"Mary Poppins" premiered in theaters 50 years ago this week, on Aug. 26, 1964. The Disney film, directed by Robert Stevenson and starring Julie Andrews, soon became a success (it was the most profitable film of 1965) and received rave reviews from critics: "I find [Mary Poppins] irresistible. Plenty of other adults will feel the same way. And, needless to say, so will the kids," Bosley Crowther wrote in The New York Times. "Mary Poppins" won five Oscars at the 37th annual Academy Awards, including Best Actress for Julie Andrews and Best Song ("Chim Chim Cher-ee").
Beyond those accolades, however, is its legacy: If "Mary Poppins" achieved one thing, it's that even today, 50 years later, the film industry (and probably the real world) has yet to find a nanny like her. And that's despite countless attempts by the likes of Scarlett Johansson ("The Nanny Diaries"), Emma Thompson ("Nanny McPhee") or the late Robin Williams ("Mrs. Doubtfire").
However, no one has managed to unseat Mary Poppins and take her job. Here are a few reasons that explain why she is so unique.
1. Her ability to organize bags ...
2. ... and the speed with which she can organize
3. She's always prepared ...
4. ... but aware that there's always room for improvement
5. She can go up the stairs without any effort ...
6. ... and is basically one step away from being able to teleport
7. Because she pays attention to small details ...
8. and can move her head like this.
9. She's capable of making a group of men dance this way ...
10. ... and with a single movement, she'll leave your mouth agape
11. She's never at a loss for words ...
12. ... and not afraid to speak her mind
13. She knows the secret of life ...
14. ... and doesn't judge things by their appearance
15. She's good at keeping secrets ...
16. ... and snaps her fingers like this.
17. So let's applaud Mary Poppins, still the best at 50