When an Austrian postulant, Maria, proves too high-spirited for the religious life, she is dispatched to serve as governess for the seven children of a widowed naval Captain. Her generosity of spirit, love of music and growing rapport with the children gradually capture the heart of the stern Captain. They fall in love and marry. While Maria and the Captain are away on their honeymoon, the Anschluss occurs; Austria is annexed by Nazi Germany. The Nazis demand the Captain’s immediate service in their navy. Refusing the order, the Captain and Maria narrowly escape by leading their family over the mountains to Switzerland.
Many songs from the musical have become favorites of young and old, including "Do-Re-Mi", "My Favorite Things", "Climb Ev'ry Mountain", "Edelweiss", and of course the title song "The Sound of Music".