107 million people watched Julie Andrews become a star in one take—no do-overs, all live.
Julie Andrews was nominated for an Emmy for portraying the titular scullery maid who finds true love with a prince in this legendary adaptation of one of the most famous fairy tales of all time. A musical, made-for-television, with music by Richard Rodgers and book and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, it is the only of the legendary composing team's musicals created specifically for that medium. It was originally broadcast live on CBS on March 31, 1957, and was a phenomenal success, viewed by more than 107 million people. Though it originally aired in full color, only a black & white kinescope of the production has survived.
Acting
Julie Andrews at 21, already flawless under impossible pressure.
Production
One night, one shot, zero editing—pure theatrical adrenaline.
Score
Rodgers & Hammerstein's only score written directly for television.
Director
Ralph Nelson
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Only black-and-white kinescopes survive because CBS didn't preserve the color broadcast—imagine the TikToks we lost.
This was the most-watched program in TV history at that point, proving Americans would gather for musical theater—imagine that now.
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