Mary Poppins (1964)

I finally did it

I did it. I bought a Disney movie -- I mean a kids-oriented one. And then... I actually showed it to my kids (first I watched it again, just to make sure).

This is so totally out of character for me, that it *does* deserve a gasp of surprise.

Because Disney. DISNEY! No positive male role-models DISNEY! Every male character is a fool, a tool, a slob, or a villain DISNEY! Forget about little boys, because only girls are celebrated DISNEY! And yes, I still think that is the case for Disney. And I wonder who all those little girls will grow up to marry, when all the boys are fools, tools, slobs, or villains.

But Julie Andrews. JULIE ANDREWS! Mary Poppins!

So I cracked. And I bought it.

And I had a few twinges on my view-through -- the put-down of men as "rather stupid" in Mrs. Bank's first number; and the presumption that Mr. Banks' flying a kite with his children was somehow MORE valuable than his daily providing for them (I do appreciate the value of kite-flying, just not the value judgment); and the idea that the kids will respect a nanny who is sweet and pretty, but not one who smells weird.

But I went ahead and showed it to the kids, and I'm so glad, because we have been singing the songs like crazy and laughing a lot. The absolute fantasy of it is marvelous, and the songs are beautiful. I like how Bert treats Mary. I like how straight Mary is, as though she isn't magical, when she clearly is.

Very nice.

Now I'm wondering about Bedknobs and Broomsticks. Would anyone be so kind as to enlighten me about whether that one is as good? Thanks!

October 13, 2008

The perfect children's movie

I have numerous happy memories of seeing Mary Poppins since the first time (on its re-release in 1980). I go back to it time and again and have never been bored yet! Highlights - the horse race and the dancing cartoon waiter penguins; Chim Chim Chiree and the acrobatic chimney sweeps; Mrs Banks (Glynis Johns) and her 'Votes for Women'; Reginald Owen's Admiral (with a ship on the roof of his house!); the gorgeous 'Feed the Birds'; the special effects in 'A Spoonful of Sugar'; Ed Wynn as the giggling Uncle Albert; and of course the brilliant performances from Julie Andrews as Mary, Dick van Dyke as Bert/Mr Dawes senior, Karen Dotrice and Matthew Garber as the children Jane and Michael, Hermoine Baddeley as the maid, and David Tomlinson as Mr Banks. Absolutely brilliant and definitely makes you remember being a child with a big smile on your face. Those who don't like it possibly came to it too late in life, but I can't fault it. October 9, 2008

Fabulous

Fabulous. If you like singing, dancing, life lessons, and have an imagination this is for you September 16, 2008

Mary Poppins (40th Anniversary Edition)

Mary Poppins (40th Anniversary Edition)Excellent video; my granddaughter just LOVES it; she has been watching it repeatedly since she received it. Highly recommend this movie for 3 years and up. September 7, 2008

not good

I have not received the DVD. When I try to make contact with the seller through email, the email address is "no longer available." July 31, 2008

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