Who would think that a film about the Vienna Boys choir would be such a sweet surprise, especially coming from Disney? I'm surprised that Louis B. Mayer during his reign at MGM didn't try something similar among the many family films that he made as outside of the rambunctious Mickey Rooney, he had many other young talents at his disposal. The opening credits going through the Swiss mountains and into the flatlands going into Vienna is certainly a terrific way to start this beautifully sweet film.
If the audition sequence of the boys singing for the two open positions doesn't get your attention, then watch it at least for the gorgeous scenery. It is hysterical to see the very proud mother bragging to another mother of less well off means that her son has a better chance because of his age, just as he goes off key. Then there is a local organist, auditioning an orphan, so proud of him and filled with hope that you begin to root for more than the two positions to open up.
The sweet quiet, humble mother (Bruni Löbelof) of innocent hopeful 12 year old Vincent Winter shows far more dignity in not saying a word against the other boys auditioning. No Mama Rose this Swiss Mrs. She has true faith in her boy, and stands up to her husband for what she feels is right. All it takes is for pop to hear the music and then see the energy of the school where he'll be forced by his own mind to change his decision, and the stage is set for young Winter to adapt with the help of fellow choir member Sean Scully.
Unless this is one that passed me by that I forgot about through Sunday's Wonderful World of Disney TV program, I do not recall seeing this before. As a young music student myself in the 1970's, it certainly would have stuck in my mind. As a nearly 60 year old film, it has many dated ideals but you begin to wonder while watching it why those ideals become dated and why such traditions of our past are now obscure.
It certainly is of view of a simpler and glorious time as far as children's lives are concerned, and it is as glorious as the same year's "The Music Man" that showed an America that is slipped by us as well. These boys are not complete angels as you get to see them be boys as well as young artists, but it is their enthusiasm and desire to grow in their love of music that makes them all the more appealing. The fact that these are not well known actors makes the story all the more deeply touching and this is a classic that needs to rise back to the forefront of Cinema much necessary in rediscovery.
If the audition sequence of the boys singing for the two open positions doesn't get your attention, then watch it at least for the gorgeous scenery. It is hysterical to see the very proud mother bragging to another mother of less well off means that her son has a better chance because of his age, just as he goes off key. Then there is a local organist, auditioning an orphan, so proud of him and filled with hope that you begin to root for more than the two positions to open up.
The sweet quiet, humble mother (Bruni Löbelof) of innocent hopeful 12 year old Vincent Winter shows far more dignity in not saying a word against the other boys auditioning. No Mama Rose this Swiss Mrs. She has true faith in her boy, and stands up to her husband for what she feels is right. All it takes is for pop to hear the music and then see the energy of the school where he'll be forced by his own mind to change his decision, and the stage is set for young Winter to adapt with the help of fellow choir member Sean Scully.
Unless this is one that passed me by that I forgot about through Sunday's Wonderful World of Disney TV program, I do not recall seeing this before. As a young music student myself in the 1970's, it certainly would have stuck in my mind. As a nearly 60 year old film, it has many dated ideals but you begin to wonder while watching it why those ideals become dated and why such traditions of our past are now obscure.
It certainly is of view of a simpler and glorious time as far as children's lives are concerned, and it is as glorious as the same year's "The Music Man" that showed an America that is slipped by us as well. These boys are not complete angels as you get to see them be boys as well as young artists, but it is their enthusiasm and desire to grow in their love of music that makes them all the more appealing. The fact that these are not well known actors makes the story all the more deeply touching and this is a classic that needs to rise back to the forefront of Cinema much necessary in rediscovery.