I’ve added another item to my list of pre-death accomplishments that I’d like to achieve. Having grown up with the periodic screenings and then a VHS recording of The Sound of Music, I’ve always had the hope of meeting all of the Von Trapp children at some time or other. While we’re at it, I wouldn’t snub Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer if I ran into either of them either. If you have any doubt about the sincerity of my love for the film, just check out my 2008 visit to many of the film’s locations in Salzburg, Austria. My track record of meeting the cast of the film, however, isn’t quite as stellar. And unfortunately this posting won’t add any new ones to the list. But I thought I would take this chance to show off the few photos and signatures that I do have – along with the reminder of my two Von Trapp encounters (one of them whom I just got to meet a second time). I’m hoping that I can add to this posting in the future.
My first actual encounter with one of The Sound of Music kids came on October 4, 2008, when I got the chance to meet Angela Cartwright – who had portrayed Brigitta in the film. I had already had her signature on a cast shot from Lost in Space. At the time, I didn’t even get an additional autograph from her, which was stupid since I already had a partially signed pair of cast photos.
These cast photos had been variously signed by three of the (movie) Von Trapp kids: Heather Menzies (Louisa), Kym Karath (Gretl), and Debbie Turner (Marta). Only the first two of these signed the photo at the top of the posting. These had been obtained for me by Bob when they appeared at a Hollywood Collectors Show in the early 2000’s.
My handling of the photos was negligent. For starters I missed having Angela sign them during our first meeting. And then, when I met Nicholas Hammond – who had portrayed Friedrich – on April 24, 2010, I neglected to bring these photos again. So I was forced to purchase yet an additional photo of the kids, which in fact was the nicest photo of the three.
With Nicholas Hammond – Friedrich – on April 24, 2010
My photo from Friedrich, now signed by two
Eventually I came to my senses. When Angela Cartwright was scheduled to appear again at the Hollywood Show (again as part of a Lost in Space reunion)on February 12, 2011, I brought my three Sound of Music photos with me. Cheapness got the better of me a little bit and I made a deal with her to only sign two of them, at the discounted rate of $30. When I got my obligatory photo with her, she remarked, “wow, you’re really getting a lot for your money.” Yeah, some ink and a smile, but I wasn’t quibbling. She also wasn’t too happy that her movie-sister Louisa had signed over her head in the photo below. Ho-de-lay-ho-de-lay. Ho-de-lay-hi-hoo.
With Angela Cartwright – Brigitta – on February 12, 2011
The current tally: 2 meetings, 5 out of 7 signatures, 4 of them on one photo… and counting…
Celebrities of the Winter 2011 Hollywood Show will continue…
Did you watch Oprah a few weeks ago when all the children and Maria & the Captain appeared on her show. They said it was the first time since the Sound of Music that they all appeared together. I recorded it. Also the great grandchildren of the real Maria were also on and they sang. Stop by if you want to watch it.
Bev
July 22nd, 2011
Bev, believe me, I’m not an Oprah fan by any stretch, but I did see that one and thought it was really nice. Brad should stop by. Maybe he’ll bring Jaime.
Peter
July 23rd, 2011