Saving Mr. Banks

Did you know that:

  • “Saving Mr. Banks” is the first film to depict the iconic entrepreneur Walt Disney.
  • Richard and Robert Sherman’s original score and song (“Chim Chim-Cher-ee”) would go on to win Oscars® at the 1965 ceremonies.
  • “Mary Poppins” won five awards of its 13 Academy Award® nominations: Best Actress (Julie Andrews), Best Effects, Best Film Editing, Original Score and Original Song. Among the nominations were Best Picture and Best Adapted Screenplay.
  • Disney began his quest to get the rights to “Mary Poppins” in the 1940s as a promise to his two daughters.
  • P.L. Travers’ father was a banker and is the basis for the “Mary Poppins” story’s patriarch, Mr. Banks—the character in the book whom the famous fictional nanny comes to aid.

Two-time Academy Award®–winner Emma Thompson and fellow double Oscar®-winner Tom Hanks topline Disney’s “Saving Mr. Banks,” inspired by the extraordinary, untold backstory of how Disney’s classic “Mary Poppins” made it to the screen.

When Walt Disney’s daughters begged him to make a movie of their favorite book, P.L. Travers’ “Mary Poppins,” he made them a promise—one that he didn’t realize would take 20 years to keep. In his quest to obtain the rights, Walt comes up against a curmudgeonly, uncompromising writer who has absolutely no intention of letting her beloved magical nanny get mauled by the Hollywood machine. But, as the books stop selling and money grows short, Travers reluctantly agrees to go to Los Angeles to hear Disney’s plans for the adaptation.

For those two short weeks in 1961, Walt Disney pulls out all the stops. Armed with imaginative storyboards and chirpy songs from the talented Sherman brothers, Walt launches an all-out onslaught on P.L. Travers, but the prickly author doesn’t budge. He soon begins to watch helplessly as Travers becomes increasingly immovable and the rights begin to move further away from his grasp.

It is only when he reaches into his own childhood that Walt discovers the truth about the ghosts that haunt her, and together they set Mary Poppins free to ultimately make one of the most endearing films in cinematic history.


Lisa Martin

In April 2006, Lisa began blogging to stay connected with distant relatives and friends. As she delved into blogging, she discovered the potential to assist others by sharing her experiences. Lisa has actively engaged in numerous exclusive media ventures. Notable among these are her participation in events such as the Sony Mommy Bloggers Event, the Pampers Mommy Bloggers Event, the Epson Event in Chicago, the Stouffers Event, a memorable yacht excursion with Lands End, collaborations with 1-800-Baskets, an exclusive tour for bloggers by Mrs. Prindable’s, partnerships with Hallmark, PopCap games, Chicago Cubs Mastercard Priceless Events, and Rug Doctor. In addition, she has collaborated with Nutrisystem on a weight loss initiative, teamed up with Buick and Chevy, and served as a brand ambassador for Sprint. Lisa's collaboration portfolio also extends to Disney, where she has participated in press trips for significant movies such as Frozen, Guardians of the Galaxy, McFarland USA, The Good Dinosaur, The BFG, and Cars 3. Notably, for projects like Frozen, The BFG, and Cars 3, she was granted the privilege of walking the red carpet and conducting interviews with celebrities. The impact of Lisa's blog has gained recognition, with The New York Times referencing her content. Moreover, she has been featured in interviews by respected publications such as the Southtown Star, The Chicago Sun Times, and inside.

This Post Has 25 Comments

  1. I love Mary Poppins and seriously this looks like a fantastic movie. I love when you learn more about the whole story of movie and I’m going to check this out.

  2. Colleen

    I would so watch Mary Poppins even today it was an awesome movie and I loved the Chim Chim-Cher-ee song!

  3. Maryann

    this looks like a really interesting movie.

  4. Leilani

    This is one movie I’m definitely gonna have to see. Sounds so interesting and I’m a huge Tom Hanks fan. He’s one of my favorite actors of all-time.

  5. Jenn

    I had no idea Mary Poppins was such a process! Glad Walt Disney made it happen.

  6. Angela

    I love behind the scenes stories and can’t wait to see Tom Hanks in this role!

  7. Stefanie

    I can’t wait to see Tom Hanks as Walt Disney!

  8. Emily

    Tom Hanks has some big shoes to fill! Hope he nails it!

  9. Jennifer

    I love Mary Poppins and Tom Hanks is amazing

  10. Donna

    Tom Hanks is such a great actor! I can’t wait to see this!

  11. Wow, you know, I don’t recall any other movies about him, but yet he always seems so familiar because of his work.

  12. Nikhil Narkhede

    Mr. Banks is a very nice film. Thanks for making your statements over the movie. Cheers! 🙂

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