The Von Trapp Family and the Wren’s Nest Family Aren’t So Different
Last week the New York Times published an article about the Von Trapp family, made famous by the 1965 movie The Sound of Music. You remember — it’s one of your favorite things.
Turns out the family portrayed in the movie isn’t quite the same as the actual family. The Von Trapps now run a successful ski lodge in Vermont, and the confusion between film and reality can lead to strain and confusion.
For example, family members bristle when asked which “character” they are. Especially when their equivalent wasn’t represented in the film family at all.
The Von Trapp’s relationship with the Sound of Music reminded me quite a bit of the Wren’s Nest’s relationship with Song of the South. On the one hand, we’re thrilled when it brings visitors to the museum, and it’s an important part of film history.
But some people come here ready to expound its virtues, crying that there’s not a racist bone in its celluloid body. Others let us know all of its sizable problems the moment they enter the home. Either way, we stand there awkwardly, ready to start talking about Joel Chandler Harris again.
Like the Von Trapps, we don’t want to let down people who love the film. But it can be a trifle awkward when they find our house museum rather than an homage to Disney. Or in the case of the Von Trapps, when visitors find an inn instead of the film come to life.
The Von Trapp family is currently working to figure out how to exploit the success of the film to their advantage without exploiting themselves. Tricky!
Anyhow, take a read. It’s a good one — Von Trapps United, Without the Singing
Related:
- In Search of Uncle Remus (AJC)
- Song of the South 62nd Anniversary — Your Questions Answered (Wren’s Nest)
- Song of the South History (New Georgia Encyclopedia)
Edit: Wednesday, December 31 — Whoops! Amelia was the author of this post! Fixed. Our bad.
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Amber Suitt
Program Director
Lain Shakespeare
Executive Director
6 Comments to The Von Trapp Family and the Wren’s Nest Family Aren’t So Different
How similar…only they made $1000 less than the Harris family and their heartache is probably a lot worse seeing as they are real people versus a made up character and some folk tales. AND given that the Sound of Music still comes on TV every year! On a side note, too bad Sam is engaged and no longer a top 50 bachelor. I always wanted to be a Von Trapp.
Excuse me, I think you missed another huge similarity… how can you post a picture of that family skiing together and not publish the photo of you skiing in your blue jeans?? Hello, the Shakespeare/Harris family skis together too!
Good point, Susie.
And like Sam Von Trapp, I am not in People’s 50 Most Eligible Bachelors. We have both done a little modeling though. So there’s that.
Several times Lain suggested I include his and Sam’s shared modeling histories. I opted differently.
Way to get it in there, champ.
I was in Land’s End. I’m kind of a big deal.
[...] the movie, the more people might get the priorities of our museum and the movie confused. Folks are known to do that sort of thing. We do have a history to maintain, after [...]