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A Spoonful of Sugar and Mary Poppins
Hitting movies screens in 1964, MARY POPPINS was an unparalleled musical success for Walt Disney. Based on the beloved childrens book series of P.L. Travers -- and illustrated by Mary Shepard -- the film was recently ranked as the 6th Best Musical of All Time by the American Film Institute. A remarkable feat for a film so despised by its author. Travers never approved of Disneys story changes and was outraged by the use of any animation in the film.
Disney had pursued Travers for some time, having tried as early as 1938 to secure the film rights. Travers adamantly objected and only acquiesced 23 years later, if, and only if, she was granted final script approval. Of course, script approval is not the same as final cut and so many meaner aspects of Poppins character were deleted and an animated sequence and numerous songs added.
The plot of the film is similar to the original novel and its sequel, Mary Poppins Come Back. Julie Andrews famously played the titular character, who hopes to be the last in a long line of nannies for the Banks children. The children are soon ushered away on several magical adventures that include a countryside adventure and a tea party in midair. Though the story takes a turn for the darker, as the children get lost in Londons East End, needless to say, in the end they all live happily ever after.
The film was released to rave reviews, despite Ms. Travers objections. Indeed, it earned 13 Academy Awards nominations, winning Oscars for Best Actress, Best Film Editing, Original Music Score, Best Song, and Special Visual Effects. It is still viewed as one of Disneys best live-action musicals.
Interestingly Julie Andrews won an Oscar for her portrayal, she had been passed over by Jack Warner for the lead in MY FAIR LADY, a role she made popular on Broadway. Her co-star, Dick Van Dyke, was cast as Bert because of his ability to play broad, near-slapstick comedy. Though he is much loved in the film, he has long been criticized for attempting the worst Cockney accent ever. Van Dyke acknowledges this fact on the 2004 DVD commentary track to the delight of his co-stars.
About the Author Steve Collins is an Author and Journalist based in California. A huge Disney fan, he uses the Disney Movie Club to complete his collection. Read his reviews of the movies he buys at the Disney Movie Club here.
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