The True Story Behind "The Sound of Music" Is Even Better Than Whiskers On Kittens

When Julie Andrews brought the sound of music down from the mountains and into our hearts, she brought with it a love for the real-life von Trapp family, who the story was based on.

The movie follows the autobiography of the real Maria von Trapp, who was a nun that became a part of an Austrian family before the Nazi occupation in World War II. The film accurately portrays a lot about their lives and demeanor, but in Maria's published memoirs (that the film was based on) it is easy to see how much becomes simple Hollywood figment.

Here are some facts to impress your family in movie arguments and will even solve some problems like Maria!

"Do you like children, Maria?"

While Julie Andrews nailed the reaction most people would have if they were told that they now have to look after seven unruly children, this wasn't quite the case she was up against. There were actually ten!

Luckily, the real Maria only had to look after one of the girls originally, tutoring her as she recovered from scarlet fever.

"You brought music back into the house..."

Well, not quite. As it turns out, the von Trapps had a musical history already. I mean you have nearly a dozen kids and you think you can keep them from humming the occasional tune?

Maria did in fact teach the family a lot about music in the form of gospel songs, and practiced with them for the performances they would later put on.

"When the Lord closes the door..."

Georg von Trapp, the father, really wasn't the cold-hearted man the video portrays him as. In fact, he spent a lot of time with his kids, and played music with them.

But this wasn't always enough. In her memoirs, Maria explains that she wasn't immediately drawn to Georg, and when he asked her to marry him, she said yes just to make sure she would stay with the children.

This wasn't even the most revealing thing about Maria though, who wasn't exactly who we thought she was.

"How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria?"

Yes, Maria von Trapp was originally a nun at a local abbey, however, her cheery and innocent demeanor wasn't exactly as gilded as the screen would have you believe.

She admitted herself that she was quick to temper and would shout, slam around, and throw things across the room if she was particularly upset. She would then bounce back to being happy and carefree, putting a strain on her family.

"You're far away. Where are you?"

While the events of the movie appear to be happening immediately before the Second World War, Maria entered the von Trapp family roughly 11 years prior to the occupation of Austria.

Georg really was a war hero though, famous for expertly commanding submarines in World War I. He was drafted by Germany to serve in World War II, and decided he would rather go to America with his family.

Luckily, they didn't have to cross any mountains by foot. In fact, they just took a train to Italy.. A timely maneuver!

Do you know anyone who would want to know these cool facts?