Mary Poppins (1965)

It could be called a very good movie, as fairy tale, and on that count there is no doubt of its merit. However it missed the punch point, and probably that's why the author, Ms Travers, wasn't too happy with it. Of course I am not sure that could be the reason of the relation having deteriorated so much, that Disney didn't even bother to invite her for premiere? That was not only disrespect, but an affront. But the studios, most of all this one, had that ego, and the 'master of all' attitude, so nothing too strange about it. Probably that was one of the reasons, the great Bernard Shaw publicly told, and carried it out too, that he won't have anything to do with Hollywood. The point won't have been missed, had that not been mentioned, and that too quite significantly, in the movie. It is I would say, all the male, head of family's lament, right or wrong, immaterial. That he grinds himself, to take care of the family, silently, whereas the family isn't, "cares" about him. That part is depicted well here too, the wife is a socializing woman, the children, probably due to his hard exterior, are scared of him. No one really dares, or cares, to enter his psyche. This isn't always his fault, but under the circumstances, he thought, he must be like this. To shatter this shell was important. This isn't the first, or only movie, where this subject is brought up. Philadelphia Story is another one of many. But in none of them, the solution, or even the right message is brought out, the conversion of the family, to melt the wall. This aspect had always been buried, and a passing remark, in the main story.But what happens when this is the raison d'etre of the tale? This particular fact was twice mentioned by Mary Poppins, with significance. But practically I couldn't find, the children doing much about that. The Mary Poppins series, was reportedly influenced by author's repentance, of not caring enough to help her father (who incidentally was too a banker, died while he was just in his early forties, reportedly demise hastened due to Alcoholism). Had they skipped to mention it, probably the movie won't have lost anything, in its story line. But retaining it, and doing nothing about it, really gives a wrong message, as if it is the father, who should break the mould itself. The Beast should become prince charming, without tears of Belle. Any good fairy tales should have an underlying message, for the children. Cinderella tells the children not to be despondent of the circumstances, with the persons who are kind (there would be a few), you could rise up. La Belle et la Bête teaches not to be overtly scared or affected by the exterior, there could be something exquisite underneath, to be discovered. Little Mermaid tells, for someone whom you really care, no sacrifice is enough. Like that this too had a message, in fact may be all of the above together, which the movie version missed.

I never realized what a high energy movie this was until I experienced all the singing and dancing. Nor does one consider Dick Van Dyke to be more than the rubber faced comic who performed as the amiable Rob Petrie on the television show that bore his name. But here, teamed with Julie Andrews, the musical pair light up the screen as a mystical, magical couple that teaches a couple of young kids how wonderful life can be. And in doing so, show their business obsessed father how to be a Dad in a world that too often doesn't have time for it's youngsters. The film is a mix of classic Disney animation and joyful live action with a sprinkling of catchy tunes that you'll be singing to yourself for a couple of days afterward. I can't remember when or where I first heard them, but songs like 'Spoonful of Sugar' and that Super etcetera, etcetera one have a tendency to linger in one's mind for a considerable length of time. Julie Andrews was made for the role of Mary Poppins, and Van Dyke clearly is allowed to strut his stuff in a way that demonstrates his versatility as an actor. You only got a hint of that in that opening scene of 'The Dick Van Dyke' show when he dancingly sidesteps the ottoman in his way; here he's hopping all over the place. The only thing that made me go huh? in the picture was during that tea party on the ceiling scene. Ed Wynn was classic as Uncle Albert by the way, but it seemed out of character for Mary to be so down on the 'laugh out loud' aspect of Albert's character. Here she was trying to convey a sense of wonder and happiness to her two young wards, and frowning upon those ridiculous jokes seemed out of place. But that aside, I had a pretty good time with the picture, and if I had to pick a favorite scene, I thought the penguin sequence with Bert (Van Dyke) was very cleverly done.

MARY POPPINS is one of those films that I grew up watching as a kid and have retained a fondness for in adulthood. I typically dislike Disney productions with their twee sentimentality and kiddie sensibility, but this film is so colourful, so vibrant, so energetic, that you can't help but love it. I'm no fan of Julie Andrews and indifferent to her supposedly warm presence here, but the great Dick Van Dyke is a real scene-stealer and involved in all of my favourite moments in the movie. The songs are fantastic too, and there's never too long to wait before the next. Add in plenty of spectacular and undated special effects and you have the cinematic equivalent of drinking a cup of warm cocoa in front of a roaring fire.

Just recently, I watched this film with my younger sister, who is pretty much obsessed with the whole "High School Musical" phenomenon. I wanted to show her the musical that defined MY childhood, but wasn't sure how she would react to the dated graphics and themes. I was pleasantly surprised to find that she found the film to be very entertaining, from the goofy songs to the crazy characters to the wacky animation.In all honesty, though, what is not to like about this charming film?! The areas in which the movie excels include:Plot: Simple enough (Nanny swoops down from above to take care of somewhat-neglected children) for children to understand, but with just enough political undertones to keep adults' attention, something that does not occur in HSM (in that series, either you buy into the catchy tunes or you don't...there's no middle ground).Acting: Julie Andrews (as Mary Poppins) and Dick Van Dyke (as chimney-sweep Bert) turn in incredible performances that can be enjoyed by children and adults alike, and there isn't a member of the supporting cast that doesn't bring something interesting to the table.Music: Of course, a musical film is ultimately judged by the success of its musical numbers, and in that case "Mary Poppins" is a rousing success! It would take too long to rate all the musical numbers in this movie, but suffice it to say that they offer something for everyone. I personally love the chimney-sweep's "Step In Time" upbeat dance, while my younger sister's favorite was, as she would said, "the one with the dancing penguins!".Overall, "Mary Poppins" is a movie that can be enjoyed by any and all ages from now until the end of time. Please watch the film to sustain your own craving for nostalgia, then introduce it to your children/relatives to show them that musicals need not be set in high school.