“Mary Poppins” is one of a select group of films that can truly be called a Classic. It is filled with so much child-like wonder that it will never grow old or out-of-date. It is based on the book, written in 1934, by P. L. Travers, of a magical nanny who arrives to bring families closer. Friends of Odell Public Library have chosen this delightful and enchanting movie for Tuesday, February 9, 2016. Doors of the library, 307 S. Madison Street, Morrison, IL, open at 2:00 p.m. There is no charge, although donations are welcome.
The film opens with a shot of Mary Poppins touching up her make-up, perched on a cloud high above 1910 London, England. Back on earth we are introduced to the Banks family: father George; mother Winifred; children Michael and Jane.
The children’s last nanny has just quit, exasperated by her job. Mr. Banks decides the next nanny needs to be a strict disciplinarian. However, the children themselves write an ad for someone fun. Mr. Banks tears up the ad throwing it into the fireplace. The small pieces of paper magically fly up the chimney to Mary Poppins, who pieces them together and reads the note.
The next day there is a very long line of candidates for the job, but a strong gust of wind literally blows all the women away. Mary flies down with her umbrella to apply. After getting the job, songs, magic, and numerous wondrously impossible things begin to happen!
“Mary Poppins” was released in 1964 to universal acclaim and received 13 Academy Award nominations, an unsurpassed record. But it was Julie Andrews, cast as Mary Poppins, who truly made the film. She had been passed over for the movie version of her stage hit “My Fair Lady,” but Walt Disney had seen her on Broadway. He knew instantly that she was the one for Mary. And, thus a Classic was born!
In 2013, the film was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress, as being “culturally, historically, and aesthetically significant.” (The New York Times)
Filled with songs we whistle, hum, and sing, clever animations, adorable children, the funny chimney sweep, Bert, and the inimitable Mary Poppins–the movie both delights and enchants, no matter what age.
Come and be charmed by this wonderful film. Although seen by us all, it still guarantees to put a smile on your face.