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The MPAA rated Mary Poppins (2004) G.

George Banks (David Tomlinson) is a diligent employee. But as breadwinner and lord of his British household, he has very little time for parenting. Marching with the women suffragettes, his wife Winifred (Glynis Johns) is equally preoccupied with issues outside of the home. Its no wonder then that the harried couple is quite put out when yet another disenchanted nanny (Elsa Lanchester) turns in her resignation notice.

However, a stroke of good luck comes their way when Mary Poppins (Julie Andrews) alights on their front stoop. Pretty, punctual and "practically perfect in every way", she's a godsend for the whole family. As the new nursemaid, she makes sure the children are trained, entertained and snuggly tucked in at the end of the day.

Jane (Karen Dotrice) and Michael (Matthew Garber) find Mary a radical change from the previous pinched-face caregivers they've had. Although she demands good manners and proper conduct, she is dedicated to taking the children on magical adventures. Along with her friend Bert (Dick Van Dyck), an ordinary jack-of-all-trades, they jump into sidewalk chalk drawings and ride on free-roaming carousel horses in scenes that showcase methods of early animation.

George, on the other hand, is baffled by Mary's effect on himself and his brood. While he can't quite put a finger on it, he definitely knows things have changed since she blew in. The cook is calmer, the maid is merrier and before long, and even George---the epitome of a standoffish father---is taking his kids into work at the bank.

Fortunately, Mary Poppins did more than perk up family relationships at the Banks' mansion. She also proved to be a piece of good fortune for Disney Studios who won 5 of 11 nominations at the Academy Awards the following year, including a Best Actress for the up-and-coming Andrews.

Remastered and remixed for it's 40th Anniversary Edition, the 2-disc DVD offers an all-new animated short hosted by Julie Andrews. The bonus film entitled The Cat That Looked at a King is based on a story from the original Mary Poppins series written by P.L. Traver and features the voices of Sarah Ferguson, Tracy Ullman and David Ogden Stiers.

Additionally, the disc set goes behind the scenes in Mary Poppins and reunites the talents of Andrews, Van Dyck and musical score writer Richard Sherman for a reminiscent look at the production of the film. A sing along section, a trivia game and a featurette focusing on the film's special effect techniques are also some of the extras included in the release.

Brimming with musical numbers, the film is a highly romanticized portrayal of domestics, chimneysweeps and common laborers. Four decades after its original release, the attitude toward female voters and the role of fathers may have changed but undoubtedly Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious is still a handy word to know when you're stumped for something to say.

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Talk about the movie with your family...

How did George and Winifred feel about their children? Were they negligent or preoccupied in their role as parents? What helped change their attitude?

How can appropriate humor help dispel an awkward situation?

How did the view the jobs of common laborers as compared to businessmen in this film? Which occupations are highlighted in movies now?

Video alternatives...

Mary Poppins was Julie Andrew's first film hit. The next year she was nominated for a Best Actress award for her role as a governess in the Sound of Music. She has recently starred as the Queen of Genovia who transforms her gangly granddaughter into royalty inThe Princess Diaries and Princess Diaries 2: The Royal Engagement.

Kerry Bennett

© 2004 One Voice Communications. All Rights Reserved.

Official Website...
http://disney.go.com/disneyvideos/liveaction/marypoppins/home.html .