The Sound of Music: Debbie Turner Interview

I recently interviewed Debbie Turner who played the role of Marta von Trapp in the movie "The Sound of Music."

Bell: Did you and the other children who played the von Trapp children, sing your own songs?

Turner: Yes, we all sang our own songs. We rehearsed for several weeks prior to shooting the film and recorded our voices prior to going to Austria.

Bell: Did you and the other cast members have to become familiar with the history of the von Trapp family for your roles in the film?

Turner: I was 7 years old. My mother took me to see the Mary Martin play of the Sound of Music, but it had little impact on my performance, as the stage play was quite different. I merely played my character as I was instructed by director, Robert Wise.

Bell: In your opinion, what was the most exciting part and also the most challenging part of your role in the movie?

Turner: The most exciting part was going to Austria. The most challenging part was falling off the canoe in freezing cold water, then having to do it a second time.

Bell: What were the filming locations of the film?

Turner: Hollywood, California at 20th Century Fox Studios for interior shot and Salzburg, Austria for exteriors.

Bell: There were a few scenes where it showed Julie Andrews and you and the other Von Trapp children on top of a mountain. Were you and the other cast members actually on top of that mountain?

Turner: We were certainly on top of that mountain. We drove in cars up to a certain point, then hiked the rest of the way. Julie Andrews got a helicopter ride to the top.

Bell: Any behind-the-scenes or memorable moments that you would like to share?

Turner: I am currently writing a book where I will share the behind-the-scenes & memorable experiences. Watch for it this spring. (The name has not yet been determined>> but it will be my memoirs of The Sound of Music.)

Bell: Has the cast of "The Sound of Music" ever reunited?



Turner: There have been many reunions over the years (which is why we have remained such great friends). It is a bit difficult to get us all together (as we live all over the world) but it is always a great time when we do. I am very good friends with Heather & Angela and see them most often. But with e-mail, we all communicate often. We just were all together in Hollywood for the Sound of Music Sing-a-Long held at the Hollywood Bowl. We then did an interview with Michael Kantor that will accompany the 40th Anniversary DVD of the Sound of Music.

What I am doing now: I have been running a floral design business since the late 1980s. My company is based in Chanhassen, Minnesota but I also do business in Deer Valley, Utah; Newport Beach, California; and Canada.(I had the honor to design the wedding flowers for Heather Menzies Urich's daughter) The main focus is flowers for wedding and events (including corporate & private parties), holiday decorating for homes and businesses and interior & permanent floral design for corporate offices and homes. Please visit my web page at: www.DebbieTurnerOriginals.com

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I would like to thank Debbie Turner for allowing me to interview her.