Mary Poppins: Celebrating 60 Years of a Beloved Classic
Sixty years ago today, Walt Disney brought to life the enchanting world of Mary Poppins. This iconic film, starring Julie Andrews as the practically perfect nanny, continues to captivate audiences of all ages.
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A Marvel of Creativity
The production of Mary Poppins was a masterpiece of artistry, featuring lavish sets, unforgettable characters, and stunning animation. From the charming Cherry Tree Lane to the whimsical “Jolly Holiday” sequence, every detail was carefully crafted to create a magical experience.
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A Treasure Trove of Artifacts
To commemorate this milestone, the Walt Disney Archives has unveiled a collection of iconic props, documents, and artifacts from the film. Among the highlights is the mysterious carpet bag, a symbol of Mary Poppins’ magical abilities. This iconic prop, filled with seemingly endless treasures, has become synonymous with the character herself.
Behind the Scenes Magic
The production of Mary Poppins was a marvel of creativity and ingenuity. From the elaborate sets to the unforgettable costumes, every detail was meticulously crafted to bring the story to life. The film’s iconic “Jolly Holiday” sequence, a whimsical animated interlude, showcases the studio’s innovative approach to storytelling.
Mary’s iconic wardrobe includes her classic black hat, adorned with bright red cherries and flowers; her whimsical “Jolly Holiday” boots; and her stylish arrival shoes. Becky Cline, Director of the Walt Disney Archives, recalls a time when Disney enthusiasts frequently called to ask about the number of cherries on Mary’s hat. (The answer is eight!)
The film’s “Jolly Holiday” segment transports viewers into a vibrant, animated world, a whimsical escape from the characters’ ordinary London life. This imaginative journey, based on a sidewalk drawing by Bert (played by Disney Legend Dick Van Dyke), showcases the artists’ creativity and skill.
The iconic horse race sequence, depicted in the production art above, is a prime example of the talent and vision of art director Carroll Clark and the legendary artists Xavier “X” Atencio, Don DaGradi, Bill Justice, and Peter Ellenshaw. This colorful artwork is just one of many concept drawings, sketches, matte paintings, and other visual elements from the production that are carefully preserved in the Walt Disney Archives.
Featured above is one of the most cherished props in the Archives collection: the snow globe from a pivotal scene in Mary Poppins. In this heartwarming moment, Mary teaches the Banks children a valuable lesson while singing the beloved lullaby “Feed the Birds,” composed by Disney Legends Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman.
The story of how this snow globe, featuring St. Paul’s Cathedral, ended up in the Archives is quite remarkable. Years after the film’s release, the head janitor at the Disney studio discovered it discarded in the trash. Intrigued, he saved it and displayed it in his office. In the early 1970s, a newly hired Dave Smith (founder of the Walt Disney Archives and Disney Legend) spotted the snow globe and immediately recognized it as a prop from Mary Poppins.
This legendary snow globe is now on display at Disney100: The Exhibition in Kansas City, Missouri.
Mary Poppins premiered with great fanfare at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre on Thursday, August 27, 1964. Songwriter Richard Sherman described the experience as “one of the most amazing moments of my life.” After four years of working on the film, he felt a sense of pure joy and excitement.
The Archives collection preserves several unique items from this historic premiere, including tickets, an official lapel ribbon, and a police pass. Planning for this lavish event took seven months, making it Walt Disney’s first major Hollywood premiere since Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs in 1937. When the opening credits for Mary Poppins began, the audience was captivated. Richard Sherman recalled the overwhelming excitement and applause that followed the film’s conclusion. It was a moment of pure joy and satisfaction for all involved in the creation of this beloved classic!
A Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious Legacy
Mary Poppins isn’t just a movie; it’s a sprinkle of fairy dust that never fades. Its magic lies in its timeless themes of kindness, imagination, and the power of family. This classic film continues to inspire and enchant audiences of all ages, reminding us that even the smallest acts of kindness can make a big difference.
And let’s not forget those catchy tunes! Songs like “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” and “A Spoonful of Sugar” are more than just music; they’re a spoonful of happiness that never goes bad. So, next time you’re feeling a bit down, just sing along to Mary Poppins and let the magic of the movies lift your spirits!
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