Scene 1 - Hills

MUSIC: Sound Of Music

MARIA Ohhhh!

Scene 2 - Church

(The Reverend Mother walks with two sisters. A young nun approaches.)

SISTER BERNICE Reverend Mother?

MOTHER ABBESS Sister Bernice?

SISTER BERNICE I simply cannot find her.

MOTHER ABBESS Maria?

SISTER BERNICE She's missing from the Abbey again.

SISTER BERTHE Perhaps we should have put a cowbell around her neck.

SISTER BERNICE I have looked everywhere, in all of the usual places.

MOTHER ABBESS Sister Bernice, considering that it's Maria, I suggest you look in someplace unusual.

(Sister Bernice nods and walks away.)

SISTER BERTHE Well, Reverend Mother, I hope this new infraction ends whatever doubts you may still have about Maria's future here.

MOTHER ABBESS I always try to keep faith in my doubts, Sister Berthe.

SISTER MARGARETTA After all, the wool of a black sheep is just as warm

SISTER BERTHE We are not talking about sheep, black or white, Sister Margaretta. Of all the candidates for the novitiate I would say that Maria is the least likely--

MOTHER ABBESS Children, children.

MOTHER ABBESS (to the other nuns) ... er, we were speculating about the qualifications of some of our postulants. The Mistress of Novices and the Mistress of Postulants were trying to help me by expressing opposite points of view. Tell me, Sister Catherine, what do you think of ... Maria?

SISTER CATHERINE She's a wonderful girl ... some of the time.

MOTHER ABBESS Sister Agatha?

SISTER AGATHA It's very easy to like Maria ... except when it's, uh, difficult.

MOTHER ABBESS And you, Sister Sophia?

SISTER SOPHIA Oh, I love her very dearly. But she always seems to be in trouble, doesn't she?

SISTER BERTHE Exactly what I say!

MUSIC: Maria

(Maria races headlong into the courtyard.)

Scene 3 - Church

SISTER MARGARETTA You may go in now, Maria.

MOTHER ABBESS Come here, my child.

(Maria kneels and quickly kisses the Reverend Mother's hand.)

MOTHER ABBESS Now, sit down.

MARIA Oh ... Oh, Reverend Mother, I'm so sorry. I just couldn't help myself.

MOTHER ABBESS Maria, I haven't summoned you here for apologies.

MARIA I was singing out there today without permission.

MOTHER ABBESS Maria, it is only here in the Abbey that we have rules about postulants singing.

MARIA I can't seem to stop singing wherever I am. And what's worse, I can't seem to stop saying things.

MOTHER ABBESS Some people would call that honesty.

MARIA Oh, but it's terrible, Reverend Mother.

MOTHER ABBESS Maria ... when you saw us over the Abbey wall and longed to be one of us, that didn't necessarily mean that you were prepared for the way we live here, did it?

MARIA No, Mother, but I, I pray and I try. And I am learning. I really am.

MOTHER ABBESS And what is the most important lesson you have learned here, my child?

MARIA To find out what is the will of God and ... to do it wholeheartedly.

MOTHER ABBESS Maria, it seems to be the will of God that you leave us.

MARIA Leave?!

MOTHER ABBESS Only for a while, Maria.

MARIA Oh, no, Mother! Please don't do that! Don't send me away! This is where I belong. It's my home, my family. It's my life.

MOTHER ABBESS But are you truly ready for it?

MARIA Yes, I am.

MOTHER ABBESS Perhaps if you go out into the world for a time, knowing what we expect of you, you will have a chance to find out if you can expect it of yourself.

MARIA I know what you expect, Mother. And I can do it. I promise I can.

MOTHER ABBESS Maria.

MARIA Yes, Mother. If it is God's will.

(The nun picks up a letter from her desk.)

MOTHER ABBESS There is a family near Salzburg that needs a governess until September.

MARIA Until September!

MOTHER ABBESS To take care of seven children.

MARIA Seven children!

MOTHER ABBESS Do you like children, Maria?

MARIA Oh, yes, but seven ... ?

MOTHER ABBESS I will tell Captain Von Trapp to expect you tomorrow.

MARIA Uh, Captain?

MOTHER ABBESS A retired officer of the Imperial Navy. A fine man and a brave one. His wife died several years ago leaving him alone with the children. Now, I understand he's had a most difficult time managing to keep a governess there.

MARIA Uh ... why "difficult", Reverend Mother?

MOTHER ABBESS The Lord will show you in His own good time.

Scene 4 - Von Trapps' House

(Franz opens the door. She instantly straightens)

MARIA Hello! Here I am!

MARIA I'm from the convent. I'm the new governess, Captain.

FRANZ And I'm the old butler, Fraulein.

MARIA Oh. Well, how do you do? (She shakes his hand.)

(Maria picks up her guitar case and carpetbag and follows him into the house.)

Scene 5 – Von Trapps’ House

FRANZ You'll, uh -- wait here please.

CAPTAIN In the future, you will kindly remember there are certain rooms in this house which are not to be disturbed.

MARIA Yes, Captain. Sir. (Maria stares at him and smiles)

CAPTAIN Why do you stare at me that way?

MARIA Well, you don't look at all like a sea Captain, sir.

CAPTAIN I'm afraid you don't look very much like a governess. Turn around, please.

CAPTAIN Hat -- off.

CAPTAIN Sss -- It's the dress. You'll have to put on another one before you meet the children.

MARIA But I don't have another one. When we enter the Abbey, our worldly clothes are given to the poor.

CAPTAIN What about this one?

MARIA Well, the poor didn't want this one.

CAPTAIN Hmm.

MARIA Well, I would have made myself a new dress, but there wasn't time. I can make my own clothes.

CAPTAIN Well, I'll see that you get some material... today, if possible. Now, Fraulein ... uh ...

MARIA Maria, sir.

CAPTAIN You are the twelfth in a long line of governesses, who have come to look after my children since their mother died. I trust that you will be an improvement on the last one. She stayed only two hours.

MARIA What's wrong with the children?

CAPTAIN (pauses) There's nothing wrong with the children -- only the governesses.

MARIA Oh.

CAPTAIN They were completely unable to maintain discipline. Without it, this house cannot be properly run. You will please remember that, Fraulein.

MARIA Yes, sir.

CAPTAIN Every morning you will drill the children in their studies. Each afternoon, they will march about the grounds. Bedtime is to be strictly observed, no exceptions.

MARIA Excuse me, sir, when do they play?

CAPTAIN ... You will see to it that they conduct themselves at all times with the utmost orderliness. I'm placing you in command.

MARIA (with a salute) Yes, sir!

(The Captain takes a whistle from his pocket and blows it. The children march briskly downstairs into the hall)

(The Captain holds out his hand. Brigitta gives him the book. The Captain gives her a tap. She takes her place.)

CAPTAIN Now ...this is your new governess, Fraulein Maria.

CAPTAIN As I sound your signals you will step forward and give your name. (to Maria) You, Fraulein, will listen carefully, learn their signals, so that you can call them when you want them

LIESL Liesl!

FRIEDRICH Friedrich!

LOUISA Louisa!

KURT Kurt!

BRIGITTA Brigitta!

MARTA Marta!

(The littlest girl forgets to step out. The Captain has to blow her signal twice. She steps out and in but forgets to shout her name.)

CAPTAIN And Gretl. Ahem. (Takes another whistle from his pocket and holds it out to Maria)

CAPTAIN Now, let's see how well you listened.

MARIA Oh, I, I won't need to whistle for them, Reverend Captain. I mean, I'll use their names. And such lovely names.

CAPTAIN Fraulein, this is a large house, the grounds are very extensive, and I will not have anyone shouting. You will take this, please -- learn to use it. The children will help you.

CAPTAIN Now, when I want you, this is what you will hear. (He starts to blow a signal on his whistle)

MARIA (interrupts) Oh, no, sir, I'm sorry, sir! I could never answer to a whistle. Whistles are for dogs and cats and other animals, but not for children and definitely not for me. It would be too -- humiliating.

CAPTAIN Fraulein, were you this much trouble at the Abbey?

MARIA Oh, much more, sir!

CAPTAIN Hmm.

(The Captain starts to walk away when Maria blows the whistles)

MARIA Excuse me, sir, I don't know your signal.

CAPTAIN You may call me -- Captain.

(The Captain exits. Maria smiles. The children start to giggle. Maria turns to the children who snap back to attention)

MARIA At ease.

(In unison, they place their hands behind their backs.)

MARIA Well, now that there's just us, would you please tell me all your names again and how old you are?

LIESL I'm Liesl. I'm sixteen years old, and I don't need a governess.

MARIA Well, I'm glad you told me, Liesl. We'll just be good friends.

FRIEDRICH I'm Friedrich. I'm fourteen. I'm impossible.

MARIA (laughs) Really? Who told you that, Friedrich?

FRIEDRICH Fraulein Josephine. Four governesses ago.

LOUISA I'm Brigitta.

MARIA (smiles) You, um, didn't tell me how old you are, Louisa.

BRIGITTA I'm Brigitta. She's Louisa. She's thirteen years old, and you're smart. I'm ten, and I think your dress is the ugliest one I ever saw.

KURT Brigitta, you shouldn't say that.

BRIGITTA Why not? Don't you think it's ugly?

KURT Of course. But Fraulein Helga's was ugliest.

KURT I'm Kurt. I'm eleven. I'm incorrigible.

MARIA Congratulations.

KURT What's "incorrigible"?

MARIA I think it means you want to be treated like a boy.

MARIA Mm-hm?

MARTA I'm Marta, and I'm going to be seven on Tuesday, and I'd like a pink parasol.

MARIA Well, pink's my favorite color too.

MARIA Yes, you're Gretl.

MARIA And you're five years old? My, you're practically a lady.

(Gretl and Marta laugh)

MARIA Now, I have to tell you a secret. I've never been a governess before.

LOUISA You mean you don't know anything about being a governess?

MARIA Nothing. I'll need lots of advice.

LOUISA Well, the best way to start is to be sure to tell father to mind his own business. (They crowd around Maria)

FRIEDRICH You must never come to dinner on time.

BRIGITTA Never eat your soup quietly.

KURT And, during dessert, always blow your nose.

GRETL Don't believe a word they say, Fraulein Maria!

MARIA Oh, why not?

GRETL Because I like you!

(Then Frau Schmidt walks in clapping her hands)

SCHMIDT All right now, children. Outside for your walk. Father's order. Now hurry up. Hurry up. Quick, quick, quick.

SCHMIDT (to Maria) Uh, Fraulein Maria. I'm Frau Schmidt, the housekeeper.

MARIA How do you do?

SCHMIDT How do you do? I'll show you to your room. Follow me. (They shake hands. Frau Schmidt leads her)

MARIA (quietly, to Frau Schmidt) Poor little dears.

(The children pause to watch as Maria suddenly drops her guitar, screams, and reaches into her dress pocket)

MARIA What? Ah! Ah! Aah! Oh! Ohh --

(She pulls out a frog and flings it)

SCHMIDT (to Maria) You're very lucky. With Fraulein Helga it was a snake.

MARIA Ugh! (She glares at the children who turn and exit through the door)

Scene 6 – In the Dining Room

(Captain Von Trapp and the children sit at a long dining table, waiting. Maria dashes in and stops)

MARIA Good evening.

MARIA Good evening, children.

THE CHILDREN Good evening, Fraulein Maria.

(Maria starts to sit in her chair and then leaps up beacues a pine cone sits on her chair)

MARIA Whaaaah ha ha ha!

CAPTAIN Enchanting little ritual. Something you, uh, learned at the Abbey?

MARIA No, it's, um, er ... um ..... rheumatism. (Maria sits. The Captain starts to eat. The children follow)

MARIA Excuse me, Captain, but haven't we forgotten to thank the Lord? (The Captain puts down his fork)

MARIA For what we are about to receive may the Lord make us truly thankful. Amen

CAPTAIN Amen.

THE CHILDREN Amen. (Everyone starts to eat)

MARIA I'd like to thank each and every one of you for the precious gift you left in my pocket earlier today.

CAPTAIN (to Maria) Um, what gift?

MARIA It's meant to be a secret, Captain, between the children and me.

CAPTAIN Uh huh. Then I suggest that you keep it and let us eat.

MARIA Knowing how nervous I must have been, it was so kind and thoughtful of you to make my first moments here so warm and happy and pleasant.

( Marta begins to sob)

CAPTAIN What is the matter, Marta?

MARTA Nothing. (The rest of the children break down into sobs, oneby one. The Captain glances around the table)

CAPTAIN Uh, Fraulein, is to be at every meal or merely at, uh, dinner time that you intend leading us all through this wonderful world of... indigestion?

MARIA Oh, they're all right, Captain. They're just happy. (The children sob louder)

Scene 7 - IN THE DINING ROOM

(Franz hands the Captain the telegram)

FRANZ A telegram for you, sir.

CAPTAIN Hmm. (The Captain opens the telegram and reads it. Liesl glances toward the window)

LIESL Franz, who delivered it?

FRANZ That young lad, Rolfe, of course.

LIESL Father, may I be excused?

(The Captain grunts negatively. Maria notices Liesl's disappointment)

CAPTAIN Children, in the morning, I shall be going to Vienna.

MARTA Oh, no, Father!

FRIEDRICH Not again, Father.

GRETL How long will you be gone this time, Father?

CAPTAIN I'm not sure, Gretl. I'm not sure.

LOUISA (to the Captain) To visit Baroness Schraeder again?

FRIEDRICH (to Louisa) Mind your own business!

CAPTAIN As a matter of fact, yes, Louisa.

MARTA (to the Captain) Why can't we ever get to see the Baroness?

KURT (to Marta) Why would she want to see you?

CAPTAIN Marta, You are going to see the Baroness. I'm bringing her back with me to visit us all.

(Maria has watched as Liesl stands up to get a glass of water but then quietly leaves the room, behind her father's back)

CHILDREN Good!

CAPTAIN And ... (rolling his eyes) ... Uncle Max.

CHILDREN Uncle Max! Uncle Max!

Scene 8 - TRAPP VILLA

( Liesl runs out of the house)

LIESL Rolfe! Oh, Rolfe! (They throw their arms around each other. Rolfe breaks the clinch)

ROLFE No, Liesl, we mustn't.

LIESL Why not, silly?

ROLFE I don't know, it's just--

LIESL Isn't this why you're here waiting for me?

ROLFE Yes, of course. I've missed you, Liesl.

LIESL You have? How much?

ROLFE So much that I even thought of sending you a telegram just so I'd be able to deliver it here.

LIESL Oh, that's a lovely thought. Why don't you? Right now.

ROLFE (laughs) But I'm here!

LIESL Please, Rolfe. Send me a telegram. I'll start it for you: Dear Liesl

ROLFE (amused, playing along) "Dear Liesl, I'd like to be able to tell you how I feel about you. Stop. Unfortunately, this wire is already too expensive. Sincerely, Rolfe."

LIESL Sincerely?

ROLFE Cordially.

LIESL Cordially?

ROLFE Affectionately?

LIESL (She hugs him tightly) Mmmmmm!

ROLFE Will there be any reply?

LIESL "Dear Rolfe, stop. (she hugs him again) Don't stop! Your Liesl" If only we didn't always have to wait for someone to send Father a telegram. How do I know when I'll see you again?

ROLFE Well, let's see. I could come here by mistake -- with a telegram for Colonel Schneider. He's here from Berlin staying with -- Oh, no one's supposed to know he's here. Don't tell your father, now.

LIESL Why not?

ROLFE Well, your father's so -- so Austrian.

LIESL We're all Austrian.

ROLFE Well, some people think we ought to be German, and they're very mad at those who don't think so. They're getting ready to -- Well, let's hope your father doesn't get into trouble.

LIESL Don't worry about Father. He's a big naval hero. He was even decorated by the Emperor.

ROLFE I know. I don't worry about him. But I do worry about his daughter.

LIESL Me? Why?

ROLFE Well, you're so --

LIESL What?

ROLFE Well, you're such a baby!

LIESL I'm sixteen. What's such a baby about that?

(Rolfe smiles knowingly)

MUSIC: I am 16

LIESL Wheeeeeee!

Scene 9 - MARIA'S BEDROOM

(The thunderstorm continues outside)

MARIA Come in. (Frau Schmidt enters, carrying two bolts of cloth)

SCHMIDT For your new dresses, Fraulein Maria. The Captain had these sent out from town.

MARIA Oh, how lovely. Oh, I'm sure these will make the prettiest clothes I've ever had. Tell me, do you think the Captain would get me some more material if I asked him?

SCHMIDT How many dresses does a governess need?

MARIA No, not for me. For the children. I want to make them some playclothes.

SCHMIDT The Von Trapp children don't play. They march.

MARIA Oh, surely, you don't approve of that?

SCHMIDT Ever since the Captain lost his poor wife, he - he runs this house as if he were on one of his ships again. Whistles, orders. No more music, no more laughing. Nothing that reminds him of her ... even the children.

MARIA It's so wrong.

SCHMIDT Good night, now.

MARIA Frau Schmidt. Do you think if I ask the Captain tomorrow about the material ...?

SCHMIDT Oh, he's leaving for Vienna in the morning.

MARIA Oh, yes, of course. Well, how long will he be gone?

SCHMIDT That all depends. The last time he visited the Baroness he stayed for a month.

MARIA Oh.

SCHMIDT I shouldn't be saying this -- not to you, I mean I don't know you that well -- but if you ask me, the Captain's thinking very seriously of marrying the woman before the summer's over.

MARIA Oh, that'd be wonderful! Well, the children will have a mother again.

SCHMIDT Yes ... well ... Good night.

MARIA Good night.

(Schmidt leaves. Maria makes the sign of the cross, kneels beside her bed and prays)

MARIA Dear Father, now I know why You've sent me here. To help these children prepare themselves for a new mother. God bless the Captain, God bless Liesl and Friedrich, God bless Louisa, Brigitta, Marta and little Gretl. And, oh, I forgot the other boy. What's his name? Well, God bless What's-his-name.

MARIA (Liesl enters) God bless the Reverend Mother, Sister Margaretta ... (sees Liesl try to exit the room) ...and everybody at Nonnberg Abbey. And now, dear God, about Liesl. (Liesl stops and turns back to Maria)

MARIA Help her to know that I'm her friend, and help her to tell me what she's been up to.

LIESL Are you going to tell on me?

MARIA (to Liesl) Shh. Help me to be understanding so that I may guide her footsteps. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.

LIESL I was out taking a walk and somebody locked the doors and I didn't want to wake everybody up. So, when I saw your window open-- You're not going to tell Father, are you?

MARIA Liesl, were you out walking all by yourself?

MARIA You know, if we wash that dress out tonight, nobody would notice it tomorrow. You could put this on.

(Maria hands Liesl a nightgown)

MARIA Take your dress in there, then comeback here and sit on the bed and we'll have a talk.

LIESL I told you today I didn't need a governess. Well, maybe I do.

(Liesl smiles gratefully. A loud thunder clap. The door suddenly opens and Gretl runs in and stands against the wall)

MARIA Gretl? Are you scared? (Gretl shakes her head. Another clap of thunder, she runs into Maria's arms)

MARIA You're not frightened of a thunderstorm, are you? You just stay right here with me. Oh! Uh! Where are the others?

GRETL They're asleep. They're not scared. (More thunder. Louisa, Brigitta and Marta run into the room)

MARIA (to Gretl) Oh, no? Look.

MARIA All right, everybody. Up here on the bed.

BRIGITTA Really?

MARIA Well, just this once. Come on.

MARIA Now, all we have to do is to wait for the boys.

LOUISA You won't see them. Boys are brave.

(As the thunder continues, the girls bury their heads in the bed. Friedrich and Kurt run into the room, then force themselves to walk calmly)

MARIA Eh, you boys weren't scared, too, were you?

FRIEDRICH Oh, no. We just wanted to be sure that you weren't.

MARIA That's very thoughtful of you, Friedrich.

FRIEDRICH It wasn't my idea. It was Kurt's.

MARIA Kurt! That's the one I left out. (to the ceiling) God bless Kurt. (A huge thunder clap -- everyone ducks)

MARTA Why does it do that?

MARIA Well, the lightning says something to the thunder, and the thunder answers back.

MARTA The lightning must be nasty.

MARIA Not really.

MARTA Then why does the thunder get so angry? It makes me want to cry.

(More loud thunder. The children bury their faces in the covers again)

MARIA Well, now, when anything bothers me and I'm feeling unhappy, I just try and think of nice things.

LOUISA AND MARTA What kind of things?

MARIA Uh .. well, let me see, nice things. Daffodils. Green meadows. Skies full of stars. Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens ...

MUSIC: My Favorite Things

MARTA Does it really work?

MARIA Of course it does. You try it. What things do you like?

MARTA Pussy willows!

LOUISA Christmas!

GRETL Bunny rabbits!

KURT Snakes!

BRIGITTA Chocolate icing!

FRIEDRICH No school!

LIESL (Liesl enters) Telegrams!

LOUISA Birthday presents!

BRIGITTA Any presents!

MARIA Yes!

GRETL Ladybugs!

MARIA What?

MARTA Cats!

KURT Rats!

LOUISA A good sneeze!

KURT Ah-choo!

MARIA See what fun it is?

MUSIC: My Favorite Things

(The music stops as Maria suddenly runs into the Captain who stands in the doorway)

MARIA ... dog bites ... uh ...Uh, hello ...

CAPTAIN Fraulein, did I not tell you that bedtime is to be strictly observed in this house?

MARIA Well, the children were upset by the storm, so I thought that if I ...You did, sir.

CAPTAIN And do you or do you not have difficulty remembering such simple instructions?

MARIA Only during thunderstorms, sir.

CAPTAIN Liesl?

LIESL Yes, father?

CAPTAIN I don't recall seeing you anywhere after dinner.

LIESL Oh, really? Well, as a matter of fact --

CAPTAIN Yes?

LIESL Well, I-I was, I was...

MARIA Uh, what she would like to say, Captain, is that, uh, she and I have been getting better acquainted tonight. But it's much too late now to go into all that. Come along children. You heard your father. Go back to bed immediately.

(The children run out the room. The Captain watches the children go.)

CAPTAIN Fraulein, you have managed to remember that I'm leaving in the morning? (Maria nods)

CAPTAIN Is it also possible that you remember that the first rule in this house is discipline? (She nods again)

CAPTAIN Then I trust that before I return you will have acquired some?

MARIA Captain? Uh, I wonder if, before you go, I could talk to you about some clothes for the children ...

CAPTAIN Fraulein Maria ...

MARIA ... for when they play. If I could just have some material ...

CAPTAIN You are obviously many things, not the least of which is repetitious.

MARIA But they're children!

CAPTAIN Yes. And I am their father. Good night. (The Captain leaves the room.)

MARIA (furious) Oh! (Maria looks at a window drape decorated with green flowers. She takes the drape in her hands.)

MARIA (sings to herself) Girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes

When the dog bites

When the bee stings

When I'm feeling sad

I simply remember my favorite things

And then I don't feel so bad

(She drapes a curtain over her head and wraps it around)

Scene 10 - THE FIRST OUTING

MARIA (Maria skips away, the children follow) Come on!

LOUISA Fraulein Maria?

MARIA Mm hmm?

LOUISA Can we do this every day?

MARIA Don't you think you'd soon get tired of it, Louisa?

LOUISA I suppose so... Every other day?

KURT I haven't had so much fun since the day we put glue on Fraulein Josephine's toothbrush.

MARIA I can't understand how children as nice as you can manage to play such awful tricks on people.

BRIGITTA Oh, it's easy.

MARIA But why do it?

LIESL Well, how else can we get Father's attention?

BRIGITTA Yes.

MARIA Oh, I see. Well, we'll have to think about that one. All right, everybody. Over here.

MARTA What are we going to do?

MARIA Let's think of something to sing for the Baroness when she comes.

MARTA Father doesn't like us to sing.

MARIA Well, perhaps we can change his mind. Now, what songs do you know?

FRIEDRICH We don't know any songs.

MARIA Not any?

LOUISA We don't even know how to sing.

MARIA Well, let's not lose any time. You must learn.

GRETL But how?

(Maria picks up her guitar and strums her guitar and sings)

MUSIC: Do Re Mi

MARIA Now, children, do-re-mi-fa-so and so on are only the tools we use to build a song. Once you have these notes in your heads, you can sing a million different tunes by mixing them up. Like this. Uh ...

MUSIC: DO Re Mi 2

Scene 12 - TRAPP VILLA

(The Captain and the Baroness stroll along)

BARONESS This really is exciting for me, Georg, being here with you.

CAPTAIN Oh ho ho ho ho ho. Trees, lakes, mountains. When you've seen one, you've seen them all.

BARONESS That is not what I mean and you know it.

CAPTAIN Ah, you-you mean me. I'm exciting.

BARONESS Is that so impossible?

CAPTAIN No, just, uh, highly improbable.

*The Baroness laughs. They keep walking, arm in arm.

BARONESS You know, you're-you're much less of a riddle when I see you here, Georg.

CAPTAIN Are you trying to say that I'm more at home here among the birds and the flowers and the wind that moves through the trees like a restless sea, hm?

BARONESS How poetic!

CAPTAIN Yes, it was rather, wasn't it? (The Baroness laughs)

CAPTAIN More at home here than in Vienna? Gossiping gaily with bores I detest? Soaking myself in champagne? Is that what you're trying to say?

BARONESS More or less, yes.

CAPTAIN Now, whatever gave you that idea?

BARONESS (laughs) How I do like it here, Georg. It's so lovely and peaceful. How can you leave it as often as you do?

CAPTAIN Ah, pretending to be madly active, I suppose. Activity suggests a life filled with purpose.

BARONESS Could it be running away from memories?

CAPTAIN Mm hm. Or perhaps just searching for a reason to stay.

BARONESS Oh, I hope that's why you've been coming to Vienna so often. Or were there other distractions there?

CAPTAIN Oh, I'd hardly call you a mere distraction, darling.

BARONESS Well, what would you call me, Georg?

CAPTAIN Mmmm. Lovely. Charming, witty, graceful. The perfect hostess. And, uh -- you're going to hate me for this -- in a way, my savior.

BARONESS Oh, how unromantic.

CAPTAIN Well, I'd be an ungrateful wretch if I didn't tell you at least once that it was you who brought some meaning back into my life.

BARONESS Oh, I am amusing, I suppose.

CAPTAIN Ho ho ho, yes.

BARONESS But take all that away and you - you have just wealthy, unattached little me .. searching just like you.

CAPTAIN Ah, heh heh.

SERVANT (Offers Max a tray) More strudel, Herr Detweiler?

MAX (feeling his stomach) How many have I had?

SERVANT Two.

MAX Make it an uneven three. (The Captain and the Baroness join him)

CAPTAIN Still eating, Max, hm? Tch, tch. Must be unhappy.

MAX That marvelous mixed quartet I've been trying for months to steal away from Saul Feurock.

CAPTAIN I wonder where the children are.

BARONESS Obviously, they must have heard I was coming and went into hiding.

CAPTAIN I was hoping they'd be here to welcome you. Uh, Max, do step out of character for a moment and, uh, try and be charming. (The Captain goes into the house. The Max waits for him to leave, then approaches the Baroness)

MAX Well?

BARONESS Well, what?

MAX Have you made up Georg's mind yet? Do I hear wedding bells?

BARONESS Pealing madly.

MAX Honest?

BARONESS But not necessarily for me.

MAX What kind of talk's that?

BARONESS That is "none of your business" talk, Max. I'm terribly fond of Georg and I will not have you toying with us.

MAX But I'm a child. I like toys. So tell me everything. (Baroness shakes her head)

MAX Aw, come on. Tell Max every teensy weensy, intimate, disgusting detail.

BARONESS Well, let's just say I have a feeling I may be here on approval.

MAX Well, I approve of that. How can you miss?

BARONESS Far too easily.

MAX If I know you, darling -- and I do -- you will find a way.

BARONESS Oh, he's no ordinary man.

MAX Wah-ho, he's rich.

BARONESS When his wife died, she left him with a terrible heartache.

MAX When your husband died, he left you with a terrible fortune.

BARONESS Oh, Max, you really are a beast!

MAX You and Georg are like family to me. That's why I want to see you two get married. We must keep all that lovely money in the family. (Baroness giggles)

(Rolfe drops his bicycle on the lawn and picks up a handful of pebbles. The Captain walks onto the veranda and sees the young courier tossing the pebbles against a window.

CAPTAIN What are you doing there?

ROLFE Oh, Captain Von Trapp, I was just looking for- I didn't see- I mean, I didn't know you were- (giving salute) Heil Hitler!

CAPTAIN (Max and the Baroness join the Captain) Who are you?

ROLFE I have a telegram for Herr Detweiler.

MAX I'm Herr Detweiler.

ROLFE Yes, sir. (Rolfe offers the telegram to Max but the Captain snatches it away and hands it to Max)

CAPTAIN (sharply) All right. You've delivered your telegram. Now, get out.

(Rolfe runs to his bike and wheels it away)

BARONESS Oh, Georg. He's just a boy.

CAPTAIN Yes. And I'm just an Austrian.

MAX What's gonna happen's going to happen. Just make sure it doesn't happen to you.

CAPTAIN Max! Don't you ever say that again!

MAX You know I have no political convictions. Can I help it if other people do?

CAPTAIN Oh, yes, you can help it! You must help it. (The Captain leans with his head bowed. Max walks away)

BARONESS Hello? You're far away. Where are you?

CAPTAIN In a world that's ... disappearing, I'm afraid.

BARONESS Is there any way I could bring you back to the world I'm in?

(The Captain smiles at the Baroness. The children's voices are heard shouting)

CHILDREN Papa! Papa!

MARIA Oh! Oh, Captain! You're home!

MARIA Oh! You must be Baroness Schraeder! (The Baroness struggles not to laugh)

(The Captain takes a whistle from his pocket)

CAPTAIN Straight line! (He paces back and forth in front of his children)

CAPTAIN This is Baroness Schraeder...

CAPTAIN (to the Baroness) ... and these, are my children.

BARONESS How do you do?

CAPTAIN All right. Go inside, dry off, clean up, change your clothes, report back here! Immediately!

(Maria frowns and follows them)

CAPTAIN Fraulein, you will stay here, please!

BARONESS I, uh, think I'd better go see what Max is up to. (She leaves)

CAPTAIN Now, Fraulein. I want a truthful answer from you.

MARIA Yes, Captain?

CAPTAIN Is it possible or could I have just imagined it -- have my children by any chance been climbing trees today?

MARIA Yes, Captain.

CAPTAIN I see. And where, may I ask, did they get these, um, these, uh ...?

MARIA Play clothes.

CAPTAIN Oh, is that what you call them?

MARIA I made them -- from the drapes that used to hang in my bedroom.

CAPTAIN Drapes!

MARIA They still had plenty of wear left. The children have been everywhere in them.

CAPTAIN Do you mean to tell me that my children have been roaming about Salzburg dressed up in nothing but some old drapes?!

MARIA Mm-hmm. And having a marvelous time!

CAPTAIN They have uniforms!

MARIA Straitjackets, if you'll forgive me.

CAPTAIN I will not forgive you for that.

MARIA Children cannot do all the things they're supposed to do if they have to worry about spoiling their precious clothes all the ...

CAPTAIN I haven't heard them complain yet.

MARIA Well, they wouldn't dare. They love you too much. They fear you too much.

CAPTAIN I don't wish you to discuss my children in this manner.

MARIA Well, you've got to hear from someone. You're never home long enough to know them.

CAPTAIN I said I don't want to hear any more from you about my children.

MARIA I know you don't! But you've got to! Now, take Liesl...

CAPTAIN You will not say one word about Liesl, Fraulein ...

MARIA She's not a child anymore. One of these days you're going to wake up and find she's a woman. You won't even know her. And Friedrich. He's a boy but he wants to be a man like you and there's no one to show him how.

CAPTAIN Don't you dare tell me about my son!

MARIA Brigitta could tell you about him if you'd let her get close to you. She notices everything.

CAPTAIN Fraulein ...

MARIA And Kurt pretends he's tough not to show how hurt he is when you brush him aside...

CAPTAIN That will do.

MARIA ... the way you do all of them. Louisa I don't know about...

CAPTAIN I said, that will do!

MARIA ... but someone has to find out about her and the little ones just want to be loved. Oh, please, Captain, love them, love them all!

CAPTAIN I don't care to hear anything further from you about my children!

MARIA I am not finished yet, Captain!

CAPTAIN Oh, yes, you are, Captain! (Maria looks at him, surprised)

CAPTAIN Fraulein. Now, you will pack your things this minute and return to the Abbey

CHILDREN'S VOICES: Sound of Music

CAPTAIN What's that?

MARIA It's singing.

CAPTAIN Yes, I realize it's singing but who is singing?

MARIA The children.

CAPTAIN The children?

MARIA I taught them something to sing for the Baroness.

Scene 13: Von Trapps' House

CHILDREN (singing)

... with the sound of music

My heart wants to sing every song it hears

My heart wants to beat like the wings of the birds

that rise from the lake to the trees (to the trees)

My heart wants to sigh like a chime that flies from a church on a breeze

To laugh like a brook when it trips and falls over stones on its way (on it's way)

*The Captain walks into the room and joins in.

THE CAPTAIN AND THE CHILDREN (singing)

To sing through the night like a lark who is learning to pray

I go to the hills when my heart is lonely

*The children exchange amazed glances and gaze adoringly at their father as he sings solo:

CAPTAIN (sings) I know I will hear what I've heard before

My heart will be blessed with the sound of music

And I'll sing once more

(The Captain smiles. Brigitta runs over and gives him a hug. The rest of the children surround him. They all start to laugh. Maria looks in and bows her head)

CAPTAIN Ah! (Maria motions to Gretl. Gretl gives the Baroness her bouquet)

BARONESS Edelweiss! (Gretl curtsies)

BARONESS Oh! (She hugs Gretl)

BARONESS (to Captain) You never told me how enchanting your children are.

(The Captain shakes his head. He turns, looks over at the doorway, and sees Maria)

CAPTAIN (whispers to the children) Don't go 'way!

CAPTAIN (He goes quickly out of the room) Fraulein...

CAPTAIN I ... behaved badly. I apologize.

MARIA No, I'm, I'm far too outspoken. It's one of my worst faults.

CAPTAIN You were right. I don't know my children.

MARIA There's still time, Captain. They want so much to be close to you.

CAPTAIN And you've brought ... music back into the house? I'd forgotten.

CAPTAIN Fraulein. I want you to stay. I, uh, ask you to stay.

MARIA If I could be of any help.

CAPTAIN You have already. More than you know. (Their eyes meet. Captain exists. Maria clasps her hands)

Scene 14 - Von Trapps' House

MAX Attention! Attention, everyone! I have an announcement to make! Surprise, surprise. Today, after a long and desperate search, I have finally found a most exciting entry for the Salzburg Folk Festival!

CAPTAIN Congratulations, Max. Who will you be exploiting this time?

BARONESS (guessing) The Saint Ignatius Choir?

MAX Guess again!

CAPTAIN Um ... let me see now, uh ... the Klopmann Choir?

MAX No, no, no, no, no.

LIESL Tell us.

MAX A singing group all in one family. You'll never guess, Georg.

CAPTAIN What a charming idea! Uh, whose family?

MAX (laughs) Yours.

CAPTAIN Oh.

CHILDREN Ohhh! Yeah!

MAX They'll be the talk of the festival. (The Captain laughs)

MAX Well, now, what's so funny?

CAPTAIN You are, Max. You're expensive ... but very funny. (The children laugh)

MAX But you heard them. They'll be a sensation.

CAPTAIN No, Max.

CHILDREN Ohhhh!

MAX It's a wonderful idea! Fresh, original ...

CAPTAIN Max, my children do not sing in public.

MAX Well, you can't blame me for trying.

MARIA Children, who shall we hear from next? (The children crowd around Maria and whispers something to Maria)

MARIA Who?

CHILDREN Yes. Yes.

(Maria picks up her guitar and looks uncertainly at the children who nod. Maria clears her throat and walks over to the Captain and holds the guitar out to him)

MARIA The vote is unanimous. You, Captain.

CAPTAIN Me? I don't understand.

MARIA Please. (The Captain looks at the children)

CAPTAIN No, no, no, no, no, no, no.

MARIA I'm told that a long time ago you were quite good.

CAPTAIN Well, that was a very, very, very long time ago.

LIESL I remember, Father.

FRIEDRICH Play us something we know.

BRIGITTA Oh, please, Father.

MARIA Please. (He smiles at the children)

CAPTAIN Well ... (The Captain takes the guitar. The children settle on the floor in front of him)

BARONESS Why didn't you tell me?

MAX What?

BARONESS To bring along my harmonica. (Max chuckles)

MUSIC: Eidelweiss

MAX Any time you say the word, Georg, you can be part of my new act ... (The Captain laughs)

MAX ... the Von Trapp Family Singers.

BARONESS I have a wonderful idea, Georg. Let's really fill this house with music. You must give a grand and glorious party for me while I'm here.

CAPTAIN A party?

CHILDREN Yes, yes, Father, please! Oh, Father, please.

BARONESS Yes, I think it's high time I met all your friends here in Salzburg, and they met me. Don't you agree?

CAPTAIN I see what you mean.

CHILDREN Oh, please. Please! Please!

MARIA (Maria walks over to the children) Children! It's time to go to bed! Come now. Say good night.

CHILDREN (disappointed) Ohhh ...

CHILDREN Good night, Father. Good night. Good night, Baroness Schraeder. Good night, Uncle Max.

(The Captain hugs his children. They dash out of the room. Gretl runs to catch up, then stops and turns in the doorway)

GRETL It will be my first party, Father.

Scene 15 - THE PARTY

ZELLER (The Captain shakes hands with Zeller) Captain

CAPTAIN Herr Zeller, Baroness Schraeder.

BARONESS Good evening, Herr Zeller.

ZELLER Baroness.

ZELLER I suppose you noticed the obvious display of the Austrian flag in the hallway.

(Outside, the children stand on a garden terrace, peering through doors on one side of the ballroom)

BRIGITTA The women look so beautiful.

KURT I think they look ugly.

LOUISA You just say that because you're scared of them.

KURT Silly, only grown-up men are scared of women.

GRETL I think the men look beautiful.

LOUISA How would you know?

(Gretl snubs Louisa. Brigitta stands watching as Liesl as she imagines a young man is asking her to dance. Liesl curtsies and begins to waltz by herself)

BRIGITTA Liesl, who are you dancing with?

LIESL Nobody.

BRIGITTA Oh, yes you are. (Friedrich cuts in, tapping Liesl on shoulder)

FRIEDRICH May I have this dance?

LIESL I'd be delighted, young man. (The children gather to watch them waltz together. Maria joins them)

MARIA Well, why didn't you children tell me you could dance?

KURT We were afraid you'd make us all dance together -- the Von Trapp Family Dancers!

(The other children laugh. As Kurt speaks, the music stops, the guests applaud, and the music begins again)

MUSIC: Laendler

GRETL What's that they are playing?

MARIA It's the Laendler. It's an Austrian folk dance.

KURT Show me.

MARIA Oh, Kurt, I haven't danced that since I was a little girl.

KURT Oh, you remember. Please.

MARIA Well --

KURT Please.

MARIA All right, come on over here.

MARIA Now, you bow and I curtsy.

KURT Like this?

MARIA Fine. Now, we go for a little walk -- this way. (Maria takes Kurt's hand and demonstrates a dance step)

MARIA One, two, three. One, two, three.

(The Captain come out watching them dance)

MARIA One, two, three, step together. Now, step hop. Step hop. Now, turn under. Whoop, not quite.

MARIA This way. Hop, step, hop, and under. We'll have to practice. (The Captain cuts in)

CAPTAIN Do allow me, will you?

KURT Mm-hmm. (Kurt joins the others. Maria stares at the Captain in surprise. They start to dance. Maria steps back)

MARIA I don't remember any more.

BRIGITTA (Brigitta walks over) Your face is all red.

MARIA Is it? I don't suppose I'm used to dancing.

(The Captain smiles tenderly. The music ends, the guests applaud. The Baroness walks over to the Captain)

BARONESS Why, that was beautifully done. What a lovely couple you make.

CAPTAIN Yes. I think it's time the, uh, children said good night.

MARIA Yes. We'll be in the hall in a moment. We've got something very special prepared. (to children) Right?

CHILDREN Right. Yeah. Yes. Let's go. Come on. (Maria and the children leave. The Captain takes the Baroness' arm.)

BARONESS All that needless worrying, Georg. You thought you wouldn't find a friend at the party.

CAPTAIN Chilly out tonight, isn't it?

BARONESS Oh, I don't know. Seemed rather warm to me.

MARIA Ladies and gentlemen. The children of Captain Von Trapp wish to say good night to you.

MUSIC: So Long, Farewell

MAX They're extraordinary. What they would do at the festival! (to Maria) Oh, young lady, I must have a word with you.

(Max drags Maria by the hand)

MAX Georg, Georg, you're not going to let this girl get away. She has to join the party.

MARIA No, really, I--

MAX Sh sh sh. Stop it.

MAX Georg, please.

CAPTAIN You can if you want to, Fraulein.

MAX I insist. You will be my dinner partner. This is business. (to the butler) Franz, set another place next to mine for Fraulein Maria.

FRANZ Whatever you say, Herr Detweiler.

CAPTAIN Well, it appears to be all arranged, doesn't it?

BARONESS It certainly does.

MARIA I'm not suitably dressed.

CAPTAIN Uh, well, you can change. We'll wait for you.

MARIA (to Max) All right. (Maria exists. The Captain chats with Baroness Ebberfeld)

BARONESS EBBERFELD Captain, you must be very proud of your youngsters.

CAPTAIN I am, thank you, Baroness.

BARON EBBERFELD Is there a more beautiful expression of what is good in this country of ours than the innocent voices of our children? (The Baroness exits)

ZELLER Oh, come now, Baron, would you have us believe that Austria alone holds a monopoly on virtue?

CAPTAIN Uh, Herr Zeller, some of us prefer Austrian voices raised in song to ugly German threats.

ZELLER The, uh, ostrich buries his head in the sand -- and sometimes ... in the flag. Perhaps those would warn you that the Anschluss is coming -- and it is coming, Captain -- perhaps they would get further with you by setting their words to music.

CAPTAIN If the Nazis take over Austria, I have no doubt, Herr Zeller, that you will be the entire trumpet section.

ZELLER You flatter me, Captain.

CAPTAIN Oh, how clumsy of me. I meant to accuse you. (The Captain turns and walks away)

SCENE 16 – Maria’s Bedroom

MARIA It's very kind of you to offer to help me, Baroness.

BARONESS I'm delighted, Maria.

MARIA I-I-I- really don't think I do have anything that would be appropriate.

BARONESS Now, where is that lovely little thing you were wearing the other evening when the Captain couldn't keep his eyes off you?

MARIA Couldn't keep his eyes off me?

BARONESS Come, my dear, we are women. Now, let's not pretend we don't know when a man notices us.

BARONESS Here we are.

MARIA The Captain notices everybody and everything.

BARONESS There's no need to feel so defensive, Maria. You are quite attractive, you know. The Captain would hardly be a man if he didn't notice you.

MARIA Baroness, I hope you're joking.

BARONESS Not at all.

MARIA But I've never done a thing to --

BARONESS But you don't have to, my dear. There's nothing more irresistible to a man than a woman who's in love with him.

MARIA In love with him?

BARONESS Of course. And what makes it so nice is ... he think he's in love with you.

MARIA But that's not true.

BARONESS Surely you've noticed the way he looks into your eyes. And you know, uh, you blushed in his arms when you were dancing just now.

BARONESS Don't take it to heart. He'll get over it soon enough I should think. Men do, you know.

MARIA Then, I should go. I mustn't stay here.

BARONESS Is there something I can do to help?

MARIA No, nothing. (The Baroness starts to leave)

MARIA Yes. (The Baroness stops)

MARIA Please don't say a word about this to the Captain.

BARONESS No. No, I wouldn't dream of it. (Leaves then stops) Goodbye, Maria. I'm sure you'll make a very fine nun.

Scene 17 – Von Trapp’s House

BARONESS Champagne, darling? I feel like celebrating. Cheers.

MAX You know something.

BARONESS Perhaps.

MAX Then, if you're so clever, tell me how to get our little fraulein to use her influence with Georg. I want those children in the festival. Elsa, this is important to Austria.

BARONESS Wouldn't do you any harm, either.

MAX I've thought of that.

BARONESS Well, if it's a matter of influence, maybe the one you have to be talking to is me.