Mary Poppins

Release Date: September 24, 1964

Watch Date: July 3 – July 4, 2024

“‘Practically Perfect in Every Way’ Mary Poppins (Julie Andrews) flies out of the windy London skies and into the home of two mischievous children. With the help of a carefree chimney sweep named Bert (Dick Van Dyke), the spirited nanny turns every chore into a game and every day into a ‘Jolly Holiday’ to reconnect the children with their parents.”

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   To be perfectly honest, I’ve never really seen the appeal of Mary Poppins. Which makes no sense, if you think about it, because I like all of the songs, I love the main actors, and I think the inclusion of animation is fun. But yet, if I’m offered a chance to watch Mary Poppins I will almost always pass it up, unless – like the last few nights – I had no other option.

   The only reason I can think of that I would have to not enjoy Mary Poppins, other than having owned ‘Bedknobs and Broomsticks’ and just generally enjoying that more, is probably the reason why I enjoy ‘Bedknobs and Broomsticks’ more. I like that there’s a clear story, there’s motivation. The war is on and we need to get in front of it, find a way to keep England safe.

   I’ve never understood Mary Poppins’ motivations. Some kids need a nanny, and they definitely do – their parents suck. So she takes them on adventures, but she always seems put out by it, like they’re dragging her along. Is that half the fun? She has magic powers but no explanation as to why, nor does she feel like giving it.

   And then, we re-watched ‘Saving Mr. Banks’ and much like Walt himself, I understood. The movie has nothing to do with the kids. Sure, the kids are acting out, but they’re acting out because they’re not getting the attention they need, or having anyone around to appreciate their childhood. Mary Poppins’ is there to save Mr. Banks. And once you watch the film with that in mind, the whole meaning opens up. She’s there to poke and prod him along, for him to see how much more important his children’s lives are, instead of the vices he holds so dear – money, punctuality, perfectionism.

   Bert’s just a fun addition.

   Now, do I think the “Step in Time” segment goes on for a little too long? Yes. But I also understand that back then a long dance sequence in a musical was kind of expected. But the songs are always going to hit just right, even if the movie never did. I know all of them, except the first lullaby by heart, and will sing and or quote them in the appropriate situations. I even tell my own children (when they catch me making a mistake) that, like Mary Poppins, I’m practically perfect in every way, but that I can’t be expected to get everything right all the time.

   This movie is a cultural phenomenon. It made Julie Andrews, and thank god for that. She’ll go on to star in the ‘Sound of Music’ which we get to watch in two short films, and I am extremely excited for that one. If you find your niche in roles as a singing nanny to a father who ultimately loves his children but doesn’t know how to appropriately parent them, I say go for it.