"The Sound of Music" is based on the true story of the von Trapp family, an Austrian family of singers. Maria von Trapp, originally a postulant at a convent, was sent to care for the seven children of widowed naval captain Georg von Trapp. Eventually, Maria and Georg fell in love and married, forming a successful singing group. The family fled Austria in 1938 to escape the Nazis, initially moving to Italy and later to the United States. Their story is detailed in Maria von Trapp's memoir, "The Story of the Trapp Family Singers."

Austrians have mixed feelings about "The Sound of Music." While the film has garnered international acclaim and brought attention to Austria's picturesque landscapes, some locals view it as an oversimplified portrayal of their culture and history. The musical's depiction of Salzburg and its traditional aspects has been embraced, making it a popular tourist attraction. However, some Austrians feel that the film overlooks the complexities of the country's past, especially regarding the Nazi occupation. Overall, it's both celebrated and critiqued within Austria.

During the filming of "The Sound of Music," Christopher Plummer and Julie Andrews had a professional relationship, though they reportedly had different personalities. Plummer described Andrews as a "wonderful" performer but found her overly upbeat demeanor a bit challenging at times. Despite their differences, they maintained mutual respect and camaraderie throughout the production. In later years, they expressed fondness for each other, reflecting on their shared experience in the iconic film.

"The Sound of Music" was primarily filmed in and around Salzburg, Austria, not Switzerland. The picturesque landscapes and iconic locations featured in the film, such as the Mirabell Gardens and the Nonnberg Abbey, are all situated in Salzburg. While some scenes depict the beautiful Alpine scenery that may resemble Switzerland, the film's production took advantage of Austria's stunning vistas to create its memorable backdrop.