The Sound of Music turns 60 this year, and with the Oscar-winning musical set for a return to cinema screens in celebration, there can be no better time to look at its place in queer culture.

The film is an adaptation of a stage musical, itself based on the memoir The Story of the Trapp Family Singers , by Maria von Trapp.

It follows aspiring nun Maria, played on screen by gay fans’ favourite Julie Andrews , who leaves her convent to become a governess to seven children in 30s Austria. Taken at face value, there’s not much to suggest this is a queer-related tale.

So, why does The Sound of Music resonate with the gay community?

There are many aspects of director Robert Wise’s movie, which picked up five Academy Awards including best director, best film and best music, that resonate with

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