TSOM is the WWII generation looking back on the struggles and evils that defined their world, and finding hope and beauty in it. The von Trapp family does not defeat evil, they escape it - an archetype that maps neatly onto the cold war era where evil persisted (the USSR) even after it had been defeated (the Allied victory). It was also escapism from the turmoil of the mid-60's, including the unfolding, slow-motion disaster of Vietnam. It's no mystery that millions of Americans flocked to a romanticized version of the last great and good conflict that occurred during their lifetimes.
The escapism of TSOM is still apropos, especially during times of conflict. If you believe the world is a hard, cruel, unjust place, why would you only watch movies or read books that feature hardbitten themes and tragedies? Wouldn't you want to take a break and forget and clear your mind for a while? It was the WWII generation's proximity to struggle that made them susceptible to escapism.
> Most likely I will not watch The Sound of Music again for a long time, four or maybe even eight years, and that’s okay.
Ahh, I see, this is about president Trump. It's remarkable how much people will let an election define them and dictate how they will live and entertain themselves. Scratch that, it's not remarkable, it's absolutely crazy.