From Shane Conto

What is the cornerstone film of live action Disney films? There was a period in time between the 60s and 70s where Disney was creating plenty of live action films that have become beloved classics for generations. There were the kids who grew up with them who showed their children. Those children are starting to have their own kids with whom they can share this tradition. There are few films of that era that have created the same level of cultural impact as Mary Poppins. This beloved film is still being referenced in modern cinema (including The Guardians of the Galaxy). We have received a long awaited sequel and a touching drama about the making of this film. Mary Poppins is the benchmark for all these live action Disney classics.

What makes this film so magical? Walt Disney and director Robert Stevenson took creative license with P.L. Travers' stories but the magic that Disney and company created in this musical adventure is just downright remarkable. Disney was well known for animation even then and the bold choice to combine live action and animation was an inspired choice. Seeing Dick Van Dyke dancing around in a color tuxedo with a bunch of animated penguins will always be magic. There are few films that offer something so charming as that. The whole trip into a sidewalk chalk world is just such a revolutionary and entertaining prospect. You see all the fun elements that float around Mary herself. The talking umbrella. Sliding up the bannister. The act of flying in general. There is such a sense of wonder that feels so pure and sweet in Mary Poppins.

Speaking of charming…what is the other big element that makes Mary Poppins so wondrous and engaging? The music. The Sherman Brothers crafted something truly special when it comes to this live action fantasy. “A Spoonful of Sugar” captures the magic that Mary just executes at every turn. Julie Andrews was a marvel as Mary and her charisma sells every line of the film (and so does her perfect voice).  “Step in Time” is a big musical dance number with Van Dyke leading a whole crew of chimney sweeps in a fun and physical performance. David Tomlinson (whose singing was limited yet charming) gets to show his chops with “Fidelity Fiduciary Bank”. “Jolly Holiday” is a sweet and charming pair performance for Van Dyke and Andrews. But it is the grand finale of “Let’s Go Fly a Kite” that channels the themes of the film and the big rousing energy to wrap up this film so perfectly. 

But Mary Poppins isn’t all fun, is it? There is something poignant to be said as well. As a kid, you think this is about the Banks children. As an adult, you realize that this was always about Mr. Banks. He was an absent father and he is forced to find new priorities thanks to the great work of Mary. Tomlinson sells the emotion and poignancy of this throughline allowing for many to find new opportunities as well. You see Mary as “nearly perfect in every way” but Andrews adds a bit of snark and a bit of authority in her performance (trying to channel Travers’ vision of Poppins). Andrews is a perfectly charming and wonderful human being and she goes a long way in making this story come to life. 

A better question is…does Mary Poppins have it all? The character does for sure. Just look at how she measures up (perfectly). The music is wonderfully charming and fun for sure. The actors are all pulling their weight in some big ways to tie this story all together. The magic technology of the animation is a venture we hope that we could visit at some point in our lives. The music, effects, performance, and themes are all iconic and we do not see that changing any time soon. 

Mary Poppins is streaming on Disney+.

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