Mary Poppins [G]

When Jane and Michael Banks manage to get rid of their newest nanny, their uptight, business-minded father takes it upon himself to hire the next nanny, one who will be firm, give commands, and mould the young breed. So, in steps the beautiful and kind Mary Poppins; every child’s dream and not at all what George Banks had in mind. Through games, music, and a little magic, Mary Poppins not only teaches the children how to behave, but teaches the adults how to notice. 

One of my all-time favourite Disney musicals, Mary Poppins is a timeless tale of love, magic, laughter, and family. Filled with loveable characters and songs that will stay with you forever, it’s the perfect family movie! 

Jane and Michael Banks are two children who just want to be noticed by their business-minded father, George. When they manage to get rid of their newest nanny, George takes it upon himself to select the next one. Advertising for a strong-willed nanny who will be firm, give commands, and mould his young breed, what he gets is none of the above. In flies the sugary sweet Mary Poppins, rosey cheeks and all, here to teach and take care of the children. Through games, music, and a little bit of magic, Mary Poppins not only teaches the children some lessons, but the adults as well. 

I am rather disappointed that this film does not make it into my bible 1001 Films You Must See Before You Die. Not only is the story sampled in other things like The Simpsons and The Nanny, it was the first film (at least I’m pretty sure it was) that combined animation and live actors. The Jolly Holiday scene shows the live human actors in an animated world, conversing with foxes and penguins as naturally as anything, not dissimilar to Bedknobs and Broomsticks. A real step forward in cinema. 

Julie Andrews stars as Mary Poppins and she’s absolutely lovely. Not as vivacious and free-spirited as Maria in The Sound of Music, she played the role of Mary with much more elegance and a refined decorum. With her perfect annunciation and her beautiful voice, she provides the film with the magic. 

Dick Van Dyke stars as both Bert and the Elder Mr Dawes and he’s just wonderful. Being critically acclaimed in this film for having the world’s worst cockney accent, he still turns in an enthusiastic and energetic performance that has me laughing and swooning every time. Between his grandiose and sweeping gestures, his great voice, and his funny facial expressions, he’s an absolute joy to watch on the screen. 

Starring David Tomlinson, Glynis Johns, Hermione Baddeley, Rita Shaw, Karen Dotrice, and Matthew Garber, Mary Poppins is a timeless classic filled with loveable characters, votes for women, fun, and songs that stay with you forever. Possibly the greatest nanny film ever made, I love this movie to bits. 

“Just a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down. The medicine go down. Medicine go down. Just a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down in a most delightful way. “