Mary Poppins

Mary Poppins

Year: 1964

Runtime: 139 min

Language: English

Director: Robert Stevenson

FantasyComedyFamilyMusical

Facing financial hardship and the potential loss of their home, the Banks family is in desperate need of a miracle. As bank teller Michael Banks struggles to find a lost inheritance certificate, the magical Mary Poppins returns to bring enchantment and wonder back into their lives. She guides them on a fantastical journey filled with laughter, adventure, and heartwarming moments, helping them rediscover the importance of family, imagination, and believing in the impossible.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Mary Poppins (1964)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Mary Poppins (1964). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1910

Set in 1910 London, during the late Edwardian era just before World War I. The period emphasizes formal social codes, class structure, and gender expectations. A suffragette rally is referenced, illustrating social change on the horizon, while a bank run shows economic vulnerability in the era.

Location

London, England

Edwardian London is a bustling metropolis where wealth and poverty coexist in close proximity. The Banks’ home sits in a respectable central district while the wider city reveals the East End’s street life, parks, and markets. The story moves through familiar locations like the Banks’ home, the bank, and iconic city settings such as the steps of St. Paul’s Cathedral.

🏙️ London 🕰️ Edwardian era 🗺️ Urban landscape

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 08:08

Main Characters – Mary Poppins (1964)

Meet the key characters of Mary Poppins (1964), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Mary Poppins (Julie Andrews)

A stern yet caring nanny who arrives to set order with a dash of magic. She guides the Banks children toward learning through whimsical adventures and gentle discipline, blending practicality with wonder. Her confidence and calm help the family grow together.

🪄 Nanny ✨ Magical 👑 Authority

Bert (Dick Van Dyke)

A cheerful jack-of-all-trades and Mary’s ally who brings warmth, music, and physical comedy to the children's world. He bridges magical experiences with everyday life, helping Jane and Michael engage with Mary’s lessons.

🎨 Artist 🤹 Entertainer 🧹 Loyal companion

George Banks

A strict, career-driven banker who learns to loosen up and value his family. He starts with authority and pride but grows to understand the children’s needs and the importance of balance.

💼 Banker 🧭 Authority 💪 Growth

Winifred Banks

George’s wife, involved in social causes and supportive of her children. She embodies the era’s expectations for women while recognizing the transformative influence of Mary’s presence in the home.

🏛️ Patriarchy 🎭 Social 👩 Support

Jane Banks

One of the Banks children, curious and spirited, who learns to cooperate with her brother and follow Mary’s guidance toward personal growth.

👧 Child 🧭 Curious 🧠 Learner

Michael Banks

The younger Banks child who initially acts out but grows to understand responsibility and kindness through Mary and Bert’s influence.

🧒 Child 🧩 Impulsive 📚 Learner

Mr. Dawes Sr.

The elderly bank founder whose playful misadventure with a tuppence catalyzes a bank run and sparks George’s reckoning with pride. His humor adds warmth to the story.

🧓 Banker 😂 Comic 🪙 Symbol

Mr. Dawes Jr.

Dawes Sr.’s son who reveals his father’s death by laughter and aids in re-hiring George, bringing the bank subplot to a close.

🧔 Banker 🗝️ Closure 🧭 Authority

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 08:08

Major Themes – Mary Poppins (1964)

Explore the central themes of Mary Poppins (1964), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

✨ Magic & Imagination

Mary Poppins introduces whimsy into daily life, turning chores into adventures and teaching the children through playful, fantastical moments. The magical elements help the family see things from a different perspective and encourage creativity. Imagination becomes a catalyst for learning and emotional growth.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family & Growth

The Banks family navigates discipline, affection, and reconciliation. Jane and Michael learn responsibility and empathy through Mary's guidance and Bert’s companionship. George, initially rigid, discovers the value of family connection and balance between work and home.

💼 Work & Class

The bank setting, Mr. Dawes Sr. and Jr., and the bank run confront themes of pride, status, and financial responsibility. These events pressure George to reevaluate priorities and show how wealth interacts with family happiness. The era’s social structure is a backdrop to personal growth.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 08:08

Unlock the Full Story of Mary Poppins

Don't stop at just watching — explore Mary Poppins in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Mary Poppins is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Mary Poppins Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Mary Poppins, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Mary Poppins Summary

Mary Poppins Timeline

Track the full timeline of Mary Poppins with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Mary Poppins Timeline

More About Mary Poppins

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Mary Poppins: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Mary Poppins

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