This summer, Mary Poppins celebrates two important anniversaries. The book by PL Travers has been in print for 90 years. The film celebrates 60 years of fantasy, music and brilliant choreography. The creation of Mary Poppins brought together the extremely 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 won five for Best Actress (Julie Andrews), Best Editing, Best Effects, Best 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 Best Actor, respectively. Walt Disney’s favorite song, the soulful “Feed the Birds,” comes from this film. The film’s plot revolves around Mary Poppins literally floating down from heaven with the help of her magic umbrella to become the nanny for the spirited, mischievous children of Mr. and Mrs. Banks.
By creating Mary Poppins, Walt Disney fulfilled a promise he had made to his daughter: he would make a movie out of the book. It took 20 years for PL Travers to release the rights to her book because she felt Walt Disney portrayed Mary Poppins as too carefree and whimsical. Ultimately, Disney created a character who was an independent, fun-loving and confident woman. A departure from the iconic princess films that had made Disney famous.
- L. Travers was not happy with the film adaptation of her book. Although her books appealed to children, she had written the collection of magic and fantasy for adults. In total, she wrote eight books that made up the Mary Poppins series.
Here are some of the most memorable quotes from the 1964 film Mary Poppins:
- Fearless fighters for women’s suffrage. – Winifred Banks
- A good beginning is half the battle. – Mary Poppins
- There is an element of fun in every job that needs to be done. – Mary Poppins
- Just a spoonful of sugar helps to swallow the medicine in the most pleasant way possible. – Mary Poppins
- The whole world is 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 actually very simple? – Mary Poppins
- Come and feed the little birds. Show them that you care. – Mary Poppins
- Let’s fly a kite. – Mr. Banks
The film is rich in symbolism. Most importantly, parents can heal their relationship with their children by realizing what is important and spending quality time with them. Families and dragons can grow together again.
Whether you’re 2 or 102, the film has something for everyone. The classic DVD is available for purchase and in public libraries and includes a fun section of Mary Poppins trivia.
To celebrate the anniversaries of the book and the movie, it’s the perfect time to reacquaint yourself with the magic and wisdom of Mary Poppins. Put your best foot forward and enjoy Mary Poppins Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious fun!
Marilyn Halpern is founder and CEO of Aspen Care Services.
The local company offers medical power of attorney, care management and
professional guardianship services in the greater Denver area. For more information visit
www.aspencareservices.com or www.aginglifecare.org. Photo credit: Roland Halpern
