In 1938, Maria is a free-spirited young Austrian woman studying to become a nun at
Nonnberg Abbey in Salzburg.
Her love of music and the mountains, her youthful enthusiasm and imagination, and
her lack of discipline cause some concern among the nuns.
The Mother Abbess, believing Maria would be happier outside the abbey, sends her to
the villa of retired naval officer Captain Georg von Trapp to be governess to his
seven children—Liesl, Friedrich, Louisa, Kurt, Brigitta, Marta, and Gretl.
The Captain has been raising his children using strict military discipline following
the death of his wife.
Although the children misbehave at first, Maria responds with kindness and patience,
and soon the children come to trust and respect her.
Liesl, the oldest, is won over after Maria protects her from discovery when she is
nearly caught sneaking back into the house after meeting with Rolfe, a messenger boy
she is in love with