone to bed and so must I

She lays her head on her hands and pretends to go to sleep.

CHILDREN (singing)So long, farewell, auf Wiedersehen, goodbye

Liesl gathers Gretl in her arms and follows her brothers and sisters uptheremaining stairs. They wave from the balcony.

CHILDREN (singing)Goodbye, goodbye, goodbye

GUESTS (singing)Goodbye!

The party guests wave as the children disappear into their rooms.

MAX They're extraordinary. What they would do at the festival! (toMaria) Oh,young lady, I must have a word with you.

Max drags Maria by the hand.

MAX Georg, Georg, you're not going to let this girl get away. She has to jointhe party.

MARIA No, really, I--



MAX (shushing Maria) Sh sh sh. Stop it.

The Baroness glares.

MAX Georg, please.

CAPTAIN You can if you want to, Fraulein.

MAX I insist. You will be my dinner partner. (quietly reassuring theBaroness) This is business. (to the butler) Franz, set another place nexttomine for Fraulein Maria.

Franz hesitates. Maria is uneasy.

FRANZ Whatever you say, Herr Detweiler.

CAPTAIN Well, it appears to be all arranged, doesn't it?

BARONESS (icily) It certainly does.

MARIA I'm not suitably dressed.

CAPTAIN Uh, well, you can change. We'll wait for you.

MARIA (to Max, in a daze) All right.

Still uncertain, Maria goes off to change. The Captain chats with hisguests,among them the Ebberfelds.

BARONESS EBBERFELD Captain, you must be very proud of youryoungsters.

CAPTAIN I am, thank you, Baroness.

BARON EBBERFELD Is there a more beautiful expression of what is

good in thiscountry of ours than the innocent voices of our children?

The Baroness, overhearing all this, decides to follow Maria upstairs andexits.

ZELLER Oh, come now, Baron, would you have us believe that Austriaalone



holds a monopoly on virtue?

CAPTAIN Uh, Herr Zeller, some of us prefer Austrian voices raised insongto ugly German threats.

ZELLER The, uh, ostrich buries his head in the sand -- andsometimes ... inthe flag. Perhaps those would warn you that the Anschluss is coming --and itis coming, Captain -- perhaps they would get further with you bysetting theirwords to music.

CAPTAIN If the Nazis take over Austria, I have no doubt, Herr Zeller,that

you will be the entire trumpet section.

The Captain turns to leave.

ZELLER You flatter me, Captain.

The Captain stops and turns back to Zeller.

CAPTAIN Oh, how clumsy of me. I meant to accuse you.

The Captain turns and walks away. Zeller and Max exchange glances.

CUT TO:

Upstairs in her room, Maria changes out of her dress.

MARIA It's very kind of you to offer to help me, Baroness.

BARONESS I'm delighted, Maria.

MARIA I-I-I- really don't think I do have anything that would beappropriate.

BARONESS Now, where is that lovely little thing you were wearing theotherevening when the Captain couldn't keep his eyes off you?

MARIA Couldn't keep his eyes off me?

BARONESS Come, my dear, we are women. Now, let's not pretend we



don'tknow when a man notices us.

The Baroness pulls Maria's simple, gauzy, cool blue dress from thearmoir.

BARONESS Here we are.

MARIA The Captain notices everybody and everything.

BARONESS There's no need to feel so defensive, Maria. You are quiteattractive, you know. The Captain would hardly be a man if he didn'tnoticeyou.

MARIA Baroness, I hope you're joking.

BARONESS Not at all.

MARIA But I've never done a thing to --

BARONESS But you don't have to, my dear. There's nothing moreirresistibleto a man than a woman who's in love with him.

MARIA In love with him?

BARONESS Of course. And what makes it so nice is ... he think he's inlovewith you.

MARIA But that's not true.

BARONESS Surely you've noticed the way he looks into your eyes. Andyouknow, uh, you blushed in his arms when you were dancing just now.

Putting her hands to her cheeks, Maria realizes the Baroness is right.

BARONESS Don't take it to heart. He'll get over it soon enough I shouldthink. Men do, you know.

MARIA Then, I should go. I mustn't stay here.

The Baroness likes this idea but tries not to show it. After a moment of confusion, Maria grabs her carpetbag from beneath her bed and starts



stuffingit with clothes.

BARONESS Is there something I can do to help?

MARIA No, nothing.

The Baroness starts to leave.

MARIA Yes.

The Baroness stops.

MARIA Please don't say a word about this to the Captain.

BARONESS No. No, I wouldn't dream of it.

The Baroness goes to the door and turns back to Maria.

BARONESS Goodbye, Maria. I'm sure you'll make a very fine nun.

She smiles fleetingly and walks out. Maria watches her go, thencontinues topack. She takes her drab gray dress off the hanger and bows her head,leaningagainst the bed in anguish.

CUT TO:

Downstairs, the Baroness searches the front hall, then hurries into theballroom. She scans the crowd and weaves around the dancing couplesto joinMax. The Baroness grabs two glasses from a tray carried by a passingwaiterand offers one to Max.

BARONESS Champagne, darling? I feel like celebrating. Cheers.

The Baroness takes a long sip and, over the rim of her glass, eyes theCaptainwho stands on the opposite side of the room chatting with guests.

MAX You know something.

BARONESS Perhaps.



MAX Then, if you're so clever, tell me how to get our little fraulein touseher influence with Georg. I want those children in the festival. Elsa, thisisimportant to Austria.

BARONESS Wouldn't do you any harm, either.

MAX I've thought of that.

BARONESS Well, if it's a matter of influence, maybe the one you haveto betalking to is me.

Max studies the Baroness as she smiles coyly. She hands him herchampagne

glass and strides across the room to the Captain who takes her handwith asmile. They waltz, twirling gracefully alongside their guests.

CUT TO:

Upstairs, Maria emerges from her room, carrying her bag and guitar,andwearing her drab gray dress and leather hat. She peeks over thebalconyrailing into the empty front hall below, then hurries downstairs.

Setting her guitar by the front door, she takes an envelope out of herpocketand stealthily crosses the hall to carefully prop the letter on a marbletable. She rushes back to the door. Maria picks up her guitar, hesitates,andturns to drink in her surroundings for one last time. Finally, she turnsandhurries out the front door.

FADE OUT

INTERMISSION

FADE IN

EXT. TRAPP VILLA - DAY

Several days later. Max sits on the veranda overlooking the lake. He



watchesthe Baroness play a game with the children, throwing a large rubberball. They stand in a circle, counting off ("Two" "Three" "Four" etc.), as theytoss the ball among themselves. Nobody is having much fun. The

Baronessbounces the ball to Brigitta who passes it to Louisa. Louisa feints athrowat the Baroness who is completely faked out -- and passes the ball toLiesl.Max watches with concern. Kurt throws the ball to the Baroness but itslipspast her and she must chase it awkwardly in her high heels, much toMax'samusement.

The Baroness clearly has no interest or aptitude for playing children'sgamesand the children are obviously bored.

BARONESS Isn't this fun? Um ... (passes ball to Friedrich) Four ...

FRIEDRICH I'm number five.

BARONESS Oh, yes.

The ball makes the rounds again with the children listlessly counting

("Eight""Two" "Four" ...)

LIESL Six.

Liesl throws the ball to the Baroness who catches it in her stomachwith anexclamation.

BARONESS Two.

She throws it awkwardly past Kurt.

KURT Baroness Schraeder, do you mind if we stop now? We're tired.

BARONESS (relieved) Oh, whatever you want, dear. We'll do it againtomorrow.

The children exchange grim glances and gather on a nearby bench to



watch theBaroness hurry up the steps to Max who pours a glass of pinklemonade from apitcher on the table.

MAX (ironic) The country's so restful, isn't it? Have some lemonade.

BARONESS Oh, there must be an easier way.

MAX (chuckles) I get a fiendish delight thinking of you as the mother of seven.

BARONESS Mm hm.

MAX How do you plan to do it?

BARONESS Darling, haven't you ever heard of a delightful little thingcalledboarding school?

MAX Baroness Machiavelli.

She raises her eyebrows in agreement. The children approach.

BRIGITTA Uncle Max, where's father?

MAX I think he's in the house. What's the matter with all you gloomy

pusses?

BRIGITTA Nothing.

MAX I know what we'll do. Let's have a rehearsal.

LOUISA What for?

MAX Let's make believe we're standing on the stage at the Festival.

MARTA I don't feel like singing.

GRETL Not without Fraulein Maria.

MAX Liesl, get the guitar. Come on, Marta.

The children protest mildly but Max presses on.

MAX Everybody into the group. You know your places, get in your



places,that's right. Now, be cheerful, right. Give us the key, Liesl.

Liesl plays the guitar.

MAX Now ... impress me.

The children begin to sing a few notes -- well, not all of them.Disappointed,Max interrupts.

MAX Friedrich, Gretl, why don't you sing?

GRETL I can't. I've got a sore finger.

Gretl shows Max a bandaged index finger.

MAX But you sang so beautifully the night of the party. Come on, all of you,sing something, try something you know. Enjoy it. Be cheerful. Allright,Liesl.

Liesl plays. The children sing listlessly but with a somber, melancholicbeauty.

CHILDREN (singing) The hills are alive with the sound of music

The Captain comes out in his crisp gray and green suit. He pauses towatchand listen.

CHILDREN (singing) With songs they have sung for a thousand years

Brigitta stops singing and walks to the terrace railing.

CHILDREN (singing) The hills fill my heart with the sound of music

Gretl and Louisa follow Brigitta. The Captain raises his eyebrows,sensingthat something's wrong and walks to Max. The children stop singing.

MAX They just wanted to sing for me, bless their hearts.

CAPTAIN (to the children) That's lovely, lovely, don't stop.



They don't respond.

CAPTAIN Hm?

The Captain sits near the Baroness.

BARONESS Uh, something long and cool, Georg?

CAPTAIN No thank you, darling.

BRIGITTA Father?

CAPTAIN Yes, Brigitta?

BRIGITTA Is it true Fraulein Maria isn't coming back?

CAPTAIN Fraulein Maria? Yes, I suppose it's true, yes. (off thelemonade)What have we got here?

BARONESS Pink lemonade.

MAX Laced with, uh, lemonade.

The Captain shudders.

BRIGITTA I don't believe it, Father.

CAPTAIN Hm? Don't believe what, darling?

BRIGITTA About Fraulein Maria.

CAPTAIN Oh, Fraulein Maria. Didn't I tell you what her note said? Oh,I'msure I did. She said she missed her life at the Abbey too much. She hadtoleave us. And that's all there is to it. (off the lemonade) I think I'mbrave enough to try some of that.

LOUISA She didn't even say goodbye.

CAPTAIN She did in her note.

LOUISA That isn't the same thing.

BARONESS (off the lemonade) Not too sweet, not too sour.



MAX Just too, um, pink.

GRETL Father?

CAPTAIN Hm?

GRETL Who is our new governess going to be?

Pausing in mid sip, the Captain glances at the Baroness.

CAPTAIN Well ... (rises) ... you're not going to have a governessanymore.

CHILDREN (astonished) We're not?

CAPTAIN No.

The Captain squeezes the Baroness' shoulders.

CAPTAIN You're going to have a new mother.

LIESL A new mother?

CAPTAIN We talked about it last night. It's all settled, and we're allgoing to be very happy. (to Baroness) Mmm?

The Baroness smiles at him but the smile fades as she turns to thechildrenwho stare silently. The Captain scowls and nods to the children andthey stepup one by one to kiss the Baroness on the cheek. The Baronessglances at Maxwho looks skeptical. The children kiss the Baroness slowly andreluctantly.

CAPTAIN (annoyed) Well, all right, all right, all right. Now, run off andplay.

The children leave, glancing sullenly back at the Baroness and theirfather.

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. ABBEY - THAT AFTERNOON



In Salzburg, the children cross a street below a castle on a hill andapproachthe Abbey's wrought iron gate. They see a nun sweep the cobblestonecourtyardinside. Liesl pulls a bell cord. Another nun approaches the locked gate

andsmiles warmly.

NUN Yes, my children?

LIESL My name is Liesl.

NUN Yes, Liesl?

LIESL We -- my brothers and sisters -- we want to see Fraulein Maria.

NUN Fraulein Maria? Oh, Maria! Come in, please.

The nun unlocks the gate and the children enter. The nun holds up herhands.

NUN Wait here.

The nun walks over to Sister Margaretta who stands talking withanother nun.Sister Margaretta glances at the children and joins them.

MARGARETTA I'm Sister Margaretta. I understand you've beeninquiring about Maria.

FRIEDRICH We have to see her. Will you tell her we're here, please?

MARGARETTA I'm afraid I can't do that.

LOUISA Oh, but you've got to. We have to speak to her.

MARTA She's our governess.

GRETL We want her back.

KURT She didn't say even goodbye.

GRETL It's very important.

LIESL All we want to do is talk to her.



MARGARETTA I'm very sorry, children, but Maria is in seclusion. Shehasn'tbeen seeing anyone.

FRIEDRICH She'll see us. I know she will.

GRETL I want to show her my finger.

MARGARETTA Oh, some other time, dear. I'll tell her that you werehere. Itwas sweet of you to call. Run along home now. Go on.

Smiling gently, Sister Margaretta ushers the children back out throughthegate and shuts it behind them.

BRIGITTA Oh, please.

MARGARETTA Run along, children!

FRIEDRICH I'm sure she'd like to see us.

MARGARETTA Goodbye, children.

CHILDREN Please! Please! Sister Margaretta! Sister Margaretta!

Sister Margaretta walks away. The Reverend Mother joins her.

MOTHER ABBESS What was that about, Sister Margaretta?

MARGARETTA The Von Trapp children, Reverend Mother. They want tosee Maria.

MOTHER ABBESS Has she spoken yet? Has she told you anything?

MARGARETTA She doesn't say a word, Reverend Mother, except inprayer.

MOTHER ABBESS Poor child.

MARGARETTA It's strange. She - she seems happy to be back here andyet ...and yet she's unhappy too.

MOTHER ABBESS Perhaps I have been wrong in leaving her alone solong. I think



you'd better bring her to me, even she's not yet ready.

MARGARETTA Yes, Reverend Mother.

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. MOTHER ABBESS' OFFICE - LATER THAT DAY

The Reverend Mother smiles at a young woman in a green dress andhat.

MOTHER ABBESS Sister Augusta, take our new postulant to the robingroom. (tothe young woman) God bless you, my daughter.

There is a knock at the door.

MOTHER ABBESS Ave!

As Sister Augusta and the young woman in the green dress exit, SisterMargaretta steps in and bows her head.

MOTHER ABBESS Yes, bring her in.

Maria walks in wearing a black habit and a simple novitiate's wimple.Sherushes to the Reverend Mother, takes her hand and kneels at her feet.

MOTHER ABBESS You've been unhappy. I'm sorry.

Maria kisses her hand.

MARIA Reverend Mother.

MOTHER ABBESS Why did they send you back to us?

MARIA They didn't send me back, Mother, I-I left.

MOTHER ABBESS Sit down, Maria. Tell me what happened.

MARIA (sits) Well, I -- I was frightened.

MOTHER ABBESS Frightened? Were they unkind to you?

MARIA Oh, no! No, I-I was - I was confused. I-I felt -- I've never feltthat way before. I couldn't stay. I knew that here I'd be away from it.



I'dbe safe.

MOTHER ABBESS Maria, our Abbey is not to be used as an escape.What is it

you can't face?

MARIA I can't face him again.

MOTHER ABBESS Him? (turns to the door) Thank you, SisterMargaretta.

Sister Margaretta nods politely and leaves.

MOTHER ABBESS Captain Von Trapp? Are you in love with him?

MARIA I don't know! I don't know! The Baroness said I was. She - shesaidthat he was in love with me, but I-I didn't want to believe it. Oh, therewere times when we would look at each other. Oh Mother, I couldhardlybreathe.

MOTHER ABBESS Did you let him see how you felt?

MARIA If I did, I didn't know it. That's what's been torturing me. I wasthere on God's errand. To have asked for his love would have been

wrong. Oh, I couldn't stay, I just couldn't. I'm ready at this moment totake my vows. Please help me.

MOTHER ABBESS Maria, the love of a man and a woman is holy, too. You have agreat capacity to love. What you must find out is how God wants you tospendyour love.

MARIA But I pledged my life to God, I - I've pledged my life to hisservice.

MOTHER ABBESS My daughter, if you love this man, it doesn't meanyou love Godless. No. You must find out. You must go back.

MARIA Oh, Mother, you can't ask me to do that. Please, let me stay. Ibeg of you.



MOTHER ABBESS Maria, these walls were not built to shut outproblems. Youhave to face them. You have to live the life you were born to live.

The Reverend Mother gazes at a patterned, yellow glass window.

MOTHER ABBESS (sings)Climb ev'ry mountainSearch high and lowFollow ev'ry by-wayEvery path you know

Climb ev'ry mountainFord ev'ry streamFollow ev'ry rainbow

'Till you find your dream

A dream that will needAll the love you can giveEveryday of your lifeFor as long as you live

Climb ev'ry mountainFord ev'ry streamFollow ev'ry rainbow'Till you find your dream

A dream that will needAll the love you can giveEveryday of your lifeFor as long as you live

Climb ev'ry mountainFord ev'ry streamFollow ev'ry rainbow'Till you find your dream

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. VON TRAPP TERRACE - EARLY EVENING

The Captain is questioning the children who have obviously justreturned fromtheir trip to Abbey.



CAPTAIN Now, it's not like my children to be secretive.

LOUISA We're not being secretive, Father.

CAPTAIN Mm hm. And it's not like my children to be late for dinner.

FRIEDRICH We lost track of the time.

CAPTAIN Ah, I see.

CHILDREN Yes, yes.

CAPTAIN All right, now who's going to be the first one to tell me thetruth?Friedrich? Brigitta? Liesl?

LIESL Where do you think we were, Father?

CAPTAIN Hm?

LIESL Well, if you don't believe us, you must have some idea whereyou thinkwe were.

Marta giggles at this.

CAPTAIN Aha! Marta!

MARTA Yes, Father?

CAPTAIN You tell me.

MARTA Friedrich told you, Father. We were berry picking.

CAPTAIN (claps his hands) I forgot. You were berry picking.

CHILDREN Yes, yes ...

CAPTAIN All afternoon?

CHILDREN Mm hm!

LOUISA We picked thousands of them.

CAPTAIN Thousands?



The children all talk at once, affirming the tall tale.

CAPTAIN What kind of berries?

FRIEDRICH Ah, blueberries, sir.

CAPTAIN Blueberries? (sounds yummy) Mmm mm.

The children chime in their agreement with the whole blueberry story.

CAPTAIN It's, um, too early for blueberries.

FRIEDRICH They were strawberries.

CAPTAIN Strawberries?

FRIEDRICH It's been so cold lately, they turned blue.

Friedrich winces, Liesl rolls her eyes, Brigitta looks like she's going tothrow up.

CAPTAIN Awww ... Tsk, tsk, tsk! Very well, show me the berries.

CHILDREN Um ... we ... well ...

CAPTAIN Well, show me the berries you picked. Come on.

KURT We don't have them anymore.

CAPTAIN You don't have them anymore? Well, what happened tothem?

KURT We ... we ...

Kurt looks at Brigitta who is supposed to be the smart one.

BRIGITTA (big smile) We ate them!

CAPTAIN You ate them?

CHILDREN (enthusiastically) Yes. They were very delicious.

CAPTAIN Very well. Since you've obviously stuffed yourselves full of thousands of delicious berries, you can't be hungry anymore, so I'll justhaveto simply tell Frau Schmidt to, uh, skip your dinner.



The Captain trots up the steps, smirking to himself, and goes into thehouse.Kurt scowls at Friedrich.

KURT It's all your fault. You should have told him the truth.

FRIEDRICH And made him boiling mad at us?

KURT It's better than staving to death.

LOUISA We didn't do anything wrong. We just wanted to see her.

KURT My stomach's making noises.

MARTA The least they could have done was to let us say hello.

KURT I wonder what grass tastes like ...

GRETL I feel awful.

BRIGITTA When Fraulein Maria wanted to feel better, she used to singthatsong. Remember?

LIESL Yes.

BRIGITTA Let's try it.

CHILDREN (singing slowly and sadly)Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittensBright copper kettles and warm woolen mittensBrown paper packages tied up with strings These are a few of my favorite things

GRETL Why don't I feel better?

Liesl hugs Gretl.

CHILDREN (singing slowly and sadly)Girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes

Suddenly Maria's voice joins them.

CHILDREN AND MARIASnowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes



The children stop singing and start chattering with excitement.

MARIASilver white winters that melt into springs

These are a few of my favorite things

Wearing the green dress that belonged to the new postulant, Mariaruns to thechildren (who run to her), drops her guitar and carpetbag, and givesthem alla big hug.

MARIA AND THE CHILDREN (singing happily)When the dog bitesWhen the bee stings

When I'm feeling sadI simply remember my favorite thingsAnd then I don't feel so bad

Kneeling, Maria touches Gretl's and Marta's faces lovingly. She blows akissto Louisa. The children laugh.

MARIA Oh, children, I'm so glad to see you!

MARTA We missed you!

MARIA Oh, I missed you. Kurt, how are you?

KURT Hungry.

Everyone laughs. Gretl shows Maria her bandaged finger.

MARIA Gretl, what happened to your finger?

GRETL It got caught.

MARIA Caught in what?

GRETL Friedrich's teeth.

Everyone laughs.

MARIA Liesl, you all right?



LIESL Just fair.

MARIA Many telegrams been delivered here lately?

LIESL None at all, Fraulein. But I'm learning to accept it. I'll be glad

whenschool begins.

MARIA Oh, Liesl, you can't use school to escape your problems. Youhave toface them. Oh, I have so much to tell you all.

LOUISA We have things to tell you, too.

MARIA I'm sure you do.

BRIGITTA The most important thing is that Father's going to bemarried.

MARIA Married?

LOUISA Yes, to Baroness Schraeder.

MARIA (stunned) Oh, I see ...

The children see the Captain on the veranda.

CHILDREN Oh, Father, look! Look!

FRIEDRICH Father, Fraulein Maria's come back from the Abbey.

The Captain looks down at them.

MARIA Good evening, Captain.

CAPTAIN Good evening. All right, everyone inside. Go and get yourdinner.

CHILDREN Dinner! Dinner!

The children happily rush into the house. The Captain walks down toMaria.

CAPTAIN You left without saying goodbye ... even to the children.

MARIA Well, it was wrong of me. Forgive me.



CAPTAIN Why did you?

MARIA Please don't ask me. Anyway, the reason no longer exists.

The Baroness comes out.

BARONESS Fraulein Maria, you've returned. Isn't it wonderful, Georg?

MARIA May I wish you every happiness, Baroness, and you too,Captain. Thechildren tell me you're going to be married.

BARONESS Thank you, my dear.

Maria runs up the steps.

CAPTAIN You are back to, uh, stay?

Maria stops, turns back, and shakes her head.

MARIA Only until arrangements can be made for another governess.

The Baroness watches the Captain watch Maria enter the house. TheCaptainsmiles at the Baroness and takes her hand. She smiles winningly andwalks

with him inside.

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. VON TRAPP TERRACE - NIGHT

Maria strolls toward the edge of the lake. The Captain, on a secondfloorbalcony, watches her gaze across the water. The Baroness, in a strikingreddress that contrasts with Maria's cool blue one, joins the Captain.

BARONESS (giggles) There you are!

The Captain stiffens, smiles awkwardly and looks down at Maria. TheBaronesssteels herself, then gives the Captain's arm a squeeze.

BARONESS I really must speak to cook about the wienerschnitzel. It is



entirely too delicious for my figure. And it makes you much too quiet atthedinner table. Or was it the wine?

CAPTAIN Oh, undoubtedly the wine.

BARONESS You have no idea what kind of trouble I'm having tying todecidewhat to give you for a wedding present. Oh, I know I'm enough.(chuckles)But I do want you to have some little trifle for the occasion. At first, I-Ithought of a fountain pen but you've already got one. And-and-andthen Ithought perhaps a villa in the south of France but they are sodifficult to gift wrap. Oh, Georg, how do you feel about yachts? A longsleek

one for the Mediterranean and a tiny one for your bathtub, hm?

CAPTAIN Elsa.

BARONESS And - and where to go on our honeymoon, now that is areal problem.I thought a trip around the world would be lovely. Then I said oh, Elsa,there must be someplace better to go... Don't worry, darling--

CAPTAIN Look, Elsa ...

BARONESS Yes, Georg?

CAPTAIN It's no use ... you and I. I'm being dishonest to both of us ...and utterly unfair to you. When two people talk of marriage ...

BARONESS No, don't. Don't say another word, Georg, please. You see,uh,there are other things I've been thinking of. Fond as I am of you, Ireallydon't think you're the right man for me. You're, um, you're much tooindependent and I-I need someone who needs me desperately. Or at

least, needsmy money desperately. I've enjoyed every moment we've hadtogether. I do thankyou for that. Now, if, um, if you'll forgive me, I'll go inside, pack mylittle bags, and return to Vienna where I belong. And somewhere outthere isa young lady who I think ... will never be a nun.



The Captain's eyes widen in surprise, then his face relaxes into a smile.Shekisses him on the cheek.

BARONESS Auf Wiedersehen, darling.

He watches the Baroness walk away, blinks his eyes reflectively, thenreturnshis gaze to the lake.

DISSOLVE TO:

In the moonlit garden next to the glass-walled gazebo, Maria sits onone endof a stone bench. Elbows on her knees, she knits her fingers togetherand

stares downward.

CAPTAIN Hello.

The Captain approaches and stands by a tree. Maria sits up, startled.

CAPTAIN I, I thought I just might find you here.

MARIA (rises) Was - was there something you wanted?

CAPTAIN Mm? No, no, no, no. Sit down, please.

She stands still.

CAPTAIN Please.

She sits as he scans the grounds. The Captain asks permission sitdown.

CAPTAIN Uh, may I?

She nods and he sits on the opposite end of the bench, giving her a

friendlysmile. She looks self-consciously at her lap.

CAPTAIN (laughs) You know, I was thinking and I was wondering ... twothings.Why did you run away to the Abbey? And what was it that made youcome back?



MARIA Well, I had an obligation to fulfill and I -- I came back to fulfillit.

CAPTAIN Mm. Is that all?

MARIA And I missed the children.

CAPTAIN Yes. Uh, uh, only the children?

MARIA No. Yes! Isn't it right I should have missed them?

CAPTAIN Oh, yes, yes, of course! I was, uh, only hoping that perhapsyou... perhaps you might, uh ...

MARIA Yes?

CAPTAIN Well, uh, nothing was the same when you were away and it'llbewrong again after you leave. And I just thought perhaps you might,uh ...change your mind?

She studies his face, then rises and walks away.

MARIA Well, I'm sure the Baroness will be able to make things fine foryou.

CAPTAIN Maria ...

She stops.

CAPTAIN There isn't going to be any Baroness.

MARIA There isn't?

He walks past her into the gazebo and she follows.

CAPTAIN No.

MARIA I don't understand.

CAPTAIN Well, we've, um ... called off our engagement, you see, and,um...

MARIA Oh, I'm sorry.



CAPTAIN Yes. You are?

MARIA Mm hmm. You did?

CAPTAIN Yes. Well, you can't marry someone when you're in love withsomeoneelse, can you?

Maria shakes her head. The Captain cups her chin in his hand and pullshergently toward him. Then he kisses her tenderly. She puts her head tohisshoulder.

MARIA (sighs) Reverend Mother always says, "When the Lord closes a

door,somewhere He opens a window."

CAPTAIN What else does the Reverend Mother say?

MARIA That you have to look for your life.

CAPTAIN Is that why you came back?

Maria nods.

CAPTAIN And have you found it, Maria?

MARIA I think I have. I know I have.

CAPTAIN I love you.

MARIA Oh, can this be happening to me?(sings)Perhaps I had a wicked childhoodPerhaps I had a miserable youthBut somewhere in my wicked, miserable past

There must have been a moment of truth

For here you are, standing there, loving meWhether or not you shouldSo somewhere in my youth or childhoodI must have done something good

Nothing comes from nothing



Nothing ever couldSo somewhere in my youth or childhoodI must have done something good

CAPTAIN (spoken) Do you know when I first started loving you? That

night atthe dinner table when you sat on that ridiculous pine cone.

He laughs.

MARIA What? (laughs) I knew the first time you blew that silly whistle.

CAPTAIN Oh, my love.

They stand in the gazebo doorway, silhouetted in moonlight.

CAPTAIN (sings)For here you are, standing there, loving meWhether or not you should

MARIA (sings)So somewhere in my youth or childhoodI must have done something good

MARIA AND THE CAPTAIN (singing)Nothing comes from nothingNothing ever could

MARIA (sings)So somewhere in my youth

CAPTAIN (sings)Or childhood

MARIA (sings)I must have done something ...

MARIA AND THE CAPTAIN (singing)

Something good

They kiss.

CAPTAIN Maria? Is there anyone I should go to to ask permission tomarry you?

MARIA Well, why don't we ask ...



CAPTAIN AND MARIA ... the children?

DISSOLVE TO:

ABBEY - DAY

Wedding bells ring. The Reverend Mother looks up at Maria who standsatop somesteps. Two nuns adjust Maria's white bridal veil, held in place by awreath of ivy. The veil's white crinoline falls all the way to the floor, spreadingintoa train behind Maria's beautifully unadorned gown made of shiny whitesatin.Maria lifts the hem, walks down the steps and kneels before the

ReverendMother who makes the sign of the cross over Maria's head. They exitthrough adoorway into ...

... the wide cobblestone courtyard of the Abbey's cloister, dozens of nunsfall into step behind her.

Organ music. Maria and the nuns enter a large, baroque cathedralbehind an

iron gate which the Reverend Mother opens for Maria. Liesl, the maidof honor,greets Maria. Marta and Gretl carry baskets of flowers. The ReverendMothercloses the gate and stays on the cloister side with the other nuns.LieslhandsMaria a bouquet -- she inhales its aroma deeply. Maria smiles at thenuns whosmile back.

Liesl, Marta and Gretl walk down a large marble aisle. Hundreds of

guests arepresent. Maria walks toward the Captain who wears a black dressuniform.

NUNS' VOICES (singing)How do you solve a problem like Maria?How do you catch a cloud and pin it down?How do you find a word that means Maria?



A flibbertijibbet! A will-o'-the wisp! A clown!Many a thing you know you'd like to tell herMany a thing she ought to understandBut how do you make her stayAnd listen to all you say?

How do you keep a wave upon the sand?Oh, how do you solve a problem like Maria?How do you hold a moonbeam in your hand?

Marta and Gretl join the other children in a set of pews. Max is bestman.Maria arrives and the Captain holds out his hand. She takes it and theyapproach a forty foot high altar. Nuns beam proudly behind the irongate.

Maria, the Captain, Liesl, and Max all kneel at once before a high priest

whoblesses the couple, passing his hand through the air, making the signof thecross. Paintings and statues of saints and angels adorn the elaborategildedaltar.

In a bell tower, wedding bells chime. A boy rides a bell rope up anddownthrough the air, the Austrian countryside visible in the distance.

WEEKS LATER

From a single swinging bell that tolls darkly we PAN DOWN to a plazaoutsidethe cathedral. A massive Nazi flag, its swastika looking like a blackspider,hangs from a four-story building. Armed troops march across thecobblestonesquare. A black convertible drives through the plaza, then careensunder apassage between two buildings. It stops outside an ancient

amphitheatre. Asoldier opens the rear door and Herr Zeller and a Nazi officer walkbrusquelypast him and straight inside.

AMPHITHEATER

The Von Trapp children stand at the edge of a stone stage talking with



Max. Hestands on the floor below.

ZELLER Herr Detweiler.

Zeller holds out his arm in a Nazi salute.

ZELLER Heil Hitler.

MAX Oh, good afternoon, Herr Zeller.

ZELLER Perhaps you've not heard. I'm now the Gauleiter. Heil Hitler.

MAX Oh-ah, Heil Hitler.

ZELLER I have just come from the house of Captain Von Trapp.

Incidentally,the only one in the neighborhood not flying the flag of the Third Reichsincethe Anschluss. But we have dealt with that situation.

MAX I don't think the Cap --

ZELLER The housekeeper told me that I would find you here. It was theonlyinformation the woman would give me.

MAX What kind of information are you looking for?

ZELLER We want to know when the Captain will be returning.

MAX Well, he's on his honeymoon trip. Uh, he's not been in touch withus.

ZELLER Are you asking me to believe that the Captain has notcommunicatedwith his children in over a month?

MAX Herr Zeller, how many men do you know who communicate withtheir childrenwhile on their honeymoon?

ZELLER When he does return, he will be expected to fill his properpositionin the new order.



MAX Naturally, naturally, and may I congratulate you, that is, yourpeople,on deciding to allow the festival to go on tonight as planned?

ZELLER Why should it not go on? Nothing in Austria has changed.

Singingand music will show this to the world. Austria is the same. Heil Hitler.

Zeller clicks his heels and exits.

MAX (saluting without conviction) Heil Hitler. Come on, children, let'sgohome.

GRETL Why was he so cross?

MAX Everybody's cross these days, darling.

MARTA Maybe the flag with the black spider on it makes peoplenervous.

LIESL Is Father going to be in trouble?

MAX Well, he doesn't have to be. The thing to do these days is to getalongwith everybody. I want you all to remember that tonight at the concert.

BRIGITTA Are we really going to sing before a whole lot of peopletonight?

MAX Of course, look. (off the festival program) The Von Trapp FamilySingers.Here are your names -- Liesl, Friedrich, Louisa, Brigitta, Kurt, Marta andGretl.

GRETL Why am I always last?

MAX Because you are the most important.

GRETL (pleased) Ohhh!

MAX There we go.

Outside the amphitheatre, the children follow Max to a large open carandstart to climb in.



BRIGITTA Uncle Max, are you sure Father will approve of our singing inpublic?

MAX Oh, he'll be pleased and proud.

BRIGITTA Liesl, do you think so?

MAX Don't you trust me?

BRIGITTA No!

MAX You're a very intelligent girl.

Rolfe appears, in a brown Nazi uniform.

ROLFE Liesl! Liesl!

LIESL Rolfe! Rolfe, I'm so glad to see you. It's been such --

ROLFE Good afternoon. You will take this please and deliver it to yourfather as soon as he comes home.

LIESL He's on his honeymoon.

ROLFE I know that.

LIESL You do?

ROLFE We make it our business to know everything about everyone.

LIESL Who's we?

ROLFE See that he gets it.

LIESL What is it?

ROLFE It's a telegram from Berlin.

LIESL Don't you want to come over tonight and deliver it yourself?

ROLFE I'm now occupied with more important matters. And your fatherbetterbe too if he knows what's good for him.

LIESL But, Rolfe --



Rolfe turns and walks away from Liesl without so much as a backwardglance --the Nazis have got him totally brainwashed! Liesl sadly watches himgo.

CUT TO:

EXT. VON TRAPP VILLA - LATER THAT DAY

The Captain yanks down a Nazi flag from above his front door. He ripsthe flagin half. Max and the children pull into the driveway. The Captain rollsup theflag and hides it behind his back.

CHILDREN Father! You came so soon.

CAPTAIN Hello. Hello. Hello.

FRIEDRICH We didn't expect you so soon.

CHILDREN We wanted to meet your train. Did you bring us anything?

The children swarm around the Captain and Maria.

MARIA Hello. How are you?

FRIEDRICH Oh, why didn't you telephone us?

MARIA Well, we tried to, but we couldn't get through. We tried --

The Captain shows the flag to Max.

MAX I had nothing to do with that, Georg.

CAPTAIN (quietly, to Max) We came back as fast as we could.

The Captain joins Maria and the children, snatching up Marta andgiving her abig hug.

CAPTAIN (to the children) Well, well, well, well, well! We missed you!

MARIA We missed kissing you good night.



CAPTAIN We missed all the noise you make in the morning telling eachother tobe quiet.

The children laugh.

MARIA Mostly, we missed hearing you sing.

BRIGITTA Oh, you came back just in time.

Brigitta takes a program from Max's hand and shows it to Maria.

BRIGITTA Look, Fraulein Maria, I mean Mother...

The children laugh. The Captain winks at Maria.

BRIGITTA We're going to sing in the festival tonight.

MARIA What?

As the children all chatter at once, the Captain takes the program andshootsMax a dirty look. Max tries to laugh it off.

MAX (to the Captain) Surprise! Surprise!

The Captain manages a grin and a chuckle.

CAPTAIN (to the children) All right! Surprises for you on the terrace.

CHILDREN Presents! Oh, good!

The children run into the house. Liesl stays with Maria.

CAPTAIN (off the program, to Max) We'll talk about this inside.

Maria, Liesl, Max, and the Captain walk inside.

MAX Georg, I would have told you but you were away. I had to make alast-minute decision. I was fortunate to enter them all.

CAPTAIN Max ...

MAX They'll be the talk of the festival. Imagine seven children in onefamily.



CAPTAIN Max! Somehow I recall having made it quite clear to you how Ifeelabout my family singing in public.

MAX But the committee heard them. They were enchanted.

MARIA Oh, Max, what did they say?

MAX I have never heard such enthusiasm.

MARIA (to the Captain) Oh, darling, don't you think just this once ... ?

CAPTAIN Absolutely out of the question.

MAX Georg, this is for Austria.

CAPTAIN For Austria? (laughs darkly) There is no Austria!

MAX But the Anschluss happened peacefully. Let's at least be gratefulforthat.

CAPTAIN Grateful!? You know, Max, sometimes I don't believe I knowyou.

Liesl pulls out Rolfe's telegram.

LIESL Father, I forgot. This is for you.

Liesl walks over and hands the Captain the telegram. He takes it andwalksoff. Maria and Liesl watch worriedly. Max presses his thumb to his lips.

MAX Maria, he's got to at least to pretend to work with these people. Youmust convince him.

MARIA Max, I can't ask him to be less than he is.

MAX (sighs) Then I'll talk to him. If the children don't sing at thefestival,well, it'll be a reflection on Austria. I know, it wouldn't do me any good,either.

As he leaves, Maria and Liesl walk arm in arm to the drawing room.



LIESL Mother?

MARIA Hm?

LIESL That sounds so nice. I like calling you Mother.

MARIA I like hearing it.

LIESL You love Father very much. I can tell you do.

MARIA Very much.

LIESL Mother, what do you do when you think you love someone, Imean, whenyou stop loving someone or when he stops loving you?

They sit on a small sofa.

MARIA Well, you cry a little and then you wait for the sun to come out.Italways does.

LIESL There's so many things I think I should know. But I don't. I reallydon't.

MARIA How can you?

LIESL Sometimes I feel the world is coming to an end.

MARIA And then you feel it's just beginning.

LIESL Yes.

MARIA It was that way with me, Liesl. And for you it will be just aswonderful I promise.

LIESL Do you really think so?

MARIA (sings)When you're sixteen going on seventeenWaiting for life to startSomebody kind who touches your mindWill suddenly touch your heart

LIESL (sings)



When that happens, after it happensNothing is quite the sameSomehow I know I'll jump up and goIf ever he calls my name

MARIA (sings)Gone are your old ideas of life The old ideas grow dimLo and behold you're someone's wifeAnd you belong to him

You may think this kind of adventureNever may come to youDarling, sixteen going on seventeenWait a year ...

LIESL (sings)I'll wait a year ...

MARIA (sings)... or two ... Just ...

MARIA AND LIESL (singing)... wait a year or two

They grin and touch foreheads. Suddenly, the Captain appears with the

openedtelegram in his hand. His expression is grave.

CAPTAIN Liesl!

The Captain beckons to Liesl, then nods for her to leave. She rises, hergrinfading. The Captain gives her hand a reassuring squeeze and pats hercheekwith the backs of his fingers. Smiling, she hurries out.

MARIA What it is?

CAPTAIN Berlin. They've offered me a commission in their navy. I'vebeenrequested to accept immediately and report to their naval base atBremerhaventomorrow.



MARIA I knew something like this would happen. I didn't think it wouldbeso soon.

CAPTAIN To refuse them would be fatal for all of us. And joining them

wouldbe -- unthinkable.

He kisses Maria on the forehead, slips an arm around her shoulders,and theywalk into the front hall.

CAPTAIN Get the children all together. Don't say anything that's goingtomake them worry. Just get them ready. We've got to get out of Austriaand

this house ... (scans the front hall) ... tonight.

Maria looks at him nervously, then he pulls her into a comforting hug.

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. IN FRONT OF THE VON TRAPP VILLA - THAT NIGHT

We look down through the elegant wrought-iron front gate to a circle of grasslined with neatly trimmed shrubs. The grass is surrounded by the

circulargravel driveway and high walls to the left and right.

The Von Trapp's black car, steered by Friedrich, rolls into view from asidepath. The Captain, Max, and Kurt push it from behind. The Captainwears agreen wool jacket and hat. Following on foot, Maria and the childrenwearwool, button-collared capes and hats or scarves. Max turns to theCaptain.

MAX (quietly) It not only strains my back, it breaks my heart when Ithink of a certain singing group that will not appear at the festival tonight.

CAPTAIN By the time you've made the announcement, we'll be overthe border.



MAX I hope you appreciate the sacrifice I'm making.

CAPTAIN You have no choice.

MAX I know. That's why I'm making it.

MARTA Why doesn't Father turn the motor on?

KURT (too loudly) Because he doesn't want anyone to hear us!

CAPTAIN Sh!

The Captain scowls at Kurt. Louisa looks at Maria.

LOUISA What will Frau Schmidt and Franz say when they discoverwe're gone?

MARIA They'll be able to answer truthfully they didn't know anythingabout itif anyone asks them.

LIESL Will we be coming back here?

MARIA Someday, Liesl. I do hope someday.

GRETL Are Father and Uncle Max going to push the car all the way toSwitzerland?

MARIA Shh!

From a second story window in the villa, we look down on the familyand carapproaching the front gate. Kurt runs ahead and opens the gate, thenruns backto continue pushing. Franz, the butler, watches them from the windowwearing adour expression.

As the Von Trapp's pass through the gate, they scurry to climb into thecar.

Bright lights flash on. They all freeze and turn to see that the lights arethe headlights of two automobiles beside which stands Gauleiter Zellerand asquad of Nazi soldiers.



ZELLER Something wrong with your car, Captain?

CAPTAIN Yes, as a matter of fact, we couldn't get it started.

ZELLER Karl!

Nazi soldier Karl steps forward.

ZELLER Fix Captain Von Trapp's car so that it will start.

Karl marches over to the car -- the Captain steps aside with a cordialsmile-- and Karl gets in. Of course, the engine starts up on the first try. TheCaptain smiles and shakes his head as if amazed. He gives Karl afriendly paton the shoulder and shrugs at Zeller. The stiff, unsmiling Karl rejoins

Zeller.

ZELLER Excellent, Karl. (to the Captain) I've not asked you where youandyour family are going ... nor have you asked me why I'm here.

CAPTAIN Well, apparently, we're both suffering from a deplorable lackof curiosity.

ZELLER You were sent a telegram which you did not answer. A

telegram fromAdmiral Von Schreiber of the Navy of the Third Reich.

CAPTAIN I was under the impression, Herr Zeller, that the contents of telegrams in Austria are private -- at least, the Austria I know.

ZELLER I have my orders -- and they are to take you personally toBremerhaventonight where you will accept your commission.

CAPTAIN I'm afraid that's going to be quite impossible. Yo

u see we, uh, um,all of us, the entire family, will be ... singing in the festival tonight. Asa matter of fact, that's where we were going now. Couldn't possibly letthemdown now.

MARIA I just hope we're not too late.



CAPTAIN Yes.

ZELLER And you ask me to believe this -- that you, Captain Von Trapp,aresinging in a concert?

MAX Believe me, it will be a performance beyond anything even I'vedreamt of.

CAPTAIN Like you, Herr Zeller, I, too, am a man of hidden talents.

MAX Yes, um, here. Program.

Max walks over and hands Zeller the program. Zeller studies itskeptically.

ZELLER It says here only the names of the children.

CAPTAIN It says the Von Trapp Family Singers. And I'm the head of theVon Trapp family, am I not?

ZELLER And these, um, these travel clothes that you're all wearing?

MARIA Our costumes, naturally. Herr Zeller, this night air is not goodforthe children's voices.

Maria and the Captain exchange conspiratorial glances. Zeller looksthoughtful.

ZELLER Well, a slight delay in my orders will not be serious ...therefore,you will sing. You will all sing. But only because that's the way I want ittobe. It will demonstrate that nothing in Austria has changed. And whenyou arefinished singing, you, Captain Von Trapp, will be taken to

Bremerhaven. Now,if you will all get into your car, we will escort the Von Trapp FamilySingersto the festival.

CAPTAIN No escort will be necessary, Herr Zeller.

ZELLER Necessary?! A pleasure, Captain! After all, we would not want



you toget lost in the crowds, would we?

CAPTAIN (whispers) No.

Zeller grins smugly and returns to his car. The children pile into theVon Trapp car. The Captain crosses his fingers, nods to Maria, and gets inthecar.

DISSOLVE TO:

AT THE FESTIVAL - LATER THAT EVENING

The huge festival audience, a full house, watches the family who stand

centerstage in a large spotlight singing a complex arrangement of "Do Re Mi"...

From one side of the stage, Max eyes Nazi sentries posted around thetheater.

The Captain spots Zeller in the front row, then gives Maria a reassuringnod.

The song comes to an end and there is a tremendous storm of

applause from theaudience. In the front row, a judge marks his ballot. Karl sits scowlingbeside Zeller who forces himself to clap. As Maria and the childrenbow, theCaptain steps forward to a microphone. He glances at Max who holdsup aguitar and raises his eyebrows questioningly. The Captain nods to him,thenspeaks into the mike.

CAPTAIN My fellow ... Austrians, I shall not be seeing you again,

perhapsfor a very long time. I would like to sing, for you now, a love song.

Max hands him the guitar.

CAPTAIN I know you share this love. I pray that you will never let it die.

The spotlight follows him to center stage. In the shadows, Maria and



thechildren move offstage. The Captain strums the guitar and sings.

CAPTAIN (sings)Edelweiss, edelweiss

Every morning you greet me

Small and white, clean and bright You look happy to meet me

Blossom of snow, may you bloom and growBloom and grow forever

Edelweiss, edelweissBless my homeland forever

Looking out over the audience, the Captain's smile wavers.

CAPTAIN (sings with faltering voice) Edelweiss, edel...

He blinks, choked with emotion. Maria steps in from the wings,followed bythe children.

MARIA (sings) Small and white, clean...

MARIA AND THE CAPTAIN

... and bright ...

MARIA, THE CAPTAIN AND THE CHILDREN You look happy to meet me

The Captain waves to the audience, urging them to join in.

ALL THE GOOD AUSTRIANS IN THE AUDIENCEBlossom of snow, may you bloom and growBloom and grow forever

Edelweiss, edelweissBless my homeland forever

There is a moment of silence, charged with emotion, and then theaudiencegives a large round of applause. Zeller shifts uncomfortably. Maxcomes outon stage and whispers to the family.



MAX I think it'll work. I shall miss all of you. I shall miss the money Icould've made with you.

He carries the Captain's guitar to the microphone.

MAX Thank you, ladies and gentlemen, thank you. The festivalcompetitionhas come to its conclusion, except of course we don't know yet whatthatconclusion will be. And while the judges are arriving at their decision Ihave been given permission to offer you an encore. This will be the lastopportunity the Von Trapps will have of singing together for a long,longtime. Even now officials are waiting in this auditorium to escort CaptainVon

Trapp to his new command in the naval forces of the Third Reich.

The crowd murmurs and grumbles at this.

MAX And so, ladies and gentlemen, the family Von Trapp again ... tobid youfarewell.

The audience applauds. Max blows a kiss to the family. The childrenline upbehind Maria and the Captain. Music begins.

MARIA (sings) There's a sad sort of clanging from the clock in the hallAnd the bells in the steeple tooAnd up in the nursery an absurd little birdIs popping out to say "cuckoo"

CHILDREN (peeking out from behind their parents, singing) Cuckoo,cuckoo

CAPTAIN:

CHILDREN:Regretfully they tell usCuckoo, cuckooBut firmly they compel usCuckoo, cuckoo To say goodbye ...

THE FAMILY (sings)



... to you

The Captain salutes and they all form a line across the stage.

THE FAMILY (sings)

So long, farewell, auf Wiedersehen, good night

KURT AND MARTA (singing)We hate to go and miss this pretty sight

Kurt and Marta walk off stage and into a shadowy hallway. The rest of thefamily waves.

THE FAMILY (sings)So long, farewell, auf Wiedersehen, adieu

FRIEDRICH AND LIESL (singing)Adieu, adieu, to yieu and yieu and yieu

Friedrich and Liesl bow, then exit into the hallway. They glance back atthefamily nervously.

THE FAMILY (sings)So long, farewell, auf Wiedersehen, goodbye

BRIGITTA AND LOUISA (singing)We flit, we float, we fleetly flee, we fly

Brigitta and Louisa kick their legs back, then dance hurriedly offstage.

THE CAPTAIN, MARIA AND GRETL (singing)So long, farewell, auf Wiedersehen, goodbye

GRETL (sings) The sun has gone to bed and so must IGoodbye!

Maria gives a gentle push to Gretl who exits.

MARIA (sings)Goodbye!

The Captain puts his arm around Maria.



CAPTAIN (sings)Goodbye!

MARIA AND THE CAPTAIN (singing)Goodbye!

Maria and the Captain exit hand in hand as the music comes to an endand theaudience applauds. A woman in a green, feathered hat slips a paperinto anenvelope. She hands it to a man who hands it to Max on stage. Maxopens itand walks slowly to the microphone. He picks up the mike and carriesit tocenter stage.

MAX Ladies and gentlemen, I have here the decision of ourdistinguished judges. We will start with the award for third prize. For this honor, the judges have named the first soloist of the choir of St. Agathe's churchinMurbach, Fraulein Schweiger.

A trumpet fanfare. The audience applauds. A spotlight picks upFrauleinSchweiger walking onto the stage from the shadowy hallway. Grinningand

bowing all the while, she runs up to Max who hands her a bouquet of flowers.He bows to her then claps. She keeps on grinning and bowing. Maxbowsawkwardly again. The audience laughs at all this bowing. Max beckonsan usherwho steps out of the shadows and escorts her offstage. More applause.Shekeeps grinning and bowing.

MAX Second prize to -- the Toby Reiser Quintet.

A trumpet fanfare. Applause. The spotlight reveals the quintet as theycomeout onto the stage. They bow to the audience, shake hands with Max,and thenexit.

MAX And the first prize, the highest honor in all Austria, to the Von



TrappFamily Singers!

Max flourishes a hand toward the hallway. A trumpet fanfare. A largeround of

applause. The spotlight searches for the Von Trapp family, but theydon'tappear. Zeller peers up at Max. As the applause dies out, Max triesagain tosummon the family.

MAX The family Von Trapp!

Trumpet fanfare. Applause. But no family Von Trapp appears. Zellerscowls atMax. Suddenly, Karl comes running into the spotlight and shouts.

KARL They're gone!

Zeller leaps up. Max clenches his jaw in suppressed triumph and relief.

DISSOLVE TO:

AT THE ABBEY - LATER THAT NIGHT

Zeller's patrol -- two vehicles with their sirens on -- reach the Abbey.Uniformed Nazis scramble out. They go storming toward the Abbey

door.

INSIDE THE ABBEY

The Von Trapps confer with the Reverend Mother. The Abbey door bellrings.

MOTHER ABBESS Come with me.

She leads the family to a tall wooden door. They exit into it.

MOTHER ABBESS Quickly, quickly. I have a place you can hide.

Sister Berthe walks toward the front door.

MOTHER ABBESS (to Berthe) Slowly, slowly.

As Berthe enters the stone hallway leading to the gate, we see Zeller,Karl,



and a half dozen soldiers standing outside.

ZELLER (impatiently) Open this gate!

Sister Berthe smiles serenely.

SISTER BERTHE Good evening.

She slides the key into the lock.

ZELLER Hurry up, woman!

She continues to smile peacefully, nods, and slowly opens the gate.Zellerand his squad march in, glance at Sister Margaretta near the tallwooden door.

Then walk off in a different direction. The soldiers run through theAbbey.

ZELLER Two men in there. Six of you, fan out and cover the yard. Youtwo,cover the corridor.

A group of soldiers runs across the cobblestone courtyard.

Elsewhere, the Reverend Mother leads the family through an enclosedgraveyard.

Arched openings in one wall reveal tall mountains beyond.

MARIA Reverend Mother, we didn't realize we'd put the Abbey in thisdanger.

MOTHER ABBESS No, Maria, it was right for you to come here.

CAPTAIN We thought we might borrow your caretaker's car.

MOTHER ABBESS I'm afraid our car would do you no good now. I'vebeen

listening to the wireless. The borders have just been closed.

At the far end of the graveyard, she unlocks a gate into a crypt. Marialeadsthe children inside.

CAPTAIN All right, the borders are closed. (looks at the mountains) Then



we'll drive up into the hills and go over those mountains on foot.

MARIA But the children?

CAPTAIN We'll help them. They'll be all right.

FRIEDRICH We can do it without help, Father.

MOTHER ABBESS Maria, you will not be alone. Remember: "I will lift upmineeyes unto the hills from whence cometh my help."

MARIA Yes, Mother.

Maria hugs the Reverend Mother.

MARTA I'm scared.

BRIGITTA Me, too.

Maria joins the others in the crypt's hallway, lined with largemonuments. The Reverend Mother locks the gate and hands the key to the Captain.Sheclasps his hand then makes the sign of the cross.

MOTHER ABBESS God be with you.

She leaves. The family hides in two groups behind the largemonuments.

GRETL Mother?

MARIA Yes?

GRETL Would it help if we sang about our favorite things?

MARIA No, darling. This is one time it would not help. You must be very

quiet. Hold tight to me.

Maria hugs her. The Captain peers out from behind his monument,which isabout ten feet tall. He holds a finger to his lips, then stiffens.

Footsteps. Flashlights appear at the other side of the graveyard. TheCaptain



ducks behind his monument.

Karl leads five brown-uniformed soldiers past the gravestones. Onesoldierholds a flashlight and uses it to scan the dirt floor for footprints. Behind

her monument, Maria crouches, still holding Gretl. Louisa huddlesbesidethem, her back to the stone.

Carrying a flashlight, Karl approaches a gate at the far end of the crypthallway. Two soldiers accompany him as he tries to open the gate. Itrattlesbut does not open. Karl directs his light along the crypt's stone walls,thenhe moves along the length of the crypt, trying one gate after another,moving

ever closer to the family.

He approaches the Von Trapps, hidden behind monuments at a gate inthe middleof the crypt hallway. Maria taps Friedrich on the shoulder, he glancesat her,nods, and tucks himself into a lower crouch.

Karl's light shines on a monument only a few yards away from Maria's.

Maria looks at the Captain who huddles with Kurt, Liesl, Marta, and

Brigitta.Karl arrives at their gate. Grasping its curlicued wrought iron bars, hepeersat the stone monument behind which Maria hides. Maria and Gretl tryto avoidthe flashlight's roving beam. The Captain stares at Maria with wideeyes,holding tight to his children.

Karl makes a final pass with his light, then suddenly snaps it off. Hewalks

away, followed by all the other soldiers.

KARL Come on, let's try the roof.

As they exit, another soldier arrives at the graveyard, climbing somestairsfrom another direction. He faces the crypt. It's Rolfe.



Liesl sees him and claps her hand to her mouth -- but too late -- shegaspsand we know Rolfe hears her because he flinches. But he turns awaypretendinghe has not heard Liesl's gasp.

Still hidden, Liesl and the Captain exchange glances.

Maria turns to them, wide-eyed and waiting.

Rolfe walks away from the crypt, hides behind a gravestone at thecenter of the graveyard, and holds his flashlight at the ready.

The Captain slowly peeks out from his hiding place. Rolfe is nowhere insight.

As the Captain nods, the family steps out into the open. The Captainpausesfor a moment, then creeps toward the locked gate.

Suddenly Rolfe appears and points his flashlight directly into the crypt.

Everyone freezes.

Rolfe swings the beam from Maria to the Captain and Liesl.

LIESL Rolfe, please!

Rolfe stares at Liesl for a moment, then reaches into his pocket for awhistle.

CAPTAIN Rolfe! Wait!

The Captain unlocks the gate and slips out quickly to face Rolfe.

Rolfe backs away, drawing his pistol.

CAPTAIN Maria ... children ...

He gestures to the steps from which Rolfe arrived and they hurry downbehindhim.

ROLFE (to the Captain) I-It's you we want. Not them.

CAPTAIN Put that down.



The Captain walks slowly toward Rolfe.

ROLFE Not another move or I'll, I'll shoot!

CAPTAIN You're only a boy.

The Captain stops, ten yards away, then moves closer.

CAPTAIN You don't really belong to them.

ROLFE Stay where you are!

The Captain keeps walking.

CAPTAIN Come away with us ... before it's too late.

ROLFE Not another step. I'll kill you!

Rolfe grows increasingly tense.

CAPTAIN You give that to me, Rolfe.

ROLFE Did you hear me? I'll kill you!

Rolfe's breath grows shallow and quick.

CAPTAIN Rolfe ...

Rolfe winces painfully -- he can't bring himself to shoot. The Captainstopsonly a few feet away. Suddenly, he grabs Rolfe's arm. Holding on to thegun,the Captain stares into Rolfe's eyes, then gently takes the weaponfrom hishand. Rolfe bows his head in shame.

CAPTAIN You'll never be one of them.

Rolfe's eyes flash.

ROLFE Lieutenant! Lieutenant! They're here! They're here, Lieutenant!

As Rolfe runs toward the graveyard entrance blowing his whistle, theCaptainscurries down another set of steps. At the bottom, he joins Maria and



thechildren in a dusty old car. He starts it up and they drive off.

Whistles blowing. Zeller and his men sprint across the cobblestonecourtyard

heading for the Abbey's front gate.

Outside the gate, the old car speeds past the two Nazi cars.

Moments later, Zeller and his men run out of the Abbey and climb intotheircars. They turn their keys in the ignition ...

INSIDE THE ABBEY

To the sounds of the Nazi car engines stalling noisily and refusing to

start,Sisters Berthe and Margaretta confer with the Reverend Mother.

SISTER MARGARETTA Reverend Mother, I have sinned.

SISTER BERTHE I, too, Reverend Mother.

MOTHER ABBESS What is this sin, my children?

The two sisters share a guilty glance, then take their hands from thefolds

of their garments to reveal several parts from the Nazis' cars: adistributorcap and some spark plug wires.

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. THE ALPS - MORNING

The Captain hikes up a high, grassy meadow carrying Gretl on hisback. Kurtfollows, then Friedrich, Brigitta, Louisa, and Maria who helps Marta.

Theyscan the mountains, smiling in wonder.

HEAVENLY CHOIRA dream that will needAll the love you can giveEveryday of your lifeFor as long as you live



A stiff wind blows over the meadow as the Von Trapps cross to theotherside.

HEAVENLY CHOIRClimb ev'ry mountainFord ev'ry streamFollow ev'ry rainbow'Till you find your dream

Over a panorama of dizzying peaks and valleys, a title reads:

THE END

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73711618 the Sound of Music Script