Last week, the official trailer for Saving Mr. Banks was released, and got some great buzz online. Saving Mr. Banks, in case you haven't heard, is an upcoming biopic starring Tom Hanks and Emma Thompson, portraying the story behind the making of Mary Poppins in early 1960s. According to the trailer, the movie will show the incredible measures Walt Disney had to take in order to convince P.L Travers to sell the right to her book. Mainly, she wanted to guarantee Disney knows the true meaning behind this children's book, before completely turning it into a wacky kids' movie.
Now, movies about making movies are always fun, But tend to be a bit exaggerated. Especially when portraying writers. So, this is probably how the story would have really taken place, which would have made into a very terrible movie.
Hello? Mrs. Travers? This is Adam from Walt Disney's office.
Oh My God.
Mr. Disney is interested in your book.
Which one? Jesus, I don't care. Take 'em all.
We would like you to fly to L.A to meet with him.
Fuck yeah! I'm on my way.
We'll try to accommodate you on a first class seat.
Oh, you're paying for it? Even better.
Now, I must disclose this first -- we are a wholesome, family company. Your book might need to undergo some cha--
--Change whatever you want. Just make it. Please make it.
I don't think you understand. Your character Mary... can I call her Mary?
Call her Yolanda for all I care.
Mary might be made a bit more cavorted, and twinkly.
I'm fine with that. Make it a musical, too, if you want. I'll write songs. I never have before, but I could try.
Now, just so we have an understanding of your book. Mary Poppins is a flying nanny with super powers who comes to save some kids from an evil wizard who makes them do chores and she teaches them how to defeat him by singing made up words?
Yeah, that's fine.
And this is based on a true story that happened to you with your father.
My father's dead, he won't care either way.
OK. So, to make things clear -- we don't need to send Walt Disney to go on a magical quest that teaches him about the meaning of life behind the arts to get you to sign off on the rights?
You could just fax me the forms. Thanks.
Great. So we'll be in touch.
Please do.
Thank you, Mrs. Travers.
No, Thank you! And by the way, if you ever want to make a movie about this call right here, I could say I was reluctant at first. You know, just to spice it up a little.
You'll fit right in to Hollywood, Mrs. Travers.
Just get me there.