Maria, a high-spirited postulant, is sent from her beloved abbey to be a governess for the seven children of a widowed naval captain. Through the power of music, Maria captures the hearts of the Von Trapp children and their militant father. Shortly after becoming a new family, they discover the Nazis have invaded Austria and demand the Captain’s immediate service in their navy. Forced to choose between their beloved homeland and following the demands of their conscience, the family makes a daring escape on the eve of World War II.