Opened: August 27, 1964

Directed by: Robert Stevenson

Starring: Julie Andrews, Dick Van Dyke, David Tomlinson, Glynis Johns, Hermione Baddeley, Reta Shaw, Karen Dotrice, Matthew Garber, Elsa Lanchester, Arthur Treacher, Reginald Owen, Jane Darwell & Ed Wynn

The gold standard for Disney live-action films, Mary Poppins is a joy from start to finish.

When Jane and Michael Banks (Karen Dotrice and Matthew Garber, respectively) need a new nanny, Mary Poppins (Julie Andrews) flies in to change their lives. While she and Bert (Dick Van Dyke) take them on adventures, their father George (David Tomlinson) struggles with work.

Andrews is absolutely splendid as Mary Poppins. She’s brings a lightness to the screen, but can be stern when she wants to. Van Dyke may have a terrible accent, but he’s exciting to watch. The characters presented here are better than their book counterparts.

One of the most incredible parts of the film is the animated sequence. Everything from the penguins to the carousel racing is a spectacle. It’ll have you saying Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.

Final say: Practically perfect in every way. ★★★★★