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Mary Poppins
Starring: Julie Andrews, Dick Van Dyke
Review Summary
"Before Julie Andrews starred in The Sound of Music, she played the title character in this film, who happens to be the greatest nanny in the world. Mary and Bert (Van Dyke) come together to bring joy into the Banks children's lives, and there are some memorable songs to sing along to. The songs include A Spoonful of Sugar, Chim Chim Cheree, and the one with the hardest title to spell, "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious." This is a classic that the whole family can enjoy together, and it won a lot of Oscars, too."
--Teddy, Resident Mary Poppins Scholar

"In response to being shut out of thier parent's lives, Jane and Micheal Banks stage a sustained rebellion which targets a series of Nannies untill one Mary Poppins is hired. This Poppins woman manipulates the Bank's household into a crises while gently demonstrating to Mr. Banks that it is his children that hold true meaning in his life. "
--Kevin Marley, Resident Mary Poppins Scholar

"Set in turn of the century London, this 1964 Disney classic introduces us to the Banks' of #17 Cherry Tree Lane. The seemingly functional white collar family is headed by husband and father George Banks (played by Oscar deserved Disney veteran actor David Tomlinson)who treats his wife and children more like the trophies of an accomplished man than a cherrished and adored part of his life. When Mary Poppins(played by Julie Andrews, who did win the Oscar for this role) is carried in on the east winds and hires on as the new nanny to Jane and Michael Banks, the world of this astute Edwardian man is turned upside down. With the arrival of Poppins comes a new feeling in the household and a series of magical adventures for Jane and Michael. What child wouldn't love making their bedroom clean itself with the snap of a finger or walk up a stairway made of smoke to the top of Big Ben, just to mention a couple.With all of this Geoge Banks priorities are questioned. In the end it is the wisdom of Bert the cockney chimney sweep(played by Dick Van Dyke)who sums it up for Mr. Banks by reminding him of how short childhood is and rare the opportunity of fatherhood. With his career in ruins Geoge seeks solace in his family and with paper and string repairs a kite and his relationship with his wife and children. For Jane and Michael the amazing journeys with Mary Poppins are quickly forgotten over the simple act of flying a kite with father. Mary Poppins (who pretends to be oblivious to her own magic and charms) simply floats away in the west winds and states, "That's as it should be." This truck driver and father of four is not embarrased to claim this as his favorite movie of all time. "
--r. chad hansen, Resident Mary Poppins Scholar

"One day the latest nanny for Jane and Michael, the children of banker George Banks (David Tomlinson) and militant suffragette Winifred Banks (Glynis Johns), quits. A new nanny named Mary Poppins (Andrews, in her first movie role after some years on the stage), "blows away" the competition and enchants the kids with her wisdom, her magic, and her friends -- chief among them a jack-of-all-trades named Bert (Van Dyke, who also dons heavy disguise to play elderly Mr. Dawes, chairman of the bank). Nearly the entire movie, from a visit to laughing Uncle Albert (Ed Wynn) to a heavily choreographed chimney sweep ballet on the rooftops of London, was shot indoors. In 1964, this Disney film's combination of live action and animation, other special effects, and lovely songs by Richard and Robert Sherman -- all to support a story taken from the books of P.L. Travers -- were enchanting."
--David Loftus, Resident Mary Poppins Scholar

"The children are looking for a new nanny. When Mary Poppins arrives literally blowing the others away, she lands the job. Staying until the wind changes, Mary Poppins goes on many fun occasions with the children including an animated horse race, and out to tea with a man who can't stop laughing."
--kaity loder, Resident Mary Poppins Scholar

" She may have been dumped for “My Fair Lady,” but Julie Andrews capitalizes on “Mary Poppins” and picks up her Best Actress Oscar as the umbrella-carrying nanny, who has a magical answer for any and all ills. Certainly, “Mary Poppins” is one of Walt Disney's most popular productions. Ably co-starring Dick Van Dyke (who can forget the rooftop “ballet” scene he masterminds!), the movie is turn-of-the-century London in all its glory. Combining cartoon techniques with live acting, the film is more than “A Spoonful of Sugar.” It'sactually “supercalifragilisticexpialidocious”! "
--Bill Hobbs, Resident Mary Poppins Scholar

Overall Review
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Ratings are on a 1-10 scale (Low to High)
Plot
Comedy, primarily Yes
Time/era of movie: - 1900-1920's

Main Character
Identity: - Female
Profession/status: - servant
Age: - 20's-30's
Has magical powers? Yes
Magical/mental powers of main character: - can talk to animals - can fly
Hair color? - brunette (Brown)
Ethnicity/Nationality - British
How sensitive is this character? - sensitive to others' feelings
Sense of humor? - Mostly serious with occasional humor
Intelligence - Average intelligence
Physique - average physique

Secondary Main Character
Identity: - Male
Hair color - brunette (Brown)
Ethnicity/Nationality - British

Main Adversary
Identity: - Male
Profession/status: - business executive
Hair type - (man) short/standard straight

Setting
Europe Yes
European country: - England/UK
City? Yes
City: - London

Style
Accounts of torture and death? - no torture/death
Movie makes you feel... - very happy
Any profanity? - None
If lots of song/dance... - lot of singing and dancing
If soundtrack VERY NOTICEABLE... - Broadway musical
Is this movie based on a - book
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