Who could ever forget that glorious feeling when watching The Sound of Music as it premiered in March 1965, as Maria came over the hills and sang in her legendary voice?
In 1965, when I was growing up, my parents always gave my siblings and I a choice for a day's outing — Niagara Falls with all its Coney Island attractions or another trip to see The Sound of Music. The movie always won. I think I've been a dozen times.
Every song and intrigue, heartbreak and recapturing of love enhanced me as I grew. Maria was a beacon and an icon.
The screenplay was originally written by Rogers and Hammerstein and directed by Robert Wise based on the book Maria von Trapp wrote years later. It was one of the most popular musicals ever produced.
Julie Andrews played the unforgettable role of Maria in the film and while the filming helicopter almost buffeted her to her knees in the deep grass of the Austrian hills, she gave a performance that well deserved the number of Oscars the film received.
To commemorate her 69th birthday, the actress/vocalist made a special appearance at Manhattan's Radio City Music Hall [US] for a benefit. One of her truly magical songs had undergone a few changes — My favourite things had evolved.
New version
I share the new version with you, as sung by her at the event:
Maalox and nose drops and needles for knitting, walkers and handrails and new dental fittings. Bundles of magazines tied up in string.
These are a few of my favourite things.
Cadillac's and cataracts, and hearing aids and glasses, Polident and Fixodent and false teeth in glasses, pacemakers, golf carts and porches with swings.
These are a few of my favourite things.
When the pipes leak, when the bones creak, when the knees go bad, I simply remember my favourite things and then I don't feel so bad.
Hot tea and crumpets and corn pads for bunions, no spicy hot food or food cooked with onion, bathrobes and heating pads and hot meals they bring.
These are a few of my favourite things.
Back pains, confused brains are no need for singin'. Thin bones and fractures and hair that is thinning', and we won't want to mention our short, shrunken frames, when we remember our favourite things.
When the joints ache, when the hip breaks, when the eyes grow dim, then I remember the great life I've had and then I don't feel so bad.
Andrews received a standing ovation that lasted over four minutes with repeated encores.
— The writer is a Gulf News Reader's Club founder member based in Dubai.
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