In particular, the need to escape Austria is accentuated. In the film, Captain Von Trapp is called upon by the German Army to serve. Although the Nazis in the film suggest the request as an offering, refusing their request would be impossible. To escape the Nazis, the family flees the country across the mountains to Switzerland. This plot not only distorts the truth beyond recognition, but completely changes the circumstances of their escape. In the film they attempt to leave late at night, even neglecting to notify the butler of their departure. In reality the family left by train for Italy then by ship to America. Their exodus, however, was no secret. "We told people we were going to America to sing. And we didn't climb the mountains with all our suitcases and heavy instruments. We left by train, pretending nothing had happened." (Prologue, vol. 37,