Mary Poppins (1964)

Introduction

Released in 1964, Mary Poppins is a cinematic gem that seamlessly blends elements of fantasy, family-friendly entertainment, and timeless music. Directed by Robert Stevenson and produced by Walt Disney, this film became an instant classic that continues to resonate with audiences across generations. It is a masterpiece that not only introduces a magical world of imagination but also presents powerful lessons about love, discipline, and the importance of seeing the world with childlike wonder.

Based on P.L. Travers' series of children's books, Mary Poppins stars Julie Andrews in her unforgettable role as the titular character, a magical, whimsical nanny who arrives to care for the Banks children, Jane and Michael. Alongside her is Dick Van Dyke, playing the eccentric chimney sweep, Bert, who helps bring the film’s vibrant, magical sequences to life.

Beyond its enchanting plot, Mary Poppins stands as a landmark in the history of film for its innovative combination of live-action and animation. Its use of music, imaginative sets, and its appeal to both children and adults has secured its place as one of Disney’s most cherished films.

Plot Summary (Spoilers Ahead)

The story of Mary Poppins begins in London at the Banks family household, where the Banks children, Jane (Karen Dotrice) and Michael (Matthew Garber), are mischievous and misbehaving. Their lives are controlled by their strict and absent-minded father, Mr. George Banks (David Tomlinson), who works at a bank and is determined to discipline his children by employing the stern governesses he insists on hiring. All of them, however, fail miserably at their job.

In a turn of events, Mary Poppins (Julie Andrews), a magically gifted, almost otherworldly nanny, arrives at the Banks household, much to the surprise of George and his wife, Winifred (Glynis Johns). Mary Poppins is practically perfect in every way: kind, fun, yet firm, and she quickly wins the hearts of the children. Under her care, Jane and Michael are introduced to a series of fantastical experiences that challenge the rigidity of their father’s rules and allow them to open their minds to creativity and imagination.

One of the most notable elements of Mary Poppins’ magical abilities is her use of the fantastical: from her bottomless carpet bag that contains an endless variety of items to her ability to fly with an umbrella. Through her kindness and wisdom, she teaches the children about the value of family, the importance of balancing fun with responsibility, and the role of love in a family’s life.

Meanwhile, Bert (Dick Van Dyke), a charming and cheerful chimney sweep, becomes a close companion to Mary and the children, helping to introduce them to whimsical adventures such as the famous "Step in Time" dance sequence and the animated world of "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious." These fantastical journeys become the catalyst for deeper lessons about family life and individual happiness.

The film builds to a climactic point where Mary Poppins helps George Banks rediscover his capacity for joy and love, leading to a heart warming reconciliation with his children. Ultimately, the lesson is that while structure and discipline are important, they must be balanced with joy, creativity, and emotional connection to create a truly harmonious family dynamic.

Themes and Analysis

The Power of Imagination and Play

At its heart, Mary Poppins is a celebration of imagination and the importance of seeing the world through a child’s eyes. The film encourages the idea that, in order to live a fulfilled and happy life, one must embrace the whimsical and fantastical aspects of existence. This is exemplified through the many magical adventures Mary Poppins takes the children on, from the chalk-drawing sequence with Bert, to the rooftop dance sequence with chimney sweeps, to the iconic "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious" scene.

Mary Poppins introduces Jane and Michael to a world beyond their rigid upbringing, where creativity and joy flourish. In a way, Mary herself becomes a symbol of childlike wonder, a reminder that the world is not just about rules and responsibility, but also about having fun and finding joy in the simple things.

The Struggle Between Responsibility and Freedom

A major thematic element of the film is the tension between the strict responsibility that George Banks represents and the freedom and lightness that Mary Poppins and Bert bring to the household. George’s approach to raising his children is one of discipline, and while his intentions are not malicious, they are based on a rigid, emotionless view of parenting. He believes that to shape his children into responsible adults, they must adhere strictly to the rules.

However, the presence of Mary Poppins reveals a more balanced and emotionally nurturing approach to child-rearing. Mary does not reject responsibility but emphasizes that responsibility can coexist with joy and creativity. By using her whimsical methods to shape Jane and Michael’s lives, she teaches them that while rules and boundaries are important, they should not come at the expense of happiness, exploration, or love. This thematic conflict is particularly illustrated in the contrast between the cold, austere environment of George’s bank and the lively, spirited adventures of the children with Mary Poppins.

Through Mary Poppins, the film suggests that structure and freedom need not be mutually exclusive. Rather, they must work in tandem to create a well-rounded, healthy life.

The Importance of Family Bonds

While the film presents the fantastical adventures of Mary Poppins, its deeper emotional core revolves around the importance of family and connection. The relationship between George and his children is initially strained due to his focus on work and his emotional distance. He has prioritized his career over spending quality time with his family, and as a result, his children feel neglected.

Mary Poppins’ arrival brings these issues to light, as she teaches George that his children need his love and presence more than they need his discipline or material comforts. Through the fun and whimsical activities Mary introduces, George comes to understand that his relationship with his children is more important than his professional success. In the end, George is transformed into a more emotionally open and involved father, suggesting that the best way to ensure a family’s success is through love, attention, and mutual respect.

This central theme of family bonds is especially highlighted in the conclusion of the film, where Mary Poppins’ influence leads to a happy, unified family, where George and Winifred both realize the value of spending time together as a family and reconnecting emotionally with their children.

Musical Numbers

The musical score of Mary Poppins is one of its standout features, with Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman composing some of the most iconic songs in film history. The songs are both catchy and meaningful, elevating the film’s themes and providing some of its most memorable moments. The songs are integrated seamlessly into the plot, allowing them to enhance both the emotional and narrative arcs of the film.

“Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious”

One of the most iconic songs in the history of film, this lively, nonsensical number is performed by Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke, and it perfectly captures the film’s playful and imaginative spirit. The song is an embodiment of the film’s message that the world is more fun and exciting when one embraces creativity and whimsy.

“A Spoonful of Sugar”

This song, sung by Mary Poppins herself, is a metaphor for the central lesson of the film: that a positive attitude and a sense of fun can make even the most mundane tasks more enjoyable. It’s an uplifting and simple tune that reflects Mary’s ability to bring joy into every situation, making her an ideal figure for the children to learn from.

“Chim Chim Cher-ee”

Performed by Dick Van Dyke as Bert, this song is a light-hearted and whimsical ode to chimney sweeps. Its lively rhythm and joyful spirit reflect Bert’s easy-going nature, and it encapsulates the fun, carefree world that Mary Poppins introduces to the children.

“Feed the Birds”

A somber and reflective song, performed by Glynis Johns as the Bird Woman. This song serves as a gentle reminder of the importance of kindness, compassion, and selflessness, contrasting with the more exuberant tunes in the film.

Performances

The performances in Mary Poppins are nothing short of legendary, with Julie Andrews’ portrayal of the magical nanny cementing her place as one of the most beloved figures in film history. Her portrayal of Mary Poppins is both authoritative and endearing, striking a perfect balance between being strict when necessary and warm and caring when required.

Dick Van Dyke as Bert is equally memorable, with his charm, physicality, and comedic timing adding an additional layer of fun and liveliness to the film. Van Dyke's character provides a whimsical counterpoint to Julie Andrews’ Mary Poppins, and their chemistry is infectious.

The supporting cast, including David Tomlinson as George Banks and Glynis Johns as Winifred Banks, offers strong performances that help ground the film in its emotional core, making the fantastical elements even more impactful.

Direction and Cinematic Style

Robert Stevenson’s direction strikes a fine balance between whimsical fantasy and heartfelt emotion. His use of colour, lighting, and visual effects creates a world that feels both magical and grounded, and his ability to weave live-action with animation is one of the film’s defining features. The animated sequence, where Mary and the children jump into a chalk drawing, is one of the film’s standout moments and remains a ground breaking achievement in the fusion of live-action and animation.

Legacy and Influence

Mary Poppins became an instant classic upon its release and has continued to endure as a beloved family film. The film won five Academy Awards, including Best Actress for Julie Andrews, and has influenced generations of filmmakers and audiences. The song “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” remains one of the most recognizable tunes in cinematic history, and the character of Mary Poppins continues to be a symbol of magic, wisdom, and compassion.

In 2018, Disney released Mary Poppins Returns, a sequel to the original film, with Emily Blunt taking on the role of the magical nanny. While the film received praise, it was clear that the original film’s unique blend of charm, magic, and heart would be difficult to replicate.

Conclusion

Mary Poppins is a timeless classic that has touched the hearts of audiences worldwide. Its combination of magical realism, heart warming themes, unforgettable music, and remarkable performances make it a cinematic treasure that continues to enchant viewers, young and old. Through its lessons of love, family, and imagination, Mary Poppins remains one of Disney’s greatest achievements and a film that is likely to remain a favourite for many generations to come.