Mary Poppins (1964)

Set in 1910 England, the household of a banker (David Tomlinson) is in turmoil after a series of nannies have left service due to the behavior of his children (Karen Dotrice, Matthew Garber). When the perfect nanny (Julie Andrews) shows up, the household takes a turn for the better although the father is upset by his authority being usurped. Based on the MARY POPPINS books by P.T. Travers and directed by Robert Stevenson (JANE EYRE). A beloved Disney classic to be sure but not without its flaws. It's overlong and some sequences just don't hold up today like the I Love To Laugh number which seems more silly than amusing. Then there's Dick Van Dyke as Bert, the chimney sweep. His singing and dancing are fine but his appalling Cockney accent is near legendary as one of the worst in movie history. Unlike many musical comedy stage stars, Andrews (in her feature film debut) transitioned to the movies smoothly. The reviews for the film were highly positive but one's affection for the film may depend on your age. I've found the newer generation less receptive to the film's "charms" than those of us who saw it in 1964. The songs are by Richard M . and Robert B. Sherman. The lively choreography (the Step In Time number is a highlight) is by Marc Breaux and Dee Dee Wood. With Glynis Johns, Ed Wynn, Elsa Lanchester, Hermione Baddeley, Reta Shaw and Arthur Treacher.