Mary Poppins Movie
Storyline
TAGLINES
See It Again and Again with that Supercalifragilistic Music! [re-release Australia 1976]
It's supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!
The movie combines a diverting story, songs, color and sequences of live action blended with the movements of animated figures. Mary Poppins is a kind of Super-nanny who flies in with her umbrella in response to the request of the Banks children and proceeds to put things right with the aid of her rather extraordinary magical powers before flying off again.
| Julie Andrews | Mary Poppins |
| Dick Van Dyke | Bert/Mr. Dawes, Sr. |
| David Tomlinson | Mr. George W. Banks |
| Glynis Johns | Mrs. Winifred Banks |
| Hermione Baddeley | Ellen |
| Reta Shaw | Mrs. Brill |
| Karen Dotrice | Jane Banks |
| Matthew Garber | Michael Banks |
| Elsa Lanchester | Katie Nanna |
| Arthur Treacher | Constable Jones |
| Reginald Owen | Admiral Boom |
| Ed Wynn | Uncle Albert |
| Jane Darwell | Bird woman |
| Arthur Malet | Mr. Dawes, Jr. |
| Robert Banas | Chimney Sweep |
| Robert Stevenson |
7.60 out of 10 (23143 votes)
Visitor Reviews
Classic film that works on all age levels
posted on 17 May 2009Based on some books by P.L.Travers, "Mary Poppins" tells the story of the Banks family, who are living in London in the year 1910. The parents (David Tomlinson and Glynnis Johns) don't take much notice of their children Jane and Michael, and it is only until a mysterious woman named Mary Poppins (Julie Andrews) appears from the sky to apply to be the nanny. She works wonders on the family, both changing the parents' ways and delighting the children on a number of adventures with Bert (Dick van Dyke), a humble man of many jobs.Everybody has seen this movie, but I'll review it anyway; this movie is a bona-fide classic, not because it is an old film, but because it can entertain all age groups. The film isn't a dirty picture and will delight the little ones, yet underneath this, there is something for adults to obtain. Just as their kids will, they will love the songs, be blown away by the novelty animated segment and will marvel at the special effects, which hold up even in today's CGI obsessed world. Yet adults will also be able to unlock the endearing layers of the story, which are simultaneously simple and complex and thoroughly beautiful. This film comes recommended time and time again, one of the great features of owning the 40th Anniversary Edition DVD that has a beautifully restored image and lovely bonus features such as a "making of" documentary, original theatrical trailers and vintage footage from the premiere.Possible alternatives: Bedknobs and Broomsticks (1971), Alice in Wonderland (1951), My Fair Lady (1964)
Practically Perfect In Every Way
posted on 26 Apr 2009Like the lady herself, this film is practically perfect in every way - great characters, excellent effects (including an award-winning cartoon performance), good film score, great humour.This account of how a suitably mysterious lady of many mysterious talents enters a household and reunites a slightly dissected family with two somewhat lonely children after first enchanting the children is as enjoyable as ever.Recommended viewing for young and young at heart.
Disney's finest film
posted on 23 Apr 2009Mary Poppins is one of the better movies of all time. It has the magic Wizard of Oz has, but more relevent to contemporary society. Every time it's on TV, I have to watch the whole thing. You know it has to be a great film when Robert Smith of the Cure named it his favorite movie. Anyway, tell me what you all think?
Excellent Disney classic about an unhappy family who gets a big surprise for all ages!
posted on 11 Apr 2009Even though I haven't read the books, MARY POPPINS, in my opinion, is an excellent Disney classic about an unhappy family who gets a big surprise for all ages. I really loved the things that Mary (Julie Andrews) and the kids (Karen Dotrice and Matthew Gerber) did together. I would probably do the same kinds of things that they did together, although I wouldn't have a magic umbrella. The music was good, the production design was excellent, everyone was cast perfectly, the performances were top-grade, and the direction was flawless. In conclusion, I highly recommend this excellent Disney classic about an unhappy family who gets a big surprise for all ages to anyone who hasn't seen it. You're in for a real treat and a good time, so go to the video store, rent it or buy it, kick back with someone close to you, and watch it. I guarantee you you'll thoroughly enjoy it.
WONDERFUL
posted on 27 Mar 2009I love this film, when I was little, I watched this movie literally 3 times a day, every day for like 4 years. I loved it so much. I had it all memorized and I would recite it to my parents and I recently watched it and it really brought back a lot of memories and I found that I still have it almost perfectly memorized! I can say that this is one of the best films of all time, next to "Its a Wonderful Life"
The perfect children's movie
posted on 01 Feb 2009I have numerous happy memories of seeing Mary Poppins since the first time (on its re-release in 1980). I go back to it time and again and have never been bored yet!Highlights - the horse race and the dancing cartoon waiter penguins; Chim Chim Chiree and the acrobatic chimney sweeps; Mrs Banks (Glynis Johns) and her 'Votes for Women'; Reginald Owen's Admiral (with a ship on the roof of his house!); the gorgeous 'Feed the Birds'; the special effects in 'A Spoonful of Sugar'; Ed Wynn as the giggling Uncle Albert; and of course the brilliant performances from Julie Andrews as Mary, Dick van Dyke as Bert/Mr Dawes senior, Karen Dotrice and Matthew Garber as the children Jane and Michael, Hermoine Baddeley as the maid, and David Tomlinson as Mr Banks.Absolutely brilliant and definitely makes you remember being a child with a big smile on your face. Those who don't like it possibly came to it too late in life, but I can't fault it.
Kitsch as Kitsch Can
posted on 23 Jan 2009I hate to love Disney, but this orgy of sugary spoon-feeding is (almost) irresistible. It's episodic, i.e. undramatic, it's overlong, it's simple-minded... and absolutely marvelous! The tunes are catchy as hell, Julie Andrews is a real Dame with charm to boot (and strangely attractive in her nanny outfit), van Dyke's lamentable Cockney-turn gets funnier with each viewing and the animated sequences add a nice touch of day-dreaming.There's good kitsch and bad kitsch. This is one of the greatest good kitsch movies. Watch another Julie Andrews performance in one of the worst bad kitsch movies: The Sound of Music.8 out of 10 Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!es
Seems there's going to be a remake...
posted on 20 Jan 2009Absolutely love this movie!!! I heard because of the huge success of the stage version they plan to make a remake, directed by *cough* Spielberg *cough*.I don't have anything against a remake if done right, like...same overall plot, the most important songs of the old movie, some of the new songs of the stage version, and entirly new stuff from the books that wasn't in the old movie or the stage version (with new songs for them of course). But I DO NOT want this to be directed by Spielberg!! I fear he's going to ruin it and do some kind of stupid stuff (like having it taking place in our time, bert and mery being lovers (I know there are people who actually think that from the old movie, but I always understood it in a way that she must have been berts nanny too when he was a child...).What do you guys think?
One of Jule Andrew's best movies!
posted on 03 Dec 2008I really liked Julie Andrew's performance in this movie; but I'm a little disappointed that it didn't win Best Picture. "My Fair Lady" did, and I don't like that movie much.Anyway, Dick Van Dyke played two characters in this film: Bert, a friend of Mary's, and Mr. Dawes, Sr., the president (I think) of the bank that Mr. Banks works at.Seconds ago, I just learned that David Tomlinson, who played Mr. Banks, did the voice of the umbrella. The umbrella doesn't speak until the end of the movie just before Mary Poppins leaves.This is one of the greatest movies that has ever been made. Anyone who doesn't like this movie can't appreciate a good movie when they see one.My score: 8/10.
One of Disney's Greatest!
posted on 27 Nov 2008A wonderful story enhanced by a memorable score, stunning effects, and a superb & stellar cast. Julie Andrews & Dick Van Dyke shine. Also a great ensemble of character actors: Reginald Owen, Arthur Treacher, Elsa Lanchester, Ed Wynn, Reta Shaw, and (in her last film) Jane Darwell. It's the type of movie you don't want to end!
I loved the irony!
posted on 12 Nov 2008Wow, I wish they still made movies like this. I thought it was very long, but my boys (5 and 3) borrowed it from the library this week and watched it 3 times already and LOVE it. The songs put you in a good mood, too. The ironies are humorous (of course, the movie is not meant to be taken seriously!!). The father, taking pride in his orderly household while his children go missing regularly; the bank president, who is extolling the virtues of investing a tuppins while he is obviously too ill to be out of bed; and the wife boldly crusading for women's rights, while obeying her husband without batting an eyelash in defense.
one of the best movies ever
posted on 28 Oct 2008This movie is the best musical ever and is one of the best movies ever. I recommend it to everybody in the world. Amazing movie only one movie is better than it in the world and if you watch it you will see how great this movie is. Better musical than grease and the sound of music and singing in the rain put together. Sheer class. Dick van dike is brilliant and so is Julie Andrews. Seriously it is a better musical than grease and the sound of music and singing in the rain put together it's brilliant. If you haven't seen it then watch it, it is brilliant, there is seriously nothing bad about this movie at all better than most movies you will ever see.
Oh How I Love This Movie
posted on 27 Jul 2008Mary Poppins is a lighthearted film that serves up a spoon full of sugar just when the world is starting to get you down.I've seen this movie a dozen times, and I still come away from it feeling as light as a feather. It makes me feel good.What a marvelous contrast to most of the junk served up in theaters today.
Why can't all nannies be like Mary Poppins?
posted on 24 Jun 2008Dame Julie Andrews won an Academy Award for her performance in this film as Mary Poppins, the nanny ever child and adults loves. In this film, the supporting cast includes the wonderfully talented and big television star, Dick Van Dyke (he deserves to get America's honors such as the Kennedy Center Honors for example), as her friend with a 100 jobs, Bert which includes chimney sweeper and sidewalk artist. The wonderful Glynis Johns (who should also be honored with Damehood like Julie) is fantastic as Mrs. Banks. The children, Michael and Jane, are also great performers. I can't forget Elsa Lancaster as the last nanny before Mary Poppins. The film is a timeless classic for children and adults. I remember as a child watching it on television before the popularity of DVDs and VHS cassettes. This was a time when we used our memories to remember the brilliant animation, costumes, art direction, and cinematography of the movies as well as the acting and writing and in this movie as well as the singing.
A wonderful magical nanny of a film!
posted on 21 Jun 2008I've always loved Mary Poppins ever since I was a little boy! Now I'm 18 years old and I still think it's a true Disney Classic! In the movie a magical nanny named Mary Poppins (Julie Andrews) comes to take care of two children named Jane and Michael Banks (Karen Dotrice and Matthew Garber) and to help their cold father George Banks (David Tomlinson) learn to love them. She also has some assistance from her good friend Bert (Dick Van Dyke) who sings one of the best songs in the movie Chimm Chimminnee. My favorite character in the movie was Uncle Albert (Ed Wynn who also voiced Mad Hatter in Alice in Wonderland) and I love the song I love to laugh! I's a very funny and wonderful song! But I think the best song of the whole movie is Feed the Birds and Julie Andrews just sings it very beautifully! Filled with wonderful characters, story, setting and music written by the wonderful Sherman Brothers Richard M. and Robert B. Mary Poppins is a true Disney classic that'll go on forever and forever as long as A spoon full of sugar can help the medicine go down! It'll always remain in my heart forever and ever! 10 0ut of 10!
Down with "The Sound Of Music"!!!!
posted on 22 Apr 2008Hands down, this movie is better than The Sound Of Music. The story of Mary Poppins will endure as the greater classic, because it has been around for so long and was the first to make Andrews a movie star. (She got the best actress Oscar nod for her superb work.) The songs, actors and plot fit together and really make it work on screen. Some of my favorite songs are "Feed the Birds" and "Sister Suffragette" (although "Chim Chim Cher-ee" recieved the best song academy award..thats good too!). The story begins as Burt, a chimney sweep (or a hobo, I can't figure it out), sings songs in the streets of London to passer-bys for a little money, as he predicts the arrival of his good friend Mary Poppins by feeling the direction of the wind. ('Changing wind' becomes symbolic in the story.) Turing to the camera after his performance he greets the audience and helps us find number 17 Cheery Tree Lane, residence of George Banks, an upstanding, no-nonsense british banker type (I guess his last name is just a coincidence...) who believes that all children must be 'molded' and taught by very stern methods. Mrs. Banks, on the contrary, is a free-spirited, feisty women's rights advocate who relishes in throwing eggs at the prime minister and going to rallies. Their two children Jane and Michael (very cute) are left with nasty, old nannies who cannot stand them and so they run away and get in trouble. Trouble indeed ensues after the most recent nanny leaves, when Mr. Banks finds out about the situation he decides to put an advertisement in the Times and hand pick the next one himself. With a little bit of Mary Poppins magic, the advertisement that Jane & Michael write declaring that the new nanny should have "rosy chheks" and "play games, all sorts" gets reprocessed after Banks tears it up in the fire place, regarding it as rubbish. Mary Poppins of course answers it from her home up in the sky and over takes the household, making it a cheery and fun place to be. Her magic and charm pays off as at the end, after a lot of meditating on Banks part and some blows to his ego, he comes around and learns how to communicate with his children. The wind changes, and so Mary is off to help others in need of a spoon full of sugar to make the medicine go down. This movie is practically perfect in every way.
Walt Disney's Finest Work
posted on 04 Apr 2008Certainly, many words can be applied to 'Mary Poppins': a timeless, imaginative, magical, beautiful classic. It is my sincere belief that it was Walt Disney's ultimate accomplishment. All of his best is here, including a great story, augmented with animation, music, fantasy, and humor. Everyone involved in the film's creation was at his or her professional peaks.To call 'Mary Poppins' timeless is truly an understatement. For a film that was released in 1964, it holds up as great today as it must have enchanted many on its original release. The integration of live actors with animation pre-dated 'Roger Rabbit' by 24 years. Bear in mind that this film was put together in an era that did not even envision a word like 'digital'. The imagery of live actors blends with artwork (like the fantastic matte paintings) flawlessly. 'Mary Poppins' received a much-deserved Oscar for visual effects.Walt Disney knew that in our hearts lives a portion of our childhood, and his 'Mary Poppins' touches that part of us. He knew what it took to make things wonderfully, putting together something for everyone. This is not simply a kid's movie, just as his Disneyland is not just a kid's amusement park. A film like this had to have a perfect cast. Dick Van Dyke was never better, and has not yet topped his performance as Bert. Julie Andrews is exceptionally beautiful here. I loved her in 'The Sound Of Music,' but this one is a notch above that. Her most striking musical accomplishment in 'Mary Poppins' was the 'Feed The Birds' segment. The song hauntingly delighted Walt Disney for the remainder of his life. Sadly, he passed on only 2 years later.The running time is a little over two hours. Most Disney features run around 70 minutes. I thought the 70-minute time was created because of the shorter attention spans of children. However, all of my young children stayed transfixed with 'Mary Poppins' entirely, including the end credits.Using the four-star rating system, this is easily '****'. It is a must-have for your DVD collection, not only for the visuals, but also for the superb soundtrack.George
Best of all Disney...
posted on 23 Mar 2008A teacher of mine handed me a play one day called "My Fair Lady" and opened a new life for me... I saved until I could buy the Orig Broadway Cast recording of "My Fair Lady" and could soon sing along w/Rex Harrison & Julie Andrews so I was crushed when I heard she was not chosen for the movie... as she commented when she picked up the Oscar for best actress in "Mary Poppins" instead "Thank you Jack Warner"... Mary Poppins was for me the best of all Disney movies. Living in a small Minnesota town where the biggest excitement of the week was "What's on Disney this Sunday Night?" and the second biggest was "What movie is Disney promoting after the 'Wonderful World of Disney'" ... Mary Poppins helped this then-12-year-old-kid who was hurting from the recent death of his mother fly off to a kind of "Mental Neverland" and cope... The only thing I never understood was the casting of the (normally) very funny Dick Van Dyke as a cockney ??? but he made up for it with "I Love to Laugh" & playing the elderly banker
The Perfect Family Film
posted on 22 Jun 2009After losing the role of Eliza in the film version of MY FAIR LADY, Julie Andrews got sweet revenge and an Oscar for her film debut in 1964's MARY POPPINS, a dazzling, enchanting family musical which was personally overseen by Walt Disney himself, who hand-picked Andrews for the title role. Based on the books by P.L. Travers, this film centers around the Banks family of London 1912, whose most recent Nanny (Elsa Lanchester)has just quit after the children (Matthew Garber, Karen Dotrice)have run away again chasing an out of control kite. George Banks (David Tomlinson)begins to advertise for a new Nanny when the children come to him with their own advertisement, which George dismisses, tears up, and throws in the fireplace. We then see the pieces of the children's advertisement float up the fireplace. Enter Mary Poppins (Andrews), the "practically perfect" who arrives to interview for the job with the children's advertisement in her hand, all taped together. What follows are a wonderful series of adventures including a magical housecleaning of the nursery, a tea party on the ceiling, a country holiday in a sidewalk chalk drawing, and a dance session on the rooftops of London with about 100 chimney sweeps. This is movie magic at its zenith, and it is just as entertaining now as it was 42 years ago. It is a definitely a family film, but there are lovely adult touches in the screenplay...I love the way it is implied that Mary and Bert (Dick Van Dyke), the chimney sweep/jack-of-all-trades, have met before this movie takes place but it is never really discussed. I also love the way Mary never admits to having any kind of magic powers and after each adventure tells the children it was all in their imagination. This was the most memorable example of mixing live action with animation during the "Jolly Holiday" scene, which is absolutely delightful. The sublime musical score includes "A Spoonful of Sugar", "Chim Chim Cheree" (which won the Oscar for Best Song), "Step in Time", and of course "Supercalifragilistiexpialidocious." Andrews and Van Dyke are given solid support from Tomlinson and Glynis Johns as Mr. and Mrs. Banks, Hermione Baddeley as their maid, Reta Shaw as their cook, Ed Wynn as Uncle Albert, and Arthur Treacher as a Constable. If you have never seen this film, or more importantly, if your kids have never seen it, go out and get the DVD today because this film continues to enchant generation after generation because it is the perfect family film.