The “Sound of Music” Connection

Interview with Debbie Turner

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Debbie Turner today. Photo courtesy Debbie Turner.

Debbie Turner played Marta, one of younger von Trapp daughters, in the film version of the Sound of Music. She was one of the youngest cast members during filming in 1964. No longer in the movie business today, Debbie now lives with her husband and four daughters near Minneapolis, Minnesota. She was born and raised in Arcadia, California, a suburb of Los Angeles. Her parents were both Canadians who moved to southern California in the early 1950s. Since 1989 Debbie has been running her own floral design company, Debbie Turner Originals.

Debbie has been kind enough to talk with the German-Hollywood Connection about her experiences during the filming of what has become a true cinematic classic. - HF

Interview

German-Hollywood Connection: Do you still have vivid memories of your time in Austria in 1964 during the filming there? What memories stand out most for you?

Debbie Turner: Yes, I do have very clear memories. Little things tend to stand out, details that a seven-year-old would remember, but the older folks don’t. For example, I remember vividly where the backyard scene was filmed (near the lake). It was a set built next door to Leopoldskron Castle, since they wouldn’t allow the film crew to put scaffolding on the castle.

G-HC: Tutor Jean Seaman supposedly taught you kids some German in Salzburg. Other than your dialect coaching, did you or the others learn any German while in Austria?

DT: While my dad and two sisters came to visit, my dad, who had been a school teacher, practiced counting to 100 in German with me. For many years, in fact it was our “driving” activity (long before videos in cars).

	Debbie Turner as Marta von Trapp. Photo courtesy Debbie Turner.

G-HC: All the children had their mothers in Salzburg. Did each of the kids have a room or a suite with mom? What was it like living in the hotel?

DT: Yes, we had a hotel room. It was nice, lovely breakfasts each morning.

G-HC: Kym Karath, the youngest child actor, said she didn’t like the food in Austria. What about you?

DT: I liked Wienerschnitzel and Pommes frites. Still my favorite when I returned in 2000 [for the SoM reunion].

G-HC: How much did you (and the other child stars) earn for your work in SoM?

DT: No idea. Just know it wasn’t very much, by today’s standards. It was minimum scale.

G-HC: You and most of your film siblings seem to have stayed in touch over the years since 1964 in Austria. Has it been difficult to maintain contact with all of you so spread out over the globe?

DT: In the early years, yes, but with the Internet, we speak regularly.

G-HC: How many SoM reunions have you and the others had?

JW: Lots

G-HC: Do all of the former kids like to attend the films anniversaries?

JW: Yes. We have a great time together.

G-HC: What was the 2000 reunion in Salzburg like for you and your “brothers and sisters”?

JW: 35 years is a long time between visits! The most fun I had had in years.

G-HC: You and some of the others seem to have come to accept being SoM icons. Does it ever bother you, or do you view it in a more positive light?

JW: It’s a very positive thing.

G-HC: How did you come to work with Meinrad Stippel in Austria (in 2000)?

JW: I am an artist, by trade. I asked my friend, Stefan Herzl to see if I could take a painting class while there. His wife, Judith suggested Meinrad Stippel, since he was the best at this sort of painting. It was a wonderful two hours of learning.

G-HC: You now live in Minnesota, quite a distance from Hollywood. Was that a conscious decision or an accident?

JW: Ha! My husband convinced me. Plus his new job at the time was located there, with Northwest Airlines. He said I could fly home (to California) anytime I wanted.

G-HC: How did you get started with your floral and decorative business? When did that start for you?

JW: I started the company in 1989. I wanted to be able to work from my home, as I had three small children at the time. If you want the full story, I invite you to visit my Web site. [See link below]

G-HC: Thank you very much for this interview.

WEB > www.DebbieTurnerOriginals.com
WEB > Debbie Turner in The Sound of Music

M O R E > G-HC Interviews

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More 'Sound of Music'

Also see: Film Book of the Month

SOM Introduction
SOM 1: The Directors
SOM 2: Maria von Trapp
SOM 3: Rodgers and Hammerstein
SOM 4: Shooting Locations
SOM Interview
SOM 5: Links
A "Sound of Music" Sampler

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