This summer, Mary Poppins celebrates two important anniversaries. The book, authored by P. L. Travers, has been in continuous print for 90 years. The film celebrates 60 years of imagination, music, and brilliant choreography. The creation of Mary Poppins wove together the supremely talented cast of actors, the musical Sherman brothers, special photographic effects, integrated live-action and animation and even an animatronic bird.
The sensational box office hit was nominated for eleven Oscars and took home five for Best Actress in a Leading Role (Julie Andrews), Best Editing, Best Effects, Special Visual Effects, Best Original Song (CHIM CHIM CHER-EE), and Best Music. Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke won a Golden Globe for Best Actress and Actor. From this film came Walt Disney's favorite song, the soulful, “Feed the Birds.” The premise of the movie is Mary Poppins literally drifts down from the sky with the help of her magical umbrella to become the nanny for Mr. and Mrs. Banks’ spirited, mischievous children.
For Walt Disney, creating Mary Poppins was fulfilling a promise he made to his daughter that he would adapt the book to film. It took 20 years before P. L. Travers would release the rights of her book because she felt Walt Disney would portray Mary Poppins as too lighthearted and whimsical. Ultimately, Disney created a character who was an independent, fun-loving, assertive woman. A departure from the iconic princess-themed films that had made Disney famous.
P. L. Travers was not pleased with the adaptation of her book into film. Although children enjoyed her books, she had written the collection of magic and fantasy for adults. In all, she authored eight books that made up the Mary Poppins series.
Here are a few of the memorable quotes for the 1964 film, Mary Poppins:
Dauntless crusaders for women's votes. - Winifred Banks
Well begun is half done. - Mary Poppins
In every job that must be done, there is an element of fun. - Mary Poppins
Just a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down, in the most delightful way. - Mary
Poppins
There’s the whole world at your feet. – Bert, the chimney sweep
That's A Piecrust Promise. Easily Made, Easily Broken. - Mary Poppins
Enough is as good as a feast. - Mary Poppins
Why do you always complicate things that are really quite simple? - Mary Poppins
Come feed the little birds – show them you care. - Mary Poppins
Let’s go fly a kite. – Mr. Banks
The film is rich in symbolism. Most notably, parents can heal relationships with their children by recognizing what is important and spending quality time with their children. Families and kites can be mended.
Whether 2 or 102 years old, the film has something for everyone. The classic DVD is available
for purchase and at public libraries and features an entertaining Mary Poppins trivia section.
In celebration of the anniversaries of the book and the film, it is the perfect time to get reacquainted with the magic and wisdom of Mary Poppins. Spit spot, put your best foot forward and enjoy some Mary Poppins "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” fun!
Photo credit: Marilyn Halpern
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