------------------------------------------------------------------------------The Sound of Music Music: Richard Rodgers Lyrics: Oscar Hammerstein II Book: Howard Lindsay + Russel Crouse Premiere:

Monday, November 16, 1959 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------1 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. We fly through the misty cloud and emerge over a craggy, snow-draped mountain range. The massive, forbidding peaks stretch to the horizon, then disappear behind more dense mist. The white fog gives way to silky sheets of snow covering a mountainside. We fly over a sheer rock face. Hundreds of feet below a river runs through a grassy 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 and the blue sky above. Then over a magnificent green valley nestled among the hills. In the valley below, the roofs of a small town lie clustered together around a church and its steeple. Now, we glide over elegant, lakeside castles and mansions with acres of emerald green farmland.

We fly toward a sunny alpine meadow where a young woman with short blonde hair strolls through the grass, swinging her arms in a carefree stride. She wears black shoes and stockings and a gray smocked apron over a black dress. Her name is Maria. As we close in on her rapidly, she spreads her arms and twirls in a joyful spin. MARIA (sings) The hills are alive with the sound of music With songs they have sung for a thousand years The hills fill my heart with the sound of music My heart wants to sing every song it hears My heart wants to beat like the wings of the birds that rise from the lake to the trees My heart wants to sigh like a chime that flies from 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 over stones on its way To sing through the night like a lark who is learning to pray I go to the hills when my heart is lonely I know I will hear what I've heard before My heart will be blessed with the sound of music And I'll sing once more Church bells toll in the distance. Maria's dreamy smile fades and becomes a confused frown. With sudden realization, she puts a hand to her head and gallops across the field. She stops, searches for something, and spots a black wimple headpiece lying 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 calmly across a cobblestone courtyard. Carrying Bibles, they file into a chapel decorated with richly colored stained glass windows and stone sculptures. The women chant in Latin: "Dixit dominus" -- followed by a "Morning Hymn" and "Alleluia." Kneeling at the altar with two sisters the Reverend Mother raises her gently lined face to an artistic rendering of the Madonna and Child and clasps her white-gloved hands in prayer. The other sisters kneel in the pews. Black hood-like wimples, lined with pleated cloth frame their faces and cover their hair. Frail, elderly nuns kneel side by side with youthful novices in meditation and prayer. Church bells ring. The Reverend Mother rises to her feet, turns to the congregation of sisters and crosses herself. OUTSIDE THE CHAPEL - LATER The Reverend Mother walks with two sisters: SISTER BERTHE, the Mistress of Novices who would probably enjoy using a ruler on your knuckles and SISTER MARGARETTA, the Mistress of Postulants, who probably will one day be made a saint. A young nun approaches. SISTER BERNICE MOTHER ABBESS SISTER BERNICE MOTHER ABBESS Reverend Mother? Sister Bernice? I simply cannot find her. Maria?

SISTER BERNICE SISTER BERTHE neck.

She's missing from the Abbey again. Perhaps we should have put a cowbell around her

SISTER MARGARETTA Have you tried the barn? You know how much she adores the animals. SISTER BERNICE I have looked everywhere, in all of the usual places. MOTHER ABBESS Sister Bernice, considering that it's Maria, I suggest you look 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 ends whatever doubts you may still have about Maria's future here. MOTHER ABBESS Berthe. I always try to keep faith in my doubts, Sister After all, the wool of a black sheep is

SISTER MARGARETTA just as warm.

SISTER BERTHE We are not talking about sheep, black or white, Sister Margaretta. Of all the candidates for the novitiate I would say that Maria is the 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 about the qualifications of some of our postulants. The Mistress of Novices and the Mistress of Postulants were trying to help me by expressing opposite points of view. Tell me, Sister Catherine, what do you think of ... Maria? SISTER CATHERINE time. She's a wonderful girl ... some of the

MOTHER ABBESS SISTER AGATHA it's, uh, difficult. MOTHER ABBESS

Sister Agatha? It's very easy to like Maria ... except when

And you, Sister Sophia? But she always

SISTER SOPHIA Oh, I love her very dearly. seems to be in trouble, doesn't she? SISTER BERTHE Exactly what I say! (sings) She climbs a tree and scrapes her knee Her dress has got a tear SISTER SOPHIA (sings) She waltzes on her way to Mass And whistles on the stair SISTER BERTHE (sings) And underneath her wimple She 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 real SISTER BERTHE (sings) She's always late for everything SISTER CATHERINE (sings) Except for every meal SISTER BERTHE (sings) I hate to have to say it But 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?

SISTER Maria? SISTER SISTER SISTER

MARGARETTA (sings) How do you find a word that means CATHERINE (sings) A flibbertijibbet! SOPHIA (sings) A will-o'-the wisp! BERTHE (sings) A clown!

MOTHER ABBESS (sings) Many a thing you know you'd like to tell her Many a thing she ought to understand SISTER BERTHE (sings) But how do you make her stay And listen to all you say? MOTHER ABBESS (sings) How do you keep a wave upon the sand? SISTER MARGARETTA (sings) Oh, how do you solve a problem like Maria? MOTHER ABBESS (sings) How do you hold a moonbeam in your hand? SISTER SOPHIA (sings) When I'm with her I'm confused Out of focus and bemused And I never know exactly where I am SISTER AGATHA (sings) Unpredictable as weather SISTER CATHERINE (sings) She's as flighty as a feather SISTER MARGARETTA (sings) She's a darling! SISTER BERTHE (sings) She's a demon! SISTER MARGARETTA (sings) She's a lamb! SISTER SOPHIA (sings) She'd outpester any pest Drive a hornet from its nest SISTER AGATHA (sings) She can throw a whirling dervish out of whirl SISTER MARGARETTA (sings)She is gentle! She is wild! SISTER CATHERINE (sings)She's a riddle! She's a child! SISTER BERTHE (sings)She's a headache! SISTER MARGARETTA (sings)She's an angel! MOTHER ABBESS (sings) She's a girl! The nuns press their hands together and gaze heavenward. THE SINGING NUNS 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 NUNS Many a thing you know you'd like to tell her Many a thing she ought to understand MOTHER ABBESS (sings) But how do you make her stay SISTER 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 the courtyard, 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. She meets their startled gaze. Then rolls her eyes to Heaven helplessly and walks away. THE SINGING NUNS DISSOLVE TO: INT. CORRIDOR - LATER Maria waits in the dark, austere hallway. Sister Margaretta emerges from an office. SISTER MARGARETTA You may go in now, Maria. Maria gulps nervously. Sister Margaretta smiles and squeezes her arm in encouragement. Maria steps into ... THE REVEREND MOTHER'S OFFICE Maria shuts the door behind her. MOTHER ABBESS Come here, my child. How do you hold a moonbeam in your hand?

Maria hurries over to the Abbess who sits behind a large desk. She kneels and quickly kisses the Reverend Mother's hand. MOTHER ABBESS Now, sit down. I just

MARIA Oh ... Oh, Reverend Mother, I'm so sorry. couldn't help

myself. The gates were open and the hills were beckoning and before I-MOTHER ABBESS apologies. MARIA Maria, I haven't summoned you here for

Oh, please, Mother, do let me ask for forgiveness. If it'd make you feel better.

MOTHER ABBESS

MARIA Yes. Well, you see, the sky was so blue today and everything was so green and fragrant, I just had to be a part of it. And the [?] bird kept leading me higher and higher as though it wanted me to go right through the clouds with it. MOTHER ABBESS lost? Child, suppose darkness had come and you were

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 climb a tree and look over into your garden. I'd see the sisters at work and I'd hear them sing on their way to vespers. Which brings me to another transgression, Reverend Mother. I was singing out there today without permission. MOTHER ABBESS Maria, it is only here in the Abbey that we have rules about postulants singing. MARIA I can't seem to stop singing wherever I am. And what's worse, I can't seem to stop saying things. I ... everything and anything I think and feel. MOTHER ABBESS Some people would call that honesty.

MARIA Oh, but it's terrible, Reverend Mother. You know how Sister Berthe

always 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 save time. MOTHER ABBESS Maria ... when you saw us over the Abbey wall and longed to be one of us, that didn't necessarily mean that you were prepared for the way we live here, did it? MARIA No, Mother, but I, I pray and I try. learning. I really am. MOTHER ABBESS learned here, my child? And I am

And what is the most important lesson you have

MARIA To find out what is the will of God and ... to do it wholeheartedly. The Reverend Mother stands up decisively. MOTHER ABBESS leave us. MARIA Leave?! Only for a while, Maria. Maria, it seems to be the will of God that you

MOTHER ABBESS

MARIA Oh, no, Mother! Please don't do that! Don't send me away! This is where I belong. It's my home, my family. It's my life. MOTHER ABBESS MARIA But are you truly ready for it?

Yes, I am.

MOTHER ABBESS Perhaps if you go out into the world for a time, knowing what we expect of you, you will have a chance to find out if you can expect it of yourself. MARIA I know what you expect, Mother. promise I can. MOTHER ABBESS Maria. And I can do it. I

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

MARIA will.

Yes, Mother.

(sinks into her chair) If it is God's

The nun picks up a letter from her desk. MOTHER ABBESS There is a family near Salzburg that needs a governess until September. MARIA Until September! To take care of seven children.

MOTHER ABBESS MARIA

Seven children! Do you like children, Maria?

MOTHER ABBESS MARIA

Oh, yes, but seven ... ? I will tell Captain Von Trapp to expect you

MOTHER ABBESS tomorrow. MARIA

Uh, Captain?

MOTHER ABBESS A retired officer of the Imperial Navy. A fine man and a brave one. His wife died several years ago leaving him alone with the children. Now, I understand he's had a most difficult time managing to keep a governess there. MARIA Uh ... why "difficult", Reverend Mother? The Lord will show you in His own good time.

MOTHER ABBESS

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 hand and a carpetbag in the other. Maria stops and looks back with a sad, wistful frown, then continues toward

the Abbey's iron gates. MARIA When the Lord closes a door... (sighs)... somewhere he opens a window. (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 rejoicing Oh, what's the matter with me? I've always longed for adventure To do the things I've never dared Now here I'm facing adventure Then why am I so scared? Maria leans against a stone wall. MARIA (sings) A Captain with seven children What's so fearsome about that? She walks into the town square. MARIA (sings) Oh, I must stop these doubts, all these worries If I don't I just know I'll turn back I must dream of the things I am seeking I am seeking the courage I lack She stops by a fountain. MARIA (sings) The courage to serve them with reliance Face my mistakes without defiance Show them I'm worthy And while I show them I'll show me So, let them bring on all their problems I'll do better than my best I have confidence they'll put me to the test But I'll make them see I have confidence in me

She boards a bus. MARIA (sings) Somehow I will impress them I will be firm but kind And all those children -- Heaven bless them! They will look up to me And mind me with each step I am more certain ... She gets off the bus. MARIA (sings) ... Everything will turn out fine I 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 baggage and kicking her heels together. MARIA (sings) I have confidence I have confidence I have confidence Besides which you Strength doesn't Strength doesn't Strength lies in When you wake up It's healthy! in sunshine in rain that spring will come again see I have confidence in me

lie in numbers lie in wealth nights of peaceful slumbers -- Wake Up!

All I trust I leave my heart to All I trust becomes my own I have confidence in confidence alone ... Panting, Maria stumbles to a stop in front of an imposing, elegant manor. She approaches 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 the gate, then marches forward. MARIA (sings) I have confidence in confidence alone Besides which you see I have confidence in me! She sprints across the circular gravel driveway and stops at

the front door, setting her luggage down and pressing the door bell. leans, out of breath, on the wall by the doorbell. MARIA Oh!

She

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 FRANZ I'm from the convent. I'm the new governess, Captain. And I'm the old butler, Fraulein.

MARIA (disappointed) Oh. (makes the best of it, upbeat) Well, how do you do? She shakes his hand. He doesn't smile. MARIA Hmm.

Maria picks up her guitar case and carpetbag and follows him into the house. 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 a trance, Maria walks slowly down the front stairs and sets her baggage down. She stares 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 a closed door and peers in through the crack. She gently pushes the door open and stares into a dark, ornate ballroom lined with gilt-edged mirrors and dusty windows. Maria enters hesitantly. Cloth dustcovers hang from the chandelier. Maria

wanders across the dance floor, clasping her hands together in excitement. She drops an exaggerated curtsy to an imaginary dance partner, then switches places and bows deeply. Suddenly, the doors to the ballroom fly open. Maria straightens from her bow. A tall, elegantly handsome man with sharp, aristocratic features stands in the 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 certain rooms in this house which are not to be disturbed. MARIA Yes, Captain. Sir.

Captain Von Trapp closes the ballroom doors. Maria stares at him and smiles. CAPTAIN MARIA Why do you stare at me that way? 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. Turn around, please. MARIA CAPTAIN What? 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. one before you meet the children. You'll have to put on another

MARIA But I don't have another one. Abbey, our worldly clothes are given to the poor. CAPTAIN What about this one?

When we enter the

MARIA CAPTAIN

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

MARIA Well, I would have made myself a new dress, but there wasn't time. I can 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 has told you. MARIA Not much.

CAPTAIN You are the twelfth in a long line of governesses, who have come to look after my children since their mother died. I trust that you will be an improvement on the last one. She stayed only two hours. MARIA (giving him a worried look) children? What's wrong with the

CAPTAIN (pauses) There's nothing wrong with the children -only the governesses. 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 will not permit them to dream away their summer holidays. Each afternoon, they will march about the grounds, breathing deeply. Bedtime is to be strictly observed, no exceptions... MARIA Excuse me, sir, when do they play?

CAPTAIN ... You will see to it that they conduct themselves at all times with 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?" Maria raises her eyebrows at him. The Captain abruptly takes a silver boatswain's whistle from his pocket and blows it shrilly. Maria's mouth drops open in surprise. Thunderous, pounding footsteps are heard above. Maria ducks for cover beside the Captain. Upstairs, six children, wearing identical blue sailor's uniforms dash out of their rooms and line up according to age along the balcony railing, standing at attention. Maria silently counts them. The Captain blows his whistle again in a rhythmic pattern. Swinging their arms, the children march briskly downstairs into the hall. The oldest is a pretty, fresh-faced sixteen year old girl with wavy brown hair (Liesl). The next is a blonde, blue-eyed boy (Friedrich). Behind him marches a girl with golden braids (Louisa). Then, a chubbycheeked boy (Kurt). A little girl with brown hair and a button nose follows (Marta). A five year old girl with a round face brings up the rear (Gretl). There's a noticeable gap between Kurt and Marta -- one of the children is missing. Responding to the Captain's whistle, they line up and stand at attention. A dreamy-eyed girl with long black hair wanders in, her nose buried in a book (Brigitta). The Captain holds out his hand. She gives him the book and turns to take her place in the line-up. The Captain gives her a gentle, scolding tap on the rear. She takes her place. The Captain paces back and forth before them, inspecting his

troops. He straightens 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 your name. (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, responding to their signal, steps forward in a military manner, announces his or her name, and then steps back in line. LIESL Liesl! Friedrich!

FRIEDRICH LOUISA KURT

Louisa! Kurt! Brigitta!

BRIGITTA MARTA

Marta!

The littlest girl forgets to step out. The Captain has to blow her signal twice. 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 pocket and

holds 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. I mean, um, I'll use their names. And such lovely names. CAPTAIN Fraulein, this is a large house, the grounds are very extensive, and I will not have anyone shouting. You will take this, please -- learn to 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 a whistle. Whistles are for dogs and cats and other animals, but not for children and definitely not for me. It would be too -humiliating. CAPTAIN MARIA CAPTAIN Fraulein, were you this much trouble at the Abbey? Oh, much more, sir! Hmm.

The Captain starts to walk away when Maria blows the whistles. He stops and looks 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. The children start to giggle. Maria turns to the children who snap back to attention and stare straight ahead. MARIA (sighs) At ease.

In unison, they place their hands behind their backs. They're

a well-trained bunch. 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 their names and ages. LIESL I'm Liesl. governess. I'm sixteen years old, and I don't need a We'll just be good I'm impossible.

MARIA Well, I'm glad you told me, Liesl. friends. FRIEDRICH I'm Friedrich. I'm fourteen.

MARIA (laughs) Really? FRIEDRICH

Who told you that, Friedrich? Four governesses ago.

Fraulein Josephine.

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're smart. 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. Why not? Don't you think it's ugly? But Fraulein Helga's was ugliest.

BRIGITTA KURT

Of course.

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

He steps back.

MARIA KURT MARIA

Congratulations. What's "incorrigible"? I think it means you want to be treated like a boy.

Kurt rather likes that answer. Marta, the button-nosed girl, steps forward and 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 pink parasol. 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 lady. And you're five years old? My, you're practically a

Gretl and Marta laugh at this. Maria looks at the line of children from Liesl to Gretl. MARIA Now, I have to tell you a secret. I've never been a governess before. 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 his own business. They crowd around Maria. FRIEDRICH BRIGITTA You must never come to dinner on time. Never eat your soup quietly.

Friedrich makes slurping noises. KURT GRETL MARIA GRETL And, during dessert, always blow your nose. Don't believe a word they say, Fraulein Maria! Oh, why not? 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. housekeeper. MARIA SCHMIDT me. How do you do? How do you do? I'll show you to your room. Follow I'm Frau Schmidt, the

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 Maria suddenly 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 open front door. Maria, leaning on the bannister, sighs with relief. SCHMIDT (to Maria) You're very lucky. was a snake. MARIA Ugh! With Fraulein Helga it

Maria glares at the children who turn and somberly exit through the door. DISSOLVE TO: IN THE DINING ROOM - THAT NIGHT Captain Von Trapp and the children (who now wear dresses and suits) sit at a long dining table, waiting. Maria dashes in and stops. MARIA Good evening.

She walks to her seat. MARIA Good evening, children. Good evening, Fraulein Maria.

THE CHILDREN

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 at the Abbey? MARIA No, it's, um, er ... um ... (patting her rear) ... rheumatism. Maria sits. The children glance at each other, surprised and relieved not to be punished for their practical joke. The Captain starts to eat. The children follow suit. MARIA Excuse me, Captain, but haven't we forgotten to thank the Lord? The Captain, with a mouthful of food, stares at her for a second and reluctantly puts down his fork. Everyone folds their hands and bows their heads. MARIA For what we are about to receive may the Lord make us truly thankful. Amen.

CAPTAIN

Amen. Amen.

THE CHILDREN

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

MARIA Knowing how nervous I must have been, a stranger in a new household, knowing how important it was for me to feel accepted, it was so kind and thoughtful of you to make my first moments here so warm and happy and pleasant. Maria grins at the Captain who forces himself to smile. Marta begins to sob. CAPTAIN MARTA What is the matter, Marta?

Nothing.

Maria smiles to herself as the rest of the children break down into sobs, one by one. The Captain glances around the table, astonished. CAPTAIN Uh, Fraulein, is to be at every meal or merely at, uh, dinner time that you intend leading us all through this rare and wonderful new world 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. He hops off and rings the doorbell. Wearing a gray uniform and cap, he crosses his arms and waits. The door opens and Franz appears. FRANZ Ah, Rolfe. Good evening. I trust everything is under

ROLFE Good evening, Franz. control. FRANZ ROLFE Yes, yes. Good.

Franz glances back into the house to make sure no one is listening and steps outside to confer with Rolfe. FRANZ ROLFE FRANZ ROLFE FRANZ ROLFE FRANZ Are there, uh, any developments? Perhaps. Is the Captain at home? He's at dinner. With the family? Yes. Please give him this telegram at once. Certainly. Rolfe peeks

Franz goes into the house and closes the door. through a window, then walks his bike down the driveway. IN THE DINING ROOM

Moments later, Franz hands the Captain the telegram. FRANZ CAPTAIN A telegram for you, sir. Hmm.

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

LIESL FRANZ

Franz, who delivered it? 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! Not again, Father.

FRIEDRICH

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 nearby table. CAPTAIN LOUISA I'm not sure, Gretl. I'm not sure.

(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 the Baroness. 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 then quietly leaves the room, behind her father's back. CHILDREN CAPTAIN Good! And ... (rolling his eyes) ... Uncle Max.

CHILDREN (delighted) Uncle Max! EXT. TRAPP VILLA

Uncle Max!

Moments later. Liesl runs out of the house, across a marble terrace, and searches the banks of the moonlit lake. In a formal garden, near a glasswalled gazebo, she calls: LIESL Rolfe!

Rolfe appears from behind a tree, against which leans his bike. She runs to him. LIESL Oh, Rolfe!

They throw their arms around each other. Rolfe breaks the clinch. ROLFE LIESL ROLFE LIESL ROLFE LIESL No, Liesl, we mustn't. Why not, silly? I don't know, it's just-Isn't this why you're here waiting for me? Yes, of course. I've missed you, Liesl. You have? How much?

ROLFE So much that I even thought of sending you a telegram just so I'd be able 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 tell you how I feel about you. Stop. Unfortunately, this wire is already too expensive. Sincerely, Rolfe."

LIESL ROLFE LIESL ROLFE

Sincerely? Cordially. Cordially? Affectionately?

She hugs him tightly. LIESL ROLFE Mmmmmm! 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 a telegram. How do I know when I'll see you again? ROLFE Well, let's see. (pacing) I could come here by mistake -- with a telegram for Colonel Schneider. He's here from Berlin staying with -- Oh, no one's supposed to know he's here. Don't tell your father, now. LIESL ROLFE LIESL Why not? Well, your father's so -- so Austrian. We're all Austrian.

ROLFE Well, some people think we ought to be German, and they're very mad at those who don't think so. They're getting ready to -Well, let's hope your father doesn't get into trouble. LIESL Don't worry about Father. was even decorated by the Emperor. He's a big naval hero. He

ROLFE I know. I don't worry about him. about his daughter. LIESL ROLFE LIESL Me? Why?

But I do worry

Well, you're so -What?

ROLFE LIESL

Well, you're such a baby! I'm sixteen. What's such a baby about that?

Rolfe smiles knowingly. ROLFE (sings) You wait, little girl, on an empty stage For 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 seventeen Baby, it's time to think Better beware, be canny and careful Baby, you're on the brink You are sixteen going on seventeen Fellows will fall in line Eager young lads and roues and cads Will 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 you Of things beyond your ken You need someone older an wiser Telling you what to do I am seventeen going on eighteen I'll take care of you Liesl flies into his arms, Rolfe spins her around, then pushes her gently away and holds up a warning finger. As thunder rolls above, Liesl pouts and marches away. Rolfe follows and holds out his hand to her. She shakes it firmly and then turns her back on him. Rolfe follows her

around a tree. She relents and takes his hand. Just as they sit down, raindrops start to fall. Rolfe leads Liesl into the glass-walled gazebo which is lined with benches. Liesl brushes the raindrops from her dress. The storm hits hard and heavy now. LIESL (sings) I am sixteen going on seventeen I know that I'm naive Fellows I meet may tell me I'm sweet And willingly I believe I am sixteen going on seventeen Innocent as a rose Bachelor dandies, drinkers of brandies What do I know of those? Totally unprepared am I To face a world of men Timid and shy and scared am I Of things beyond my ken Rolfe dodges her fingers when she walks them up his arm and tries to tickle his 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, then catches her as she drops into his arms. He lifts her up on one of the benches, then takes her hand and sashays her along its length. Liesl reaches the end of the bench and points to the wide gap between her bench and the next one. Rolfe spins and gallantly goes down on one knee -- Liesl uses his other knee as a stepping stone to cross to the next bench. Skipping and twirling, he escorts her around the interior of the gazebo. Gaining momentum, Liesl circles the gazebo, jumping gracefully from bench to bench.

Rolfe takes Liesl's hands and swings her down in a graceful spin. With one arm around her back, Rolfe leads Liesl around the gazebo. The two step up and down on the benches in perfect unison. They separate and leap onto opposite benches with spinning leg kicks. In the middle of the gazebo, they jump down into each other's arms, twirl around exuberantly, then let go and drop onto two facing benches. Breathing heavily, they gaze at each other with wide, uncertain eyes. Each stands up and spins away only to end up face to face. They twirl apart and bump into each other again on the other side of the gazebo. Again, they back away from each other but meet again on the opposite side. Liesl starts to 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, mouth open in shock, 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, Maria hurries 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 ... The Captain

SCHMIDT For your new dresses, Fraulein Maria. had these sent out from town.

MARIA Oh, how lovely. Oh, I'm sure these will make the prettiest clothes I've ever had. Tell me, do you think the Captain would get me some more

material 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 some playclothes. SCHMIDT (re-opening Maria's window) The Von Trapp children don't play. They march. MARIA Oh, surely, you don't approve of that?

SCHMIDT Ever since the Captain lost his poor wife, he - he runs this house as if he were on one of his ships again. Whistles, orders. No more music, no more laughing. Nothing that reminds him of her ... even the children. MARIA It's so wrong. There'll be

SCHMIDT Ah, well ... How do you like your room? new drapes at the windows ... MARIA SCHMIDT MARIA SCHMIDT New drapes? But these are fine.

Nevertheless, new ones have been ordered. Oh, but I really don't need them. Good night, now.

MARIA Frau Schmidt. Do you think if I ask the Captain tomorrow about the material ...? SCHMIDT MARIA Oh, he's leaving for Vienna in the morning.

Oh, yes, of course. Well, how long will he be gone? The last time he visited the

SCHMIDT That all depends. Baroness he stayed for a month. MARIA Oh.

SCHMIDT I shouldn't be saying this -- not to you, I mean I don't know you that 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! a mother again. SCHMIDT MARIA Well, the children will have

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

Schmidt leaves and Maria closes the door behind her. Maria takes off her robe, and places it over a chair. She makes the sign of the cross, kneels beside her bed and prays. Behind her, the night air billows through window curtains and thunder rolls. MARIA Dear Father, now I know why You've sent me here. To help these children prepare themselves for a new mother. And I pray that this will become a happy family in Thy sight. God bless the Captain, God bless Liesl and Friedrich, God bless Louisa, Brigitta, Marta and little Gretl. And, oh, I forgot the other boy. What's his name? Well, God bless What'shis-name. Liesl enters through the windows. She is soaking wet.

MARIA God bless the Reverend Mother, Sister Margaretta ... (sees Liesl try to exit the room) ...and everybody at Nonnberg Abbey. And now, dear God, 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 me what she's been up to. LIESL Are you going to tell on me?

MARIA (to Liesl) Shh. (finishes her prayers) Help me to be understanding so that I may guide her footsteps. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.

LIESL I was out taking a walk and somebody locked the doors earlier than usual and I didn't want to wake everybody up. So, when I saw your window open-- You're not going to tell Father, are you? MARIA Hmm. (rises, goes to window) How in the world did you climb up here? LIESL That's how we always got into this room to play tricks on the governess. Louisa can make it with a whole jar of spiders in her hand. MARIA (slamming window shut) Spiders!? (puts a hand to her chest in disgust) 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 would notice it tomorrow. 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 come back 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. maybe I do. Well,

Liesl smiles gratefully. Maria closes the bathroom door and walks over to shut the door of her armoir. Hands on hips, she looks at the bed, then at the bathroom door. Frowning suspiciously, she reaches for the comforter and flings it back to reveal ... clean, spider-less white sheets. She checks the rest 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 a nightgown, runs in and stands stiffly against the wall.

MARIA

Gretl?

Are you scared? There is another clap of thunder and

Gretl shakes her head. she runs into Maria's arms.

MARIA You're not frightened of a thunderstorm, are you? just stay right here with me. Oh! Uh! Where are the others? GRETL They're asleep. They're not scared.

You

More thunder. Maria cuddles Gretl. Louisa, Brigitta and Marta run into the room. MARIA (to Gretl) Oh, no? Look.

Gretl sees the other girls. MARIA All right, everybody. Up here on the bed. Really?

BRIGITTA MARIA

Well, just this once. Come on.

The girls crowd onto the bed. MARIA LOUISA Now, all we have to do is to wait for the boys. You won't see them. Boys are brave.

As the thunder continues, the girls bury their heads in the bed. Friedrich and Kurt run into the room, then force themselves to walk calmly. Maria grins. MARIA Eh, you boys weren't scared, too, were you? Oh, no. We just wanted to be sure that you

FRIEDRICH weren't. MARIA

That's very thoughtful of you, Friedrich. It wasn't my idea. It was Kurt's. That's the one I left out. (to the ceiling) God

FRIEDRICH

MARIA Kurt! bless Kurt.

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

with amusement. MARTA Why does it do that?

MARIA Well, the lightning says something to the thunder, and the thunder answers back. MARTA MARIA The lightning must be nasty. Not really. It makes me

MARTA Then why does the thunder get so angry? want to cry.

More loud thunder. Really, they should soundproof these old villas. The children bury their faces in the covers again. MARIA Well, now, when anything bothers me and I'm feeling unhappy, I just try and think of nice things. LOUISA AND MARTA What kind of things?

MARIA Uh .. well, let me see, nice things. Daffodils. Green meadows. Skies full of stars. Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens ... (sings) ... Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens Brown 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 streudels Doorbells and sleigh bells and schnitzel with noodles Wild geese that fly with the moon on their wings These are a few of my favorite things Girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes Snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes Silver white winters that melt into springs These are a few of my favorite things When the When the When I'm I simply And then dog bites bee stings feeling sad remember my favorite things I don't feel so bad

Maria puts her arms around Marta and Gretl. MARTA MARIA like? MARTA LOUISA GRETL KURT Does it really work? Of course it does. Pussy willows! Christmas! Bunny rabbits! Snakes! Chocolate icing! No school! You try it. What things do you

BRIGITTA FRIEDRICH

Liesl emerges from the bathroom, surprised to see the others. LIESL LOUISA BRIGITTA Telegrams! Birthday presents! Any presents!

MARIA (agreeing) Yes! GRETL MARIA MARTA KURT LOUISA KURT Ladybugs! What? Cats! Rats! A good sneeze! Ah-choo!

MARIA Gesundheit! See what fun it is? (sings) Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens Bright 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 are running

out of favorite things to sing about. Maria puts a hand to her head and her eyes widen -- she decides to repeat some stanzas. MARIA (sings) Cream-colored ponies and crisp apple streudels Doorbells and sleigh bells and schnitzel with noodles Wild 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 eyelashes Silver 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 who stands in the doorway with a disapproving frown. MARIA ... dog bites ... uh ...

She steps back. The children, more terrified of their father than the thunder, line up in a row at attention. MARIA (cheerfully) Uh, hello ... CAPTAIN Fraulein, did I not tell you that bedtime is to be strictly observed 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 such simple instructions? MARIA (defiantly) Only during thunderstorms, sir. Kurt laughs. CAPTAIN LIESL Liesl?

Yes, father?

CAPTAIN LIESL

I don't recall seeing you anywhere after dinner.

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

CAPTAIN LIESL

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

MARIA Uh, what she would like to say, Captain, is that, uh, she and I have been getting better acquainted tonight. But it's much too late now to go into all that. Come along children. You heard your father. Go back to bed immediately. As the children run out the room, Maria picks up her robe. The Captain turns toward the door, watching the children go. CAPTAIN Fraulein, you have managed to remember that I'm leaving in the morning? Maria nods. CAPTAIN Is it also possible that you remember that the first rule in this house 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 about some clothes for the children ... CAPTAIN Fraulein Maria ... If I could just have some

MARIA ... for when they play. material ...

CAPTAIN You are obviously many things, not the least of which is repetitious. 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 a chair next to the window. She looks at a window drape decorated with green flowers. 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 grabs another curtain. MARIA (sings to herself) When the dog bites When the bee stings When I'm feeling sad I simply remember my favorite things And then I don't feel so bad She drapes a curtain over her head like a scarf and wraps it around herself as a dress. DISSOLVE TO: EXT. THE FIRST OUTING - DAY Carrying her guitar case, Maria opens the villa's front gate and waves the children out. CHILDREN Where are we going?

They emerge one by one, carrying toys and picnic baskets. Each wears an outfit made from the green, flowered drapes. The boys wear lederhosen and the girls wear smocked dresses. Grinning, Maria closes the gate and runs after them. The children sprint across a foot bridge. They stop to watch boats on the

river. MARIA Look over here! Oh, look!

FRIEDRICH MARIA

Come on!

Maria skips away, the children follow. Later, they run across a busy square in Salzburg, bustling with boxy, 1930s automobiles and horse-drawn carriages. They stop in front of a fountain 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 who passes it down the line to Brigitta who puts it Louisa's basket. MARIA Ho!

Maria holds up three tomatoes, pretends to juggle them, waving her hands in the air without actually letting go. Smiling, she puts one down and juggles two of them, to the delight of the children. She tosses them to Gretl who drops one. The ripe tomato splatters on the ground. Gretl looks up nervously. Maria holds up a mockwarning finger. Gretl grins. 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 old steam engine locomotive, chugging slowly up a mountainside. They bound across a grassy meadow, dotted with wildflowers. The Alps loom peacefully in the background. The girls picnic while the boys throw a ball back and forth. Louisa lies on the ground and talks with Maria. LOUISA Fraulein Maria?

MARIA LOUISA MARIA LOUISA

Mm hmm? Can we do this every day? Don't you think you'd soon get tired of it, 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 to play such awful tricks on people. BRIGITTA MARIA LIESL Oh, it's easy.

But why do it? Well, how else can we get Father's attention? Yes.

BRIGITTA

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 she comes. MARTA Father doesn't like us to sing. Now, what songs

MARIA Well, perhaps we can change his mind. do you know? FRIEDRICH MARIA LOUISA We don't know any songs.

Not any? We don't even know how to sing. No. You must learn.

[BRIGITTA?] MARIA GRETL

Well, let's not lose any time. 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 beginning A 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 be Do-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 deer Ray, a drop of golden sun Me, a name I call myself Far, a long, long way to run Sew, a needle pulling thread La, 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 deer Ray, a drop of golden sun Me, a name I call myself Far, a long, long way to run Sew, a needle pulling thread La, a note to follow Sew Tea, a drink with jam and bread That will bring us back to ... Do, a deer, a female deer Ray, a drop of golden sun

Me, 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 CHILDREN Sew, a needle pulling thread La, a note to follow Sew Tea, a drink with jam and bread MARIA (sings) That will bring us back to Do Do-re-mi-fa-so-la-ti-do So-do! Suddenly, it's another day -- the children are dressed differently, on some steps overlooking the city. MARIA Now, children, do-re-mi-fa-so and so on are only the tools we use to build a song. Once you have these notes in your heads, you can sing a million different 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. Like this... (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 deer Ray, a drop of golden sun Me, a name I call myself Far, a long, long way to run Sew, a needle pulling thread La, 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 a horsedrawn carriage through the streets of Salzburg. Maria points to each child in turn: CHILDREN (sing) Do Re Mi Fa So La Ti Do Do Ti La So Fa Mi Re CHILDREN (sing) Do Mi Mi Mi So So Re Fa Fa La Ti Ti They repeat the lines above four more times at a faster tempo as Maria sings 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 an arbor, followed by the children. She pretends to wave a flag to start an impromptu foot race between her and the boys. Then they dance around fountains and statues and things. MARIA AND THE CHILDREN (sing) Doe, a deer, a female deer Ray, a drop of golden sun Me, a name I call myself Far, a long, long way to run Sew, a needle pulling thread La, 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, hopping up or down the steps with each note: MARIA: CHILDREN: Do . . . So Do Re . . . La Fa Mi . . . Mi Do Fa . . . Re So . . . So Do La . . . 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

Captain at the wheel, 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 BARONESS I had them put up just for you, darling. Oh!

MAX Even if it's to a height of ten thousand feet, Georg always believes in 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. Naturally.

BARONESS

MAX You needed a chaperone and I needed a place to stay where the cuisine is superb, 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 voices raised in song. MAX Listen. That's the Klopmann Monastery Choir.

CAPTAIN

MAX They're good! Very good. I must explore this territory in the next few days. Somewhere a hungry little singing group is waiting for Max Detweiler to pluck it out of obscurity and make it famous at the Salzburg Folk Festival. CAPTAIN They get the fame, you get the money.

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

fame, too. The Baroness laughs. They roll past a grove of trees. Dressed in their play clothes, the Von Trapp children hang from the branches, laughing and yelling. BARONESS CAPTAIN Good heavens, what's this? Oh, it's nothing, just some local urchins.

The Captain drives past them, failing at first to recognize his own children -- 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 the shimmering lake. BARONESS with you. This really is exciting for me, Georg, being here When

CAPTAIN Oh ho ho ho ho ho. Trees, lakes, mountains. you've seen one, you've seen them all. BARONESS CAPTAIN BARONESS CAPTAIN BARONESS CAPTAIN That is not what I mean and you know it. Ah, you-you mean me. I'm exciting. Is that so impossible? No, just, uh, highly improbable. There you go, running yourself down again. 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 see you here, Georg. CAPTAIN BARONESS In my natural habitat? Yes, exactly.

CAPTAIN Are you trying to say that I'm more at home here among the birds and the flowers and the wind that moves through the trees like a restless sea, hm? BARONESS CAPTAIN How poetic! Yes, it was rather, wasn't it?

She laughs. CAPTAIN More at home here than in Vienna? In all your glittering salons? Gossiping gaily with bores I detest? Soaking myself in champagne? Stumbling about to waltzes by Strausses I can't even remember? Is that what you're trying to say? BARONESS CAPTAIN More or less, yes. Now, whatever gave you that idea? It's so

BARONESS (laughs) How I do like it here, Georg. lovely and peaceful. How can you leave it as often as you do? CAPTAIN Ah, pretending to be madly active, I suppose. Activity suggests a life filled with purpose. BARONESS CAPTAIN stay. Could it be running away from memories? Mm hm.

Or perhaps just searching for a reason to

BARONESS Oh, I hope that's why you've been coming to Vienna so often. Or were there other distractions there? CAPTAIN BARONESS Oh, I'd hardly call you a mere distraction, darling. Well, what would you call me, Georg?

CAPTAIN Mmmm. Lovely. Charming, witty, graceful. The perfect hostess. 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 least once that it was you who brought some meaning back into my life. BARONESS Oh, I am amusing, I suppose. And I do have the finest couturier in Vienna. And the most glittering circle of friends. And I do give some rather gay 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 MAX Two.

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 steal away from Saul Feurock. BARONESS What happened, darling?

MAX Yesterday, Sascha Petrie stole them first. If there's one thing I hate, 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. On Georg's telephone, of course.

BARONESS 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 went into hiding. CAPTAIN I was hoping they'd be here to welcome you. Uh, Max, uh, do step out of character for a moment and, uh, try and be charming. The Captain strides into the house. The shrewd-faced Max waits for him to leave, then approaches the Baroness. MAX Well? Well, what?

BARONESS

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

Honest? But not necessarily for me.

BARONESS MAX

What kind of talk's that?

BARONESS That is "none of your business" talk, Max. I'm terribly fond of 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, disgusting detail. BARONESS Well, let's just say I have a feeling I may be here on approval. MAX Well, I approve of that. How can you miss? Far too easily.

BARONESS

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

BARONESS MAX

Oh, he's no ordinary man.

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 you two get married. 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 and picks up a handful of pebbles. The Captain walks onto the veranda and sees the young courier tossing the pebbles against a second story window, presumably Liesl's room. CAPTAIN What are you doing there?

ROLFE (startled) Oh, Captain Von Trapp, I was just looking for-- I didn't see-- I mean, I didn't know you were-- (giving the Nazi salute) Heil Hitler! Max and the Baroness join the Captain who registers displeasure at Rolfe's salute. CAPTAIN ROLFE Who are you? 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 it away and hands it to Max. CAPTAIN (sharply) All right. You've delivered your telegram.

Now, get out. 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't happen to 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 people do? 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, his head bowed. The Baroness eyes him sympathetically. BARONESS (gently) Hello? He does not respond. BARONESS CAPTAIN BARONESS I'm in? You're far away. Where are you? In a world that's ... disappearing, I'm afraid. Is there any way I could bring you back to the world

The children's voices are heard shouting, coming nearer. The Captain smiles at the Baroness, then jerks his head toward the lake. With Maria in the prow, the children row a skiff toward the house. They sing a ragged version of "Do Re Mi" ... The Captain walks across the terrace to a gate on the shore of the lake. A hand on his hip, he waits for them, scowling impatiently. The children spot him and stand up to wave. The boat rocks precariously.

CHILDREN

Papa! Papa! Papa!

MARIA (rising) Oh! Oh, Captain! You're home! The boat capsizes sending Maria and the children into the water. The children make 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 talking simultaneously. LOUISA I'm soaked to the skin!

Then the Captain takes a whistle from his pocket and with one blast, silences the children's chatter. They slosh to their places in line and stand at attention. CAPTAIN Straight line!

The Captain paces back and forth in front of his children. He pauses at Louisa and pulls the flowered, green scarf from her hair. Maria frowns sympathetically. 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 and follows them. 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 past Maria who wears her plain, brown, wet dress. Maria turns to face the Captain. CAPTAIN MARIA Now, Fraulein. I want a truthful answer from you.

Yes, Captain?

CAPTAIN Is it possible or could I have just imagined it -have my children by any chance been climbing trees today? MARIA Yes, Captain.

CAPTAIN I see. (holds up Louisa's scarf) And where, may I ask, did they get these, um, these, uh ...? MARIA CAPTAIN Play clothes. Oh, is that what you call them?

MARIA I made them -- from the drapes that used to hang in my bedroom. CAPTAIN Drapes!

MARIA They still had plenty of wear left. The children have been everywhere in them. CAPTAIN (incredulous) Do you mean to tell me that my children have been roaming about Salzburg dressed up in nothing but some old drapes?! MARIA CAPTAIN Mm-hmm. And having a marvelous time!

They have uniforms!

MARIA CAPTAIN

Straitjackets, if you'll forgive me. I will not forgive you for that.

MARIA Children cannot do all the things they're supposed to do if they have to worry about spoiling their precious clothes all the ... CAPTAIN MARIA much. much. I haven't heard them complain yet.

Well, they wouldn't dare. They love you too They fear you too I don't wish you to discuss my children in this You're never

CAPTAIN manner.

MARIA Well, you've got to hear from someone. home long enough to know them.

CAPTAIN I said I don't want to hear any more from you about my children. 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 to wake up and find she's a woman. You won't even know her. And Friedrich. He's a boy but 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 when you brush 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 just want to be loved. Oh, please, Captain, love them, love them all! CAPTAIN I don't care to hear anything further from you about my children! MARIA CAPTAIN I am not finished yet, Captain! Oh, yes, you are, Captain!

Maria looks at him, surprised. CAPTAIN (corrects himself) Fraulein. (beat) Now, you will pack your things this minute ... CHILDREN'S VOICES CAPTAIN "The hills are alive ... "

... and return to the Abbey ... "With the sound of music ... "

CHILDREN'S VOICES CAPTAIN

What's that? "Ah-ah-ah-ah!"

CHILDREN'S VOICES MARIA It's singing.

CHILDREN'S VOICES CAPTAIN

"With songs they have sung ... "

Yes, I realize it's singing but who is singing? "For a thousand years ... "

CHILDREN'S VOICES MARIA The children.

CAPTAIN (astonished) The children? CHILDREN'S VOICES MARIA "The hills fill my heart ..."

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. Wearing their uniforms, the children sing for Max and the Baroness. CHILDREN (singing) ... with the sound of music My heart wants to sing every song it hears My 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 to the music. CHILDREN (singing) My heart wants to sigh like a chime that flies from 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 pray I 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 he sings 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 music And I'll sing once more Maria appears in the doorway and watches. The Captain smiles faintly and takes a few hesitant step toward his children. Brigitta runs over and gives

him a hug. The rest of the children surround him. The Captain hugs the little ones and playfully nudges the others. They all start to laugh. Maria looks in and bows her head. CAPTAIN Ah!

Maria motions to Gretl to take a small bouquet of white wildflowers to the 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. He turns, looks over at the doorway, and sees Maria who hurries to the stairs. CAPTAIN (whispers to the children) Don't go 'way! The Captain strides quickly out of the room just as Maria reaches the staircase. CAPTAIN Fraulein...

She hesitates, then turns to face him. CAPTAIN I ... behaved badly. I apologize. It's one of my worst

MARIA No, I'm, I'm far too outspoken. faults. CAPTAIN You were right.

I don't know my children. They want so much to be

MARIA There's still time, Captain. close to you.

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

Maria starts up the stairs. CAPTAIN Fraulein.

She stops. CAPTAIN I want you to stay.

She stares at him. The Captain smiles contritely. CAPTAIN MARIA CAPTAIN I, uh, ask you to stay. If I could be of any help. You have already. More than you know.

Their eyes meet. With a quick, shy smile, the Captain strides back to the 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 Baroness and Max sit 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 and the children stand backstage. MARIA (whispers) Marta! (calls to Marta) Curtain! The curtain opens to reveal a marionette -- a shepherd wearing lederhosen. MARIA (sings) High on a hill was a lonely goatherd Lay ee odl lay ee odl lay hee hoo Loud was the voice of the lonely goatherd Lay ee odl lay ee odl-oo Folks in a town that was quite remote heard Lay ee odl lay ee odl lay hee hoo Lusty 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, goats dance alongside the shepherd. CHILDREN (singing) O ho lay dee odl lee o, o ho lay dee odl ay O 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 heard Lay 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 heard Lay ee odl lay ee odl-oo A curtain rises to show: A beer hall. A puppet carrying many mugs of beer to two men sitting at a table with forks and knives at the ready. Marionette musicians play while marionette customers drink mugs of marionette beer. THE CHILDREN (singing) Men in the midst of a table d'hote heard Lay ee odl lay ee odl lay hee hoo MARIA (sings) Men drinking beer with the foam afloat heard Lay ee odl lay ee odl-oo Marta blows the foam from a beer and splashes Maria who coughs. A girl puppet with blonde braids appears to join the shepherd. MARIA (sings) One little girl in a pale pink coat heard Lay ee odl lay ee odl lay hee hoo BRIGITTA (sings) She yodeled back to the lonely goatherd

Lay ee odl lay ee odl-oo The blonde girl's bosomy mother appears and pushes the girl to the shepherd. MARIA (sings) Soon her Mama with a gleaming gloat heard Lay ee odl lay ee odl lay hee hoo What 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 dance the polka as the band continues to play. Above them, Maria and the children manipulate the puppets with all the consummate skill of professional puppeteers like, oh, for example, Bill and Cora Baird. Max, the Baroness, and the Captain laugh with 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 her brow, and signals to Marta for the next backdrop. Onstage, a boy and girl goat replace 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 boy goat. MARIA (sings)

Soon her Mama with a gleaming gloat heard Lay ee odl lay ee odl lay hmm hmm What a duet for a girl and goatherd Lay ee odl lay ee odl-oo The two goats snuggle and that's all it takes for a baby goat to appear and dance with them. Apparently, the Austrian mountain goat is equipped with some very 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 hoo Soon 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 CHILDREN Whoo! Max, the Captain and the Baroness laugh and applaud. The children jump out from behind the stage to bow and curtsy. THE CAPTAIN, MAX AND THE BARONESS GRETL MARTA Bravo! Wonderful! etc.

Can we really keep the puppet show, Uncle Max? Yes, may we?

MAX Of course, you may, my darlings. Why else would I have told Professor [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 MARIA I really am very, very much impressed.

They're your children, Captain.

Their eyes meet in a lingering gaze. The Captain shifts uncomfortably, then takes 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. Oh ho ho. Well, if you have any problems I'd be happy to help

CAPTAIN BARONESS you.

The Baroness smiles coldly and walks into the grand front hall. The Captain keeps 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 have finally found a most exciting entry for the Salzburg Folk Festival! The Captain knows full well what Max has in mind. CAPTAIN time? MAX Congratulations, Max. Who will you be exploiting this

Ha ha!

BARONESS (guessing) The Saint Ignatius Choir? MAX Guess again! CAPTAIN MAX Um ... let me see now, uh ... the Klopmann Choir?

No, no, no, no, no. No?

CAPTAIN MAX

No, no. Tell us. You'll never guess,

LIESL MAX

A singing group all in one family.

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. Hm!

CAPTAIN

The Captain studies Max with an amused grin and laughs. MAX Well, now, what's so funny? You are, Max. You're expensive ... but very funny.

CAPTAIN

The children laugh. MAX But you heard them. No, Max. They'll be a sensation.

CAPTAIN

CHILDREN (disappointed) Ohhhh! MAX It's a wonderful idea! Fresh, original ...

CAPTAIN MAX

Max, my children do not sing in public.

Well, you can't blame me for trying. Children, who shall we hear from next? Liesl leans forward and

MARIA

The children huddle around Maria. whispers something to Maria. MARIA Who? Yes. Yes.

CHILDREN

Maria picks up her guitar and looks uncertainly at the children who nod. CHILDREN Yes. Yes.

Maria clears her throat and walks over to the Captain and holds the guitar

out to him. MARIA The vote is unanimous. Me? You, Captain.

CAPTAIN

Max laughs. CAPTAIN MARIA I don't understand.

Please.

Maria holds out the guitar to the Captain. The Captain looks at the children, realizes what they're up to. CAPTAIN MARIA No, no, no, no, no, no, no.

I'm told that a long time ago you were quite good. Well, that was a very, very, very long time ago.

CAPTAIN LIESL

I remember, Father.

Maria holds out the guitar to the Captain again. FRIEDRICH BRIGITTA MARIA Play us something we know. Oh, please, Father.

Please.

He smiles at the children affectionately. CAPTAIN Well ...

The Captain takes the guitar and strums a few chords. The children settle on the floor in front of him. Liesl takes a seat. Maria leans against a wall. Max and the Baroness sit together. BARONESS MAX What? To bring along my harmonica. Why didn't you tell me?

BARONESS

Max chuckles. CAPTAIN

(sings) Edelweiss, edelweiss Every 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 forever Edelweiss, edelweiss Bless my homeland forever He looks at the Baroness who smiles eagerly, then nods to Liesl as he sings another refrain. Liesl joins in. CAPTAIN AND LIESL (singing) Edelweiss, (edelweiss) edelweiss (edelweiss) Every morning you greet me Small 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 grow Bloom and grow forever Edelweiss, edelweiss Bless 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 new act ... The Captain laughs. MAX ... the Von Trapp Family Singers.

BARONESS I have a wonderful idea, Georg. Let's really fill this house with music. 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 in Salzburg, and they met me. Don't you agree? CAPTAIN CHILDREN I see what you mean. Oh, please. Please! Please!

Maria walks over to the children. MARIA Children! good night. It's time to go to bed! Ohhh ... Come now. Say

CHILDREN (disappointed) The children stand up.

CHILDREN Good night, Father. Baroness Schraeder. Good night, Uncle Max.

Good night.

Good night,

The Captain kisses and hugs his children. They dash out of the room, beaming with excitement. Gretl runs to catch up, then stops and turns in the doorway. GRETL 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 conductor leads an orchestra using his violin bow as a baton. Outside, cars and carriages fill the driveway. The Captain and the Baroness greet the arriving guests. A red and white Austrian flag hangs conspicuously from the balcony. The Captain wears a medal from a matching red and white ribbon around his neck. The Captain shakes hands with ZELLER, a ferret-faced, silverhaired, pro-Nazi Austrian. It will be my first party, Father.

ZELLER CAPTAIN

Captain. Herr Zeller, Baroness Schraeder. Good evening, Herr Zeller.

BARONESS ZELLER

Baroness.

Zeller kisses the Baroness' gloved hand and moves into the hall. The Captain's polite smile fades as he watches Zeller stops and scowls disapprovingly at the Austrian flag hanging from the balcony. Zeller stalks into the ballroom and searches the crowd, then makes his way to a stocky man with round glasses. Zeller clicks his heels together and bows. ZELLER I suppose you noticed the obvious display of the Austrian flag in the hallway. Outside, the children stand on a garden terrace, peering through doors on one side of the ballroom. BRIGITTA KURT The women look so beautiful.

I think they look ugly. You just say that because you're scared of them.

LOUISA KURT GRETL LOUISA

Silly, only grown-up men are scared of women. I think the men look beautiful. How would you know?

Gretl points her nose in the air, snubbing Louisa. Liesl wanders onto the marble terrace, staring dreamily into space. Brigitta stands watching her as Liesl as she imagines a young man is asking her to dance. Liesl curtsies and begins to waltz by herself. BRIGITTA LIESL Liesl, who are you dancing with?

Nobody.

BRIGITTA

Oh, yes you are.

Friedrich cuts in, tapping Liesl on shoulder. FRIEDRICH LIESL May I have this dance?

I'd be delighted, young man.

The children gather to watch Liesl and Friedrich waltz together. Maria walks 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 Trapp Family Dancers! The other children laugh. As Kurt speaks, the music stops, the guests applaud, and the music begins again. The children glance toward the ballroom. GRETL MARIA KURT MARIA girl. KURT MARIA KURT MARIA What's that they are playing? It's the Laendler. Show me. Oh, Kurt, I haven't danced that since I was a little Oh, you remember. Well -Please. All right, come on over here. Please. It's an Austrian folk dance.

They move to the center of the terrace. MARIA KURT MARIA Now, you bow and I curtsy. Like this? 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. hop. Now, turn under. Whoop, not quite. Now, step hop. Step

The Captain smiles and pulls on his white gloves. MARIA KURT MARIA KURT MARIA This way. Hmm -- uh -Kurt -Um -We'll have to practice. Hop, step, hop, and under.

The Captain cuts in. CAPTAIN KURT Do allow me, will you?

Mm-hmm.

Kurt joins the other children. Maria stares at the Captain in surprise. He holds out his hand. She hesitates, then takes it. They start to dance liltingly around the terrace. With shy smiles they clasp hands and do a series of graceful twirls. The Captain claps his hands as Maria dances around him. She stops and he dances around her. The Baroness comes out and stops short as she sees them dancing and looking into each other's eyes. Behind her, the party guests also perform the courtly dance. Arms entwined, the Captain and Maria spin in a slow circle, gazing deeply into 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. The Baroness, trying to hold her jealousy in check, walks over to the Captain. BARONESS Why, that was beautifully done. couple you make. CAPTAIN night. Yes. What a lovely

I think it's time the, uh, children said good We've got

MARIA Yes. We'll be in the hall in a moment. something very special 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 you wouldn't find a friend at the party. He glances back in Maria's direction. CAPTAIN BARONESS Chilly out tonight, isn't it? 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 wish to say good night to you. Maria leads the guests out of the ballroom and into the front hall. The children line up in four rows on the front steps. CHILDREN (singing) There's a sad sort of clanging from the clock in the hall And the bells in the steeple too And up in the nursery an absurd little bird Is popping out to say "cuckoo" MARTA, GRETL, BRIGITTA (singing)

Cuckoo, cuckoo CHILDREN MARTA, GRETL, BRIGITTA Regretfully they tell us Cuckoo, cuckoo But firmly they compel us Cuckoo, 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 the guests. 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 hurry upstairs. 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 move over. 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 to side 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 up the remaining 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! (to Maria) 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 join the party. MARIA No, really, I--

MAX (shushing Maria) Sh sh sh. Stop it. The Baroness glares. MAX Georg, please. You can if you want to, Fraulein.

CAPTAIN

MAX I insist. You will be my dinner partner. (quietly reassuring the Baroness) This is business. (to the butler) Franz, set another place next to mine for Fraulein Maria. Franz hesitates. Maria is uneasy. FRANZ Whatever you say, Herr Detweiler. Well, it appears to be all arranged, doesn't it?

CAPTAIN

BARONESS (icily) It certainly does. MARIA I'm not suitably dressed. Uh, well, you can change. We'll wait for you.

CAPTAIN

MARIA (to Max, in a daze) All right. Still uncertain, Maria goes off to change. The Captain chats with his guests, among them the Ebberfelds. BARONESS EBBERFELD youngsters. CAPTAIN Captain, you must be very proud of your

I am, thank you, Baroness.

BARON EBBERFELD Is there a more beautiful expression of what is good in this country of ours than the innocent voices of our children? The Baroness, overhearing all this, decides to follow Maria upstairs and exits. ZELLER Oh, come now, Baron, would you have us believe that Austria alone holds a monopoly on virtue? CAPTAIN Uh, Herr Zeller, some of us prefer Austrian voices

raised in song to ugly German threats. ZELLER The, uh, ostrich buries his head in the sand -- and sometimes ... in the flag. Perhaps those would warn you that the Anschluss is coming -- and it is coming, Captain -- perhaps they would get further with you by setting their words 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. I'm delighted, Maria.

BARONESS

MARIA I-I-I- really don't think I do have anything that would be appropriate. BARONESS Now, where is that lovely little thing you were wearing the other evening 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't know when a man notices us. The Baroness pulls Maria's simple, gauzy, cool blue dress from the armoir.

BARONESS MARIA

Here we are.

The Captain notices everybody and everything.

BARONESS There's no need to feel so defensive, Maria. You are quite attractive, you know. The Captain would hardly be a man if he didn't notice you. MARIA Baroness, I hope you're joking. Not at all.

BARONESS MARIA

But I've never done a thing to --

BARONESS But you don't have to, my dear. There's nothing more irresistible to a man than a woman who's in love with him. MARIA In love with him? And what makes it so nice is ... he

BARONESS Of course. think he's in love with you. MARIA

But that's not true.

BARONESS Surely you've noticed the way he looks into your eyes. And you know, 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 should think. 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 stuffing it with clothes. BARONESS MARIA Is there something I can do to help?

No, nothing.

The Baroness starts to leave. MARIA Yes.

The Baroness stops. MARIA Please don't say a word about this to the Captain. No. No, I wouldn't dream of it.

BARONESS

The Baroness goes to the door and turns back to Maria. BARONESS nun. Goodbye, Maria. I'm sure you'll make a very fine

She smiles fleetingly and walks out. Maria watches her go, then continues to pack. She takes her drab gray dress off the hanger and bows her head, leaning against the bed in anguish. CUT TO: Downstairs, the Baroness searches the front hall, then hurries into the ballroom. She scans the crowd and weaves around the dancing couples to join Max. The Baroness grabs two glasses from a tray carried by a passing waiter and 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 the Captain who stands on the opposite side of the room chatting with guests. MAX You know something. Perhaps.

BARONESS

MAX Then, if you're so clever, tell me how to get our little fraulein to use her influence with Georg. I want those children in the festival. Elsa, this is important 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 have to be talking to is me. Max studies the Baroness as she smiles coyly. She hands him her champagne glass and strides across the room to the Captain who takes her hand with a smile. They waltz, twirling gracefully alongside their guests. CUT TO: Upstairs, Maria emerges from her room, carrying her bag and guitar, and wearing her drab gray dress and leather hat. She peeks over the balcony railing into the empty front hall below, then hurries downstairs. Setting her guitar by the front door, she takes an envelope out of her pocket and stealthily crosses the hall to carefully prop the letter on a marble table. She rushes back to the door. Maria picks up her guitar, hesitates, and turns to drink in her surroundings for one last time. Finally, she turns and hurries 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 watches the Baroness play a game with the children, throwing a large rubber ball. They stand in a circle, counting off ("Two" "Three" "Four" etc.), as they toss the ball among themselves. Nobody is having much fun. The Baroness bounces the ball to Brigitta who passes it to Louisa. Louisa feints a throw at the Baroness who is completely faked out -- and passes the ball to Liesl.

Max watches with concern. Kurt throws the ball to the Baroness but it slips past her and she must chase it awkwardly in her high heels, much to Max's amusement. The Baroness clearly has no interest or aptitude for playing children's games and the children are obviously bored. BARONESS Four ... FRIEDRICH BARONESS Isn't this fun? Um ... (passes ball to Friedrich) I'm number five. 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 stomach with an exclamation. BARONESS Two.

She throws it awkwardly past Kurt. KURT Baroness Schraeder, do you mind if we stop now? tired. BARONESS (relieved) again tomorrow. We're

Oh, whatever you want, dear. We'll do it

The children exchange grim glances and gather on a nearby bench to watch the Baroness hurry up the steps to Max who pours a glass of pink lemonade from a pitcher 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 MAX

Mm hm.

How do you plan to do it?

BARONESS Darling, haven't you ever heard of a delightful little thing called boarding 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 MAX Nothing.

I know what we'll do. Let's have a rehearsal. What for?

LOUISA

MAX Let's make believe we're standing on the stage at the Festival. MARTA GRETL MAX I don't feel like singing. Not without Fraulein Maria.

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

GRETL

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. All right, Liesl. Liesl plays. The children sing listlessly but with a somber, melancholic beauty. CHILDREN (singing) The hills are alive with the sound of music The Captain comes out in his crisp gray and green suit. He pauses to watch and listen. CHILDREN years (singing) With songs they have sung for a thousand

Brigitta stops singing and walks to the terrace railing. CHILDREN music (singing) The hills fill my heart with the sound of

Gretl and Louisa follow Brigitta. The Captain raises his eyebrows, sensing that 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 CAPTAIN BRIGITTA CAPTAIN BRIGITTA Uh, something long and cool, Georg? No thank you, darling. Father? Yes, Brigitta? Is it true Fraulein Maria isn't coming back?

CAPTAIN Fraulein Maria? the lemonade) What have we got here? BARONESS MAX Pink lemonade.

Yes, I suppose it's true, yes. (off

Laced with, uh, lemonade.

The Captain shudders. BRIGITTA CAPTAIN BRIGITTA I don't believe it, Father. Hm? Don't believe what, darling? About Fraulein Maria.

CAPTAIN Oh, Fraulein Maria. Didn't I tell you what her note said? Oh, I'm sure I did. She said she missed her life at the Abbey too much. She had to leave us. And that's all there is to it. (off the lemonade) I think I'm brave enough to try some of that. LOUISA CAPTAIN LOUISA BARONESS MAX She didn't even say goodbye. She did in her note. That isn't the same thing. (off the lemonade) Not too sweet, not too sour.

Just too, um, pink. Father? Hm?

GRETL CAPTAIN 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 governess anymore. CHILDREN (astonished) We're not? CAPTAIN No.

The Captain squeezes the Baroness' shoulders.

CAPTAIN LIESL

You're going to have a new mother. A new mother?

CAPTAIN We talked about it last night. It's all settled, and we're all going to be very happy. (to Baroness) Mmm? The Baroness smiles at him but the smile fades as she turns to the children who stare silently. The Captain scowls and nods to the children and they step up one by one to kiss the Baroness on the cheek. The Baroness glances at Max who looks skeptical. The children kiss the Baroness slowly and reluctantly. CAPTAIN (annoyed) Well, all right, all right, all right. run off and play. Now,

The children leave, glancing sullenly back at the Baroness and their father. DISSOLVE TO: EXT. ABBEY - THAT AFTERNOON In Salzburg, the children cross a street below a castle on a hill and approach the Abbey's wrought iron gate. They see a nun sweep the cobblestone courtyard inside. Liesl pulls a bell cord. Another nun approaches the locked gate and smiles warmly. NUN Yes, my children? My name is Liesl.

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 her hands. NUN Wait here.

The nun walks over to Sister Margaretta who stands talking with another nun. Sister Margaretta glances at the children and joins them. MARGARETTA I'm Sister Margaretta. I understand you've been inquiring about Maria. FRIEDRICH please? MARGARETTA LOUISA MARTA GRETL KURT GRETL LIESL We have to see her. Will you tell her we're here,

I'm afraid I can't do that. We have to speak to her.

Oh, but you've got to. She's our governess. We want her back.

She didn't say even goodbye. It's very important. All we want to do is talk to her.

MARGARETTA I'm very sorry, children, but Maria is in seclusion. She hasn't been seeing anyone. FRIEDRICH GRETL She'll see us. I know she will.

I want to show her my finger.

MARGARETTA Oh, some other time, dear. I'll tell her that you were here. It was sweet of you to call. Run along home now. Go on. Smiling gently, Sister Margaretta ushers the children back out through the gate and shuts it behind them. BRIGITTA MARGARETTA FRIEDRICH MARGARETTA Oh, please. Run along, children! I'm sure she'd like to see us. Goodbye, children. Please! Sister Margaretta! Sister

CHILDREN Please! Margaretta!

Sister Margaretta walks away. The Reverend Mother joins her. MOTHER ABBESS What was that about, Sister Margaretta? They

MARGARETTA The Von Trapp children, Reverend Mother. want to see Maria. MOTHER ABBESS MARGARETTA in prayer.

Has she spoken yet? Has she told you anything?

She doesn't say a word, Reverend Mother, except Poor child.

MOTHER ABBESS

MARGARETTA It's strange. She - she seems happy to be back here and yet ... and yet she's unhappy too. MOTHER ABBESS Perhaps I have been wrong in leaving her alone so long. I think you'd better bring her to me, even she's not yet ready. MARGARETTA DISSOLVE TO: INT. MOTHER ABBESS' OFFICE - LATER THAT DAY The Reverend Mother smiles at a young woman in a green dress and hat. MOTHER ABBESS Sister Augusta, take our new postulant to the robing room. (to the young woman) God bless you, my daughter. There is a knock at the door. MOTHER ABBESS Ave! Yes, Reverend Mother.

As Sister Augusta and the young woman in the green dress exit, Sister Margaretta 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. She rushes 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. Why did they send you back to us?

MOTHER ABBESS MARIA

They didn't send me back, Mother, I-I left. Sit down, Maria. Tell me what happened.

MOTHER ABBESS

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 felt that way before. I couldn't stay. I knew that here I'd be away from it. I'd be 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. Him? (turns to the door) Thank you, Sister

MOTHER ABBESS Margaretta.

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 - she said that he was in love with me, but I-I didn't want to believe it. Oh, there were times when we would look at each other. Oh Mother, I could hardly breathe. 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 was there 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 to

take my vows.

Please help me.

MOTHER ABBESS Maria, the love of a man and a woman is holy, too. You have a great capacity to love. What you must find out is how God wants you to spend your love. MARIA But I pledged my life to God, I - I've pledged my life to his service. MOTHER ABBESS My daughter, if you love this man, it doesn't mean you love God less. No. You must find out. You must go back. MARIA Oh, Mother, you can't ask me to do that. Please, let me stay. I beg of you. MOTHER ABBESS Maria, these walls were not built to shut out problems. You have 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 mountain Search high and low Follow ev'ry by-way Every path you know Climb ev'ry mountain Ford ev'ry stream Follow ev'ry rainbow 'Till you find your dream A dream that will need All the love you can give Everyday of your life For as long as you live Climb ev'ry mountain Ford ev'ry stream Follow ev'ry rainbow 'Till you find your dream A dream that will need All the love you can give Everyday of your life For as long as you live

Climb ev'ry mountain Ford ev'ry stream Follow 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 just returned from their trip to Abbey. CAPTAIN LOUISA CAPTAIN dinner. Now, it's not like my children to be secretive. We're not being secretive, Father. Mm hm. And it's not like my children to be late for We lost track of the time. Ah, I see. Yes, yes.

FRIEDRICH CAPTAIN CHILDREN

CAPTAIN All right, now who's going to be the first one to tell me the truth? Friedrich? Brigitta? Liesl? LIESL Where do you think we were, Father? Hm?

CAPTAIN

LIESL Well, if you don't believe us, you must have some idea where you think we were. Marta giggles at this. CAPTAIN MARTA Aha! Marta!

Yes, Father? You tell me. We were berry picking. You were berry picking.

CAPTAIN MARTA

Friedrich told you, Father.

CAPTAIN

(claps his hands) I forgot.

CHILDREN CAPTAIN CHILDREN LOUISA CAPTAIN

Yes, yes ... All afternoon? Mm hm!

We picked thousands of them. Thousands?

The children all talk at once, affirming the tall tale. CAPTAIN FRIEDRICH CAPTAIN What kind of berries? Ah, blueberries, sir. Blueberries? (sounds yummy) Mmm mm.

The children chime in their agreement with the whole blueberry story. CAPTAIN It's, um, too early for blueberries. They were strawberries.

FRIEDRICH CAPTAIN

Strawberries? It's been so cold lately, they turned blue.

FRIEDRICH

Friedrich winces, Liesl rolls her eyes, Brigitta looks like she's going to throw up. CAPTAIN berries. CHILDREN CAPTAIN KURT Awww ... Tsk, tsk, tsk! Um ... we ... well ... Well, show me the berries you picked. Come on. Very well, show me the

We don't have them anymore. You don't have them anymore? Well, what happened to

CAPTAIN them? 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? They were very delicious.

CHILDREN (enthusiastically) Yes.

CAPTAIN Very well. Since you've obviously stuffed yourselves full of thousands of delicious berries, you can't be hungry anymore, so I'll just have to simply tell Frau Schmidt to, uh, skip your dinner. The Captain trots up the steps, smirking to himself, and goes into the house. Kurt scowls at Friedrich. KURT It's all your fault. truth. FRIEDRICH KURT LOUISA her. KURT MARTA hello. KURT GRETL You should have told him the

And made him boiling mad at us?

It's better than staving to death. We didn't do anything wrong. My stomach's making noises. The least they could have done was to let us say I wonder what grass tastes like ... I feel awful. We just wanted to see

BRIGITTA When Fraulein Maria wanted to feel better, she used to sing that song. Remember? LIESL Yes. Let's try it.

BRIGITTA

CHILDREN (singing slowly and sadly) Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens Brown 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 MARIA Snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes The children stop singing and start chattering with excitement. MARIA Silver white winters that melt into springs These are a few of my favorite things Wearing the green dress that belonged to the new postulant, Maria runs to the children (who run to her), drops her guitar and carpetbag, and gives them all a big hug. MARIA AND THE CHILDREN (singing happily) When the dog bites When the bee stings When I'm feeling sad I simply remember my favorite things And then I don't feel so bad Kneeling, Maria touches Gretl's and Marta's faces lovingly. She blows a kiss to Louisa. The children laugh. MARIA MARTA MARIA KURT Oh, children, I'm so glad to see you! We missed you! Oh, I missed you. Kurt, how are you? Hungry.

Everyone laughs. Gretl shows Maria her bandaged finger. MARIA GRETL MARIA GRETL Gretl, what happened to your finger? It got caught. Caught in what? Friedrich's teeth.

Everyone laughs.

MARIA LIESL MARIA

Liesl, you all right? Just fair. Many telegrams been delivered here lately?

LIESL None at all, Fraulein. But I'm learning to accept it. I'll be glad when school begins. MARIA Oh, Liesl, you can't use school to escape your problems. You have to face them. Oh, I have so much to tell you all. LOUISA MARIA We have things to tell you, too. I'm sure you do.

BRIGITTA The most important thing is that Father's going to be married. MARIA LOUISA Married? Yes, to Baroness Schraeder.

MARIA (stunned) Oh, I see ... The children see the Captain on the veranda. CHILDREN FRIEDRICH Oh, Father, look! Look!

Father, Fraulein Maria's come back from the Abbey.

The Captain looks down at them. MARIA Good evening, Captain. All right, everyone inside. Go and

CAPTAIN Good evening. get your dinner. CHILDREN Dinner!

Dinner!

The children happily rush into the house. The Captain walks down to Maria. CAPTAIN You left without saying goodbye ... even to the children. MARIA Well, it was wrong of me. Forgive me.

CAPTAIN

Why did you? Anyway, the reason no longer

MARIA Please don't ask me. exists. The Baroness comes out.

BARONESS Fraulein Maria, you've returned. wonderful, Georg?

Isn't it

MARIA May I wish you every happiness, Baroness, and you too, Captain. The children 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. The Captain smiles at the Baroness and takes her hand. She smiles winningly and walks with him inside. DISSOLVE TO: EXT. VON TRAPP TERRACE - NIGHT Maria strolls toward the edge of the lake. The Captain, on a second floor balcony, watches her gaze across the water. The Baroness, in a striking red dress 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. The Baroness steels 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 at the dinner table. Or was it the wine? CAPTAIN Oh, undoubtedly the wine.

BARONESS You have no idea what kind of trouble I'm having tying to decide what 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-I thought of a fountain pen but you've already got one. And-andand then I thought perhaps a villa in the south of France but they are so difficult to gift wrap. Oh, Georg, how do you feel about yachts? A long sleek 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 a real 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 BARONESS Look, Elsa ... 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, I really don't think you're the right man for me. You're, um, you're much too independent and I-I need someone who needs me desperately. Or at least, needs my money desperately. I've enjoyed every moment we've had together. I do thank you for that. Now, if, um, if you'll forgive me, I'll go inside, pack my little bags, and return to Vienna where I belong. And somewhere out there is a young lady who I think ... will never be a nun.

The Captain's eyes widen in surprise, then his face relaxes into a smile. She kisses him on the cheek. BARONESS Auf Wiedersehen, darling.

He watches the Baroness walk away, blinks his eyes reflectively, then returns his gaze to the lake. DISSOLVE TO: In the moonlit garden next to the glass-walled gazebo, Maria sits on one end of a stone bench. Elbows on her knees, she knits her fingers together and 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 sit down. CAPTAIN Uh, may I?

She nods and he sits on the opposite end of the bench, giving her a friendly smile. She looks self-consciously at her lap. CAPTAIN (laughs) You know, I was thinking and I was wondering ... two things. Why did you run away to the Abbey? And what was it that made you come back? MARIA Well, I had an obligation to fulfill and I -- I came back to fulfill it.

CAPTAIN MARIA

Mm. Is that all?

And I missed the children. Yes. Uh, uh, only the children? No. Yes! Isn't it right I should have missed them? I was, uh, only hoping

CAPTAIN MARIA

CAPTAIN Oh, yes, yes, of course! that perhaps you ... perhaps you might, uh ... MARIA Yes?

CAPTAIN Well, uh, nothing was the same when you were away and it'll be wrong 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 for you. CAPTAIN Maria ...

She stops. CAPTAIN MARIA There isn't going to be any Baroness. There isn't?

He walks past her into the gazebo and she follows. CAPTAIN MARIA No.

I don't understand.

CAPTAIN Well, we've, um ... called off our engagement, you see, and, um... MARIA Oh, I'm sorry. Yes. You are?

CAPTAIN MARIA

Mm hmm. You did?

CAPTAIN Yes. Well, you can't marry someone when you're in love with someone else, can you?

Maria shakes her head. The Captain cups her chin in his hand and pulls her gently toward him. Then he kisses her tenderly. She puts her head to his shoulder. MARIA (sighs) Reverend Mother always says, "When the Lord closes a door, somewhere He opens a window." CAPTAIN MARIA CAPTAIN What else does the Reverend Mother say? That you have to look for your life. Is that why you came back?

Maria nods. CAPTAIN MARIA CAPTAIN And have you found it, Maria? I think I have. I know I have. I love you.

MARIA Oh, can this be happening to me? (sings) Perhaps I had a wicked childhood Perhaps I had a miserable youth But somewhere in my wicked, miserable past There must have been a moment of truth For here you are, standing there, loving me Whether or not you should So somewhere in my youth or childhood I must have done something good Nothing comes from nothing Nothing ever could So somewhere in my youth or childhood I must have done something good CAPTAIN (spoken) Do you know when I first started loving you? That night at the 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 me Whether or not you should MARIA (sings) So somewhere in my youth or childhood I must have done something good MARIA AND THE CAPTAIN (singing) Nothing comes from nothing Nothing 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 to marry you? MARIA Well, why don't we ask ... ... the children?

CAPTAIN AND MARIA DISSOLVE TO: ABBEY - DAY

Wedding bells ring. The Reverend Mother looks up at Maria who stands atop some steps. Two nuns adjust Maria's white bridal veil, held in place by a wreath of ivy. The veil's white crinoline falls all the way to the floor, spreading into a train behind Maria's beautifully unadorned gown made of shiny white satin. Maria lifts the hem, walks down the steps and kneels before the Reverend

Mother who makes the sign of the cross over Maria's head. They exit through a doorway into ... ... the wide cobblestone courtyard of the Abbey's cloister, dozens of nuns fall into step behind her. Organ music. Maria and the nuns enter a large, baroque cathedral behind an iron gate which the Reverend Mother opens for Maria. Liesl, the maid of honor, greets Maria. Marta and Gretl carry baskets of flowers. The Reverend Mother closes the gate and stays on the cloister side with the other nuns.Liesl hands Maria a bouquet -- she inhales its aroma deeply. Maria smiles at the nuns who smile back. Liesl, Marta and Gretl walk down a large marble aisle. Hundreds of guests are present. Maria walks toward the Captain who wears a black dress uniform. 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 her Many a thing she ought to understand But how do you make her stay And 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 best man. Maria arrives and the Captain holds out his hand. She takes it and they approach a forty foot high altar. Nuns beam proudly behind the iron gate. Maria, the Captain, Liesl, and Max all kneel at once before a high priest who blesses the couple, passing his hand through the air, making the sign of the cross. Paintings and statues of saints and angels adorn the elaborate gilded

altar. In a bell tower, wedding bells chime. A boy rides a bell rope up and down through the air, the Austrian countryside visible in the distance. WEEKS LATER From a single swinging bell that tolls darkly we PAN DOWN to a plaza outside the cathedral. A massive Nazi flag, its swastika looking like a black spider, hangs from a four-story building. Armed troops march across the cobblestone square. A black convertible drives through the plaza, then careens under a passage between two buildings. It stops outside an ancient amphitheatre. A soldier opens the rear door and Herr Zeller and a Nazi officer walk brusquely past him and straight inside. AMPHITHEATER The Von Trapp children stand at the edge of a stone stage talking with Max. He stands on the floor below. ZELLER Herr Detweiler.

Zeller holds out his arm in a Nazi salute. ZELLER MAX Heil Hitler.

Oh, good afternoon, Herr Zeller. I'm now the

ZELLER Perhaps you've not heard. 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 Reich since the Anschluss. But we have dealt with that situation. MAX I don't think the Cap -The housekeeper told me that I would find you here.

ZELLER

It was the only information the woman would give me. MAX What kind of information are you looking for? We want to know when the Captain will be returning. Uh, he's not been in

ZELLER

MAX Well, he's on his honeymoon trip. touch with us.

ZELLER Are you asking me to believe that the Captain has not communicated with his children in over a month? MAX Herr Zeller, how many men do you know who communicate with their children while on their honeymoon? ZELLER When he does return, he will be expected to fill his proper position in the new order. MAX Naturally, naturally, and may I congratulate you, that is, your people, on deciding to allow the festival to go on tonight as planned? ZELLER Why should it not go on? Nothing in Austria has changed. Singing and 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's go home. GRETL MAX Why was he so cross?

Everybody's cross these days, darling.

MARTA Maybe the flag with the black spider on it makes people nervous. LIESL Is Father going to be in trouble?

MAX Well, he doesn't have to be. The thing to do these days is to get along with everybody. I want you all to remember that tonight at the concert.

BRIGITTA Are we really going to sing before a whole lot of people tonight? MAX Of course, look. (off the festival program) The Von Trapp Family Singers. Here are your names -- Liesl, Friedrich, Louisa, Brigitta, Kurt, Marta and Gretl. GRETL MAX Why am I always last?

Because you are the most important.

GRETL (pleased) Ohhh! MAX There we go.

Outside the amphitheatre, the children follow Max to a large open car and start to climb in. BRIGITTA Uncle Max, are you sure Father will approve of our singing in public? MAX Oh, he'll be pleased and proud. Liesl, do you think so?

BRIGITTA MAX

Don't you trust me? No!

BRIGITTA MAX

You're a very intelligent girl.

Rolfe appears, in a brown Nazi uniform. ROLFE LIESL -Liesl! Rolfe! Liesl! Rolfe, I'm so glad to see you. It's been such

ROLFE Good afternoon. You will take this please and deliver it to your father as soon as he comes home. LIESL ROLFE LIESL He's on his honeymoon. I know that. You do?

ROLFE We make it our business to know everything about everyone. LIESL ROLFE LIESL ROLFE Who's we? See that he gets it. What is it? 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. your father better be too if he knows what's good for him. LIESL But, Rolfe -And

Rolfe turns and walks away from Liesl without so much as a backward glance -the Nazis have got him totally brainwashed! Liesl sadly watches him go. CUT TO: EXT. VON TRAPP VILLA - LATER THAT DAY The Captain yanks down a Nazi flag from above his front door. He rips the flag in half. Max and the children pull into the driveway. The Captain rolls up the flag and hides it behind his back. CHILDREN CAPTAIN FRIEDRICH CHILDREN anything? Father! You came so soon.

Hello. Hello. Hello. We didn't expect you so soon. We wanted to meet your train. Did you bring us

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. tried -The Captain shows the flag to Max. MAX I had nothing to do with that, Georg.

We

CAPTAIN (quietly, to Max) We came back as fast as we could. The Captain joins Maria and the children, snatching up Marta and giving her a big 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 each other to be quiet. The children laugh. MARIA Mostly, we missed hearing you sing. Oh, you came back just in time.

BRIGITTA

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 MARIA We're going to sing in the festival tonight.

What?

As the children all chatter at once, the Captain takes the program and shoots Max 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) terrace. CHILDREN Presents! All right! Surprises for you on the

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. to make a lastminute decision. I was fortunate to enter them all. CAPTAIN Max ... Imagine seven I had

MAX They'll be the talk of the festival. children in one family.

CAPTAIN Max! Somehow I recall having made it quite clear to you how I feel about my family singing in public. MAX But the committee heard them. They were enchanted. Oh, Max, what did they say?

MARIA MAX

I have never heard such enthusiasm.

MARIA (to the Captain) Oh, darling, don't you think just this once ... ? CAPTAIN MAX Absolutely out of the question.

Georg, this is for Austria. For Austria? (laughs darkly) There is no Austria!

CAPTAIN

MAX But the Anschluss happened peacefully. Let's at least be grateful for that. CAPTAIN Grateful!? You know, Max, sometimes I don't believe I know you. 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 and walks off. 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. You must 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 the festival, 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 MARIA LIESL MARIA LIESL MARIA Mother? Hm? That sounds so nice. I like hearing it. You love Father very much. I can tell you do. Very much. I like calling you Mother.

LIESL Mother, what do you do when you think you love someone, I mean, when you 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. It always does. LIESL There's so many things I think I should know. don't. I really don't. MARIA LIESL MARIA LIESL How can you? Sometimes I feel the world is coming to an end. And then you feel it's just beginning. Yes. But I

MARIA It was that way with me, Liesl. just as wonderful I promise. LIESL Do you really think so?

And for you it will be

MARIA (sings) When you're sixteen going on seventeen Waiting for life to start Somebody kind who touches your mind Will suddenly touch your heart LIESL (sings) When that happens, after it happens Nothing is quite the same Somehow I know I'll jump up and go If ever he calls my name MARIA (sings) Gone are your old ideas of life The old ideas grow dim Lo and behold you're someone's wife And you belong to him You may think this kind of adventure Never may come to you Darling, sixteen going on seventeen Wait 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 opened telegram in his hand. His expression is grave. CAPTAIN Liesl!

The Captain beckons to Liesl, then nods for her to leave. She rises, her grin fading. The Captain gives her hand a reassuring squeeze and pats her cheek with 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've been requested to accept immediately and report to their naval base at Bremerhaven tomorrow. MARIA I knew something like this would happen. think it would be so soon. I didn't

CAPTAIN To refuse them would be fatal for all of us. joining them would be -- unthinkable. He kisses Maria on the forehead, slips an arm around her shoulders, and they walk into the front hall.

And

CAPTAIN Get the children all together. Don't say anything that's going to make them worry. Just get them ready. We've got to get out of Austria and 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 grass lined with neatly trimmed shrubs. The grass is surrounded by the circular gravel driveway and high walls to the left and right. The Von Trapp's black car, steered by Friedrich, rolls into view from a side path. The Captain, Max, and Kurt push it from behind. The Captain wears a green wool jacket and hat. Following on foot, Maria and the children wear wool, button-collared capes and hats or scarves. Max turns to the Captain. MAX (quietly) It not only strains my back, it breaks my heart when I think 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 over the 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 discover we're gone? MARIA They'll be able to answer truthfully they didn't know anything about it if anyone asks them. LIESL MARIA Will we be coming back here? Someday, Liesl. I do hope someday.

GRETL Are Father and Uncle Max going to push the car all the way to Switzerland? MARIA Shh!

From a second story window in the villa, we look down on the family and car approaching the front gate. Kurt runs ahead and opens the gate, then runs back to continue pushing. Franz, the butler, watches them from the window wearing a dour expression. As the Von Trapp's pass through the gate, they scurry to climb into the car. Bright lights flash on. They all freeze and turn to see that the lights are the headlights of two automobiles beside which stands Gauleiter Zeller and a

squad of Nazi soldiers. ZELLER CAPTAIN ZELLER Something wrong with your car, Captain? Yes, as a matter of fact, we couldn't get it started. 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 cordial smile -- and Karl gets in. Of course, the engine starts up on the first try. The Captain smiles and shakes his head as if amazed. He gives Karl a friendly pat on the shoulder and shrugs at Zeller. The stiff, unsmiling Karl rejoins Zeller. ZELLER Excellent, Karl. (to the Captain) I've not asked you where you and your family are going ... nor have you asked me why I'm here. CAPTAIN Well, apparently, we're both suffering from a deplorable lack of curiosity. ZELLER You were sent a telegram which you did not answer. A telegram from Admiral 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 to Bremerhaven tonight where you will accept your commission. CAPTAIN I'm afraid that's going to be quite impossible. You see we, uh, um, all of us, the entire family, will be ... singing in the festival tonight. As a matter of fact, that's where we were going now. Couldn't possibly let them down now.

MARIA

I just hope we're not too late. Yes.

CAPTAIN

ZELLER And you ask me to believe this -- that you, Captain Von Trapp, are singing in a concert? MAX Believe me, it will be a performance beyond anything even I've dreamt 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 it skeptically. ZELLER It says here only the names of the children.

CAPTAIN It says the Von Trapp Family Singers. And I'm the head of the Von 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 good for the children's voices. Maria and the Captain exchange conspiratorial glances. Zeller looks thoughtful. 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 it to be. It will demonstrate that nothing in Austria has changed. And when you are finished 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 Family Singers to the festival. CAPTAIN ZELLER No escort will be necessary, Herr Zeller. Necessary?! A pleasure, Captain! After all, we would

not want you to get lost in the crowds, would we? CAPTAIN (whispers) No. Zeller grins smugly and returns to his car. The children pile into the Von Trapp car. The Captain crosses his fingers, nods to Maria, and gets in the car. DISSOLVE TO: AT THE FESTIVAL - LATER THAT EVENING The huge festival audience, a full house, watches the family who stand center stage in a large spotlight singing a complex arrangement of "Do Re Mi" ... From one side of the stage, Max eyes Nazi sentries posted around the theater. The Captain spots Zeller in the front row, then gives Maria a reassuring nod. The song comes to an end and there is a tremendous storm of applause from the audience. In the front row, a judge marks his ballot. Karl sits scowling beside Zeller who forces himself to clap. As Maria and the children bow, the Captain steps forward to a microphone. He glances at Max who holds up a guitar and raises his eyebrows questioningly. The Captain nods to him, then speaks into the mike. CAPTAIN My fellow ... Austrians, I shall not be seeing you again, perhaps for 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 the children 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 grow Bloom and grow forever Edelweiss, edelweiss Bless 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 by the 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 AUDIENCE Blossom of snow, may you bloom and grow Bloom and grow forever Edelweiss, edelweiss Bless my homeland forever There is a moment of silence, charged with emotion, and then the audience gives a large round of applause. Zeller shifts uncomfortably. Max comes out on stage and whispers to the family. MAX I think it'll work. I shall miss all of you. I shall miss the money I could've made with you. He carries the Captain's guitar to the microphone.

MAX Thank you, ladies and gentlemen, thank you. The festival competition has come to its conclusion, except of course we don't know yet what that conclusion will be. And while the judges are arriving at their decision I have been given permission to offer you an encore. This will be the last opportunity the Von Trapps will have of singing together for a long, long time. Even now officials are waiting in this auditorium to escort Captain Von 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 ... to bid you farewell. The audience applauds. Max blows a kiss to the family. The children line up behind Maria and the Captain. Music begins. MARIA (sings) There's a sad sort of clanging from the clock in the hall And the bells in the steeple too And up in the nursery an absurd little bird Is popping out to say "cuckoo" CHILDREN (peeking out from behind their parents, singing) Cuckoo, cuckoo CAPTAIN: CHILDREN: Regretfully they tell us Cuckoo, cuckoo But firmly they compel us Cuckoo, 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 the family 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 at the family 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 I Goodbye! 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 end and the audience applauds. A woman in a green, feathered hat slips a paper into an envelope. She hands it to a man who hands it to Max on stage.

Max opens it and walks slowly to the microphone. carries it to center stage.

He picks up the mike and

MAX Ladies and gentlemen, I have here the decision of our distinguished 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 church in Murbach, Fraulein Schweiger. A trumpet fanfare. The audience applauds. A spotlight picks up Fraulein Schweiger walking onto the stage from the shadowy hallway. Grinning and 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. Max bows awkwardly again. The audience laughs at all this bowing. Max beckons an usher who steps out of the shadows and escorts her offstage. More applause. She keeps grinning and bowing. MAX Second prize to -- the Toby Reiser Quintet.

A trumpet fanfare. Applause. The spotlight reveals the quintet as they come out onto the stage. They bow to the audience, shake hands with Max, and then exit. MAX And the first prize, the highest honor in all Austria, to the Von Trapp Family Singers! Max flourishes a hand toward the hallway. A trumpet fanfare. A large round of applause. The spotlight searches for the Von Trapp family, but they don't appear. Zeller peers up at Max. As the applause dies out, Max tries again to summon the family. MAX The family Von Trapp!

Trumpet fanfare. Applause. But no family Von Trapp appears. Zeller scowls at

Max. 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 bell rings. 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. Zeller and his squad march in, glance at Sister Margaretta near the tall wooden door. Then walk off in a different direction. The soldiers run

through the Abbey. ZELLER Two men in there. yard. You two, cover the corridor. Six of you, fan out and cover the

A group of soldiers runs across the cobblestone courtyard. Elsewhere, the Reverend Mother leads the family through an enclosed graveyard. Arched openings in one wall reveal tall mountains beyond. MARIA Reverend Mother, we didn't realize we'd put the Abbey in this danger. MOTHER ABBESS CAPTAIN No, Maria, it was right for you to come here.

We thought we might borrow your caretaker's car.

MOTHER ABBESS I'm afraid our car would do you no good now. I've been listening to the wireless. The borders have just been closed. At the far end of the graveyard, she unlocks a gate into a crypt. Maria leads the 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 CAPTAIN FRIEDRICH But the children? We'll help them. They'll be all right.

We can do it without help, Father.

MOTHER ABBESS Maria, you will not be alone. Remember: "I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills from whence cometh my help." MARIA Yes, Mother.

Maria hugs the Reverend Mother. MARTA I'm scared. Me, too.

BRIGITTA

Maria joins the others in the crypt's hallway, lined with

large monuments. The Reverend Mother locks the gate and hands the key to the Captain. She clasps 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 large monuments. GRETL MARIA GRETL Mother? Yes? Would it help if we sang about our favorite things? You

MARIA No, darling. This is one time it would not help. must be very quiet. Hold tight to me. Maria hugs her. The Captain peers out from behind his monument, which is about ten feet tall. He holds a finger to his lips, then stiffens. Footsteps. Flashlights appear at the other side of the graveyard. The Captain ducks behind his monument.

Karl leads five brown-uniformed soldiers past the gravestones. One soldier holds a flashlight and uses it to scan the dirt floor for footprints. Behind her monument, Maria crouches, still holding Gretl. Louisa huddles beside them, her back to the stone. Carrying a flashlight, Karl approaches a gate at the far end of the crypt hallway. Two soldiers accompany him as he tries to open the gate. It rattles but does not open. Karl directs his light along the crypt's stone walls, then he 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 in the middle of the crypt hallway. Maria taps Friedrich on the shoulder, he glances at 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, he peers at the stone monument behind which Maria hides. Maria and Gretl try to avoid the flashlight's roving beam. The Captain stares at Maria with wide eyes, holding tight to his children. Karl makes a final pass with his light, then suddenly snaps it off. He walks 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 some stairs from another direction. He faces the crypt. It's Rolfe. Liesl sees him and claps her hand to her mouth -- but too late -- she gasps and we know Rolfe hears her because he flinches. But he turns away pretending he 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 the center of the graveyard, and holds his flashlight at the ready. The Captain slowly peeks out from his hiding place. Rolfe is nowhere in sight. As the Captain nods, the family steps out into the open. The Captain pauses for 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 a whistle. 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 down behind him. 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! You're only a boy.

CAPTAIN

The Captain stops, ten yards away, then moves closer. CAPTAIN ROLFE You don't really belong to them.

Stay where you are!

The Captain keeps walking. CAPTAIN ROLFE Come away with us ... before it's too late. I'll kill you!

Not another step.

Rolfe grows increasingly tense. CAPTAIN ROLFE You give that to me, Rolfe. I'll kill you!

Did you hear me?

Rolfe's breath grows shallow and quick. CAPTAIN Rolfe ...

Rolfe winces painfully -- he can't bring himself to shoot. The Captain stops only a few feet away. Suddenly, he grabs Rolfe's arm. Holding on to the gun, the Captain stares into Rolfe's eyes, then gently takes the weapon from his hand. Rolfe bows his head in shame. CAPTAIN You'll never be one of them.

Rolfe's eyes flash. ROLFE Lieutenant! Lieutenant! Lieutenant! They're here! They're here,

As Rolfe runs toward the graveyard entrance blowing his whistle, the Captain scurries down another set of steps. At the bottom, he joins Maria and the children in a dusty old car. He starts it up and they drive off. Whistles blowing. Zeller and his men sprint across the cobblestone courtyard 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 into their cars. 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 SISTER BERTHE MOTHER ABBESS Reverend Mother, I have sinned.

I, too, Reverend Mother. What is this sin, my children?

The two sisters share a guilty glance, then take their hands from the folds of their garments to reveal several parts from the Nazis' cars: a distributor cap and some spark plug wires.

DISSOLVE TO: EXT. THE ALPS - MORNING The Captain hikes up a high, grassy meadow carrying Gretl on his back. Kurt follows, then Friedrich, Brigitta, Louisa, and Maria who helps Marta. They scan the mountains, smiling in wonder. HEAVENLY CHOIR A dream that will need All the love you can give Everyday of your life For as long as you live A stiff wind blows over the meadow as the Von Trapps cross to the other side. HEAVENLY CHOIR Climb ev'ry mountain Ford ev'ry stream Follow 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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