Some fifteen years in the past, after I was however a freshly minted faculty graduate, I interned at Turner Traditional Films in Atlanta. It was the dream for an avid Previous Hollywood fan. Even at 21, I might throw down information about Bette Davis and Humphrey Bogart like somebody 70 years my senior. I as soon as had a dialog with TCM patron saint Robert Osborne about Myrna Loy — whom most of you must Google as a result of she was merely chic. However that’s inappropriate.
Considered one of my duties was to assist reorganize their huge library of informational packets on varied films, prepared to tug anytime they wanted analysis for the intros/outros on the primetime lineup. Each manilla envelope, stuffed to the brim with picture copies, was meticulously alphabetized. Once I bought to the “S” part, nevertheless, I observed a curious omission: “The Sound of Music.” I used to be perplexed. Not solely was it a private fave, but it surely was maybe one of many 4 or 5 most cited private faves of many a film buffs. Then I used to be instructed: “The Sound of Music” had by no means aired on TCM.
For years, as maybe twentieth Century Fox’s most beloved movie property, the seminal musical was solely aired sometimes on tv, sometimes on an annual foundation on one of many main networks. For the final couple a long time, ABC has proven it each Christmas. It will definitely aired round Easter on Freeform. However in these showings, it has at all times been paired with commercials — not in its full, widescreen, uninterrupted glory. After Fox was purchased by Disney, nevertheless, the opportunity of the printed scope of “The Sound of Music” increasing shortly turned a actuality. It shortly ended up, in spite of everything, on Disney+ and Hulu, the primary time it had been streamed.
Again to TCM — which did showcase the film, together with a Q&A with none apart from stars Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer, for its fiftieth anniversary on the TCM Traditional Movie Competition in 2015. I occurred to work that fest, and it was a giant, huge deal. That opening shot projected on the large TCL Chinese language IMAX display? Chills.
Nevertheless it had nonetheless not aired on TCM, the last word house for all issues basic. I imply, it’s within the acronym. And it didn’t air on the channel within the years after that buzz-worthy screening.
That adjustments now. Tonight, truly, for those who’re studying this on August 2, truly.
For TCM’s annual Summer time Below the Stars right this moment, Christopher Plummer is the principle attraction and at 8 p.m. ET, “The Sound of Music” will lastly make its debut on the channel — some 60 years after its launch and 31 years after TCM launched.
Certain, there at the moment are a myriad of how to observe the film — however who can resist an introduction from host Ben Mankiewicz, filled with information and his distinctive model of humor? I might virtually absolutely wager he’ll hit on Plummer’s private disdain for the undertaking — he as soon as referred to as it “The Sound of Mucus” — although that did ultimately heat over into one thing extra resembling affection.
“As cynical as I at all times was about The Sound of Music. I do respect that it’s a little bit of aid from all of the gunfire and automobile chases you see as of late,” Plummer instructed Self-importance Honest in 2015. “It’s form of splendidly, old-fashionedly common. It’s bought the unhealthy guys and the Alps; it’s bought Julie and sentiment in bucketloads. Our director, expensive previous Bob Smart, did hold it from falling over the sting right into a sea of treacle. Good man. God, what a gent. There are only a few of these round anymore in our enterprise.”
“The Sound of Music” may even be re-released in theaters on September 13, 14, and 17 by Fathom Occasions. However watch it tonight, August 2, uncut and industrial free, on TCM at 8 p.m. ET.
