Christopher Plummer Reflects on His Challenging Experience Filming The Sound of Music

Christopher Plummer is renowned for his iconic role as Captain Von Trapp in the beloved 1965 film, The Sound of Music. Despite the film’s widespread acclaim and box office success, Plummer had a challenging experience during production and openly expressed his negative sentiments regarding the film.

While the film beautifully combined music and storytelling, Plummer found himself in a difficult mood throughout much of the filming process. He reportedly despised making the movie and was known to have made critical comments, infamously referring to it as ‘Sound of Mucus.’ His uncomfortable feelings may have stemmed from the contrast between his previous serious theatrical roles and the film’s lighter, more kitsch subject matter.

Plummer’s behavior on set reportedly created challenges for his co-stars, notably Julie Andrews, who was known for her cheerful disposition. The veteran actor candidly acknowledged in his later years that he was “a pampered, arrogant, young bast**d” during that time, suggesting he struggled with the film’s themes, which he felt did not resonate with his personal taste.

In a memoir, Plummer admitted he resorted to drinking heavily to cope with his anxiety while filming. He revealed that he was intoxicated during the climactic music festival scene, where he sang the iconic number ‘Edelweiss.’ Despite his inner turmoil, his performance captivated audiences, showcasing a remarkable transformation from vulnerability to emotional depth.

Over the years, Plummer reconciled his feelings about The Sound of Music, notably performing ‘Edelweiss’ during a surprise appearance for Andrews on stage in 1977. Their reunion highlighted the bond they shared despite their differences during filming.

Julie Andrews, reflecting on their past, confirmed Plummer’s challenging behavior, calling him a “delicious curmudgeon.” However, during various interviews, both actors expressed mutual respect for each other, acknowledging Andrews’s pivotal role in guiding the film’s success.