Disney won over author to make memorable musical

Rating: 8/10 (24 September 2017)

"Saving Mr. Banks" is all about saving the film, "Mary Poppins." That is saving, as in being able to make the film in the first place. It tells the story of the culmination of a 20-year pursuit by Walt Disney of English author, Australia-born P.L. Travers for the film rights to her books. She neglected all appeals until, according to the film, her finances dwindled to the point that her London agent urged to meet with Walt Disney at his California studios and to consider again the Disney offer.
One can understand that many authors are concerned about Hollywood substantially changing their stores when making them into movies. In this case, Travers was more resolute than most, and obstinate. She didn't want "Mary Poppins" to be a musical. There could be no animation (as in the short scene with penguins dancing). Mary Poppins was not to be a happy spirited woman, but a stern, serious teacher. Her conditions for granting film rights reached to the level of insisting that no red color be used at all in the film.
This movie is the story about Ms. Travers (nee, Helen Lyndon Goff), and how Walt Disney warmed her some and otherwise wore down her resistance. She had encounters with most of the Disney studio people she met, especially the song-writing team of the Sherman Brothers – Dick and Bob. Walt Disney's tenacity paid off and the happy ending of this story is in the wonderful musical that generations to come will enjoy. Without "Mary Poppins," we wouldn't have the wonderful songs of the Sherman Brothers, "A Spoonful of Sugar," and "Super‐cali‐fragil‐istic- expi‐ali‐docious."
All of the cast in this film are very good. Tom Hanks conveys the conviviality, decency and hopeful spirit of Walt Disney. And, Emma Thompson is superb as P.L. Travers – or, "Pamela," as Walt kept calling her. This movie is a good accompaniment for viewing "Mary Poppins," especially for those interested in the source and history of the movie.
Here are a few of my favorite lines from this film.
P.L. "Pamela" Travers, "Poppins. Mary Poppins. Never ever just Mary."
Travers, "I fear we shan't be acquainted for very long." Richard Sherman, "Why is that?" Travers, "Because these books simply do not lend themselves to chirping and prancing. No, it's certainly not a musical."
Walt Disney, "Cancel my morning tomorrow. I'm going to take a ride with my favorite author." Travers, "No, no, no! Please, Mr. Disney. I cannot begin to tell you how uninterested – no, positively sickened I am at the thought of visiting your dollar-printing machine." Walt Disney, "Well, for crying out loud. When does anybody get to go to Disneyland with Walt Disney himself?" Travers, "Disappointments are to the soul what thunderstorms are to the air."
Don DaGradi, "A word of advice, Mrs. Travers, if I may." P.L. Travers, "You may. Whether I mind it or not will be another matter entirely. Don DaGradi "Well, it's just that he can't stand being called Mr. Disney. We're all on a first name basis here.
Walt Disney, "Let's make something wonderful." P.L. Travers, "Well, let's see if that's at all possible." Walt Disney, after she walks away, "Whoa! Damn!"
P.L. Travers, "Mary Poppins and the Banks – they are family to me." Walt Disney, "I understand that – I do."