39 Facts About Saving Mr Banks

The True Story Behind "Saving Mr. Banks"

"Saving Mr. Banks" is a film that delves into the making of the beloved Disney classic, "Mary Poppins." It offers a glimpse into the complex relationship between Walt Disney and P.L. Travers, the author of the "Mary Poppins" books. Here are some fascinating facts about the movie and the real-life events that inspired it.

1. 01P.L. Travers, whose real name was Helen Lyndon Goff, was born in Australia in 1899.
2. 02The character of Mary Poppins was inspired by Travers' great-aunt, who was known for her stern demeanor and magical storytelling.
3. 03Travers was initially reluctant to sell the film rights to Disney, fearing that her beloved character would be trivialized.
4. 04Walt Disney spent over 20 years trying to convince Travers to allow him to adapt her books into a film.
5. 05The title "Saving Mr. Banks" refers to the character George Banks, the father in "Mary Poppins," who Travers felt was the true focus of the story.

The Making of the Film

Creating "Saving Mr. Banks" involved meticulous attention to detail to accurately portray the time period and the real-life figures involved. Here are some behind-the-scenes facts about the making of the film.

6. 06Emma Thompson, who played P.L. Travers, listened to hours of Travers' recorded conversations to capture her voice and mannerisms.
7. 07Tom Hanks, who portrayed Walt Disney, visited the Walt Disney Family Museum to study Disney's personal artifacts and gain insight into his character.
8. 08The film's production design team recreated Walt Disney's office at the Disney Studios in Burbank, California, down to the smallest detail.
9. 09The Sherman Brothers, who wrote the music for "Mary Poppins," were consulted to ensure the accuracy of the film's portrayal of their work.
10. 10The film's director, John Lee Hancock, wanted to create a balance between the whimsical world of Disney and the more serious tone of Travers' life story.

Historical Accuracy and Creative Liberties

While "Saving Mr. Banks" strives for historical accuracy, some creative liberties were taken to enhance the storytelling. Here are some facts about the film's balance between fact and fiction.

11. 11The real P.L. Travers was much more difficult to work with than portrayed in the film.
12. 12Travers never danced with Disney at Disneyland, as shown in the movie.
13. 13The film suggests that Travers had a change of heart about the movie during the premiere, but in reality, she remained critical of the film until her death.
14. 14The character of Ralph, the chauffeur, was created for the film and did not exist in real life.
15. 15Travers' complicated relationship with her father, depicted in the film, was a significant influence on her writing.

The Impact of "Mary Poppins"

"Mary Poppins" became a cultural phenomenon, and its impact is still felt today. Here are some facts about the legacy of "Mary Poppins" and its influence on popular culture.

16. 16"Mary Poppins" was released in 1964 and became one of Disney's most successful films.
17. 17The film won five Academy Awards, including Best Actress for Julie Andrews.
18. 18The song "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious" became a cultural touchstone and is still widely recognized today.
19. 19The character of Mary Poppins has been referenced in numerous other films, TV shows, and books.
20. 20A stage musical adaptation of "Mary Poppins" premiered in London's West End in 2004 and has since been performed worldwide.

The Real P.L. Travers

P.L. Travers was a complex and enigmatic figure, and her life story is as fascinating as her fictional creations. Here are some facts about the real P.L. Travers.

21. 21Travers worked as a journalist and actress before becoming a successful author.
22. 22She adopted a son, Camillus, in 1939, but their relationship was strained, and they eventually became estranged.
23. 23Travers was known for her reclusive nature and rarely gave interviews.
24. 24She continued to write "Mary Poppins" books throughout her life, publishing eight in total.
25. 25Travers passed away in 1996 at the age of 96, leaving behind a lasting literary legacy.

The Film's Reception

"Saving Mr. Banks" received critical acclaim and resonated with audiences worldwide. Here are some facts about the film's reception and impact.

26. 26The film premiered at the London Film Festival in 2013 and received a standing ovation.
27. 27Emma Thompson's performance as P.L. Travers was widely praised, earning her several award nominations.
28. 28Tom Hanks' portrayal of Walt Disney was also well-received, with critics noting his ability to capture Disney's charm and determination.
29. 29The film grossed over $117 million worldwide, making it a commercial success.
30. 30"Saving Mr. Banks" sparked renewed interest in the story behind "Mary Poppins" and introduced a new generation to the classic film.

Fun Facts and Trivia

Beyond the historical and production details, "Saving Mr. Banks" is filled with interesting tidbits and trivia. Here are some fun facts about the film.

31. 31The film's script was included in the 2011 Black List, a list of the best unproduced screenplays in Hollywood.
32. 32Colin Farrell, who played Travers' father, had to learn an Australian accent for the role.
33. 33The film's title was inspired by a line from the "Mary Poppins" song "The Life I Lead."
34. 34The scene where Travers arrives in Los Angeles was filmed at the Los Angeles Union Station, which has been used in many other films.
35. 35The film's costume designer, Daniel Orlandi, recreated Travers' iconic wardrobe based on photographs and descriptions from the time.

Legacy of "Saving Mr. Banks"

"Saving Mr. Banks" has left a lasting impact on audiences and continues to be a beloved film. Here are some facts about the legacy of "Saving Mr. Banks."

36. 36The film has inspired renewed interest in P.L. Travers' books, leading to increased sales and new editions.
37. 37"Saving Mr. Banks" has been used as a teaching tool in film and literature classes to explore the relationship between authors and filmmakers.
38. 38The film has sparked discussions about the creative process and the challenges of adapting beloved works of literature.
39. 39"Saving Mr. Banks" has been praised for its portrayal of the complexities of creative collaboration and the importance of staying true to one's vision.

The Final Scene

"Saving Mr. Banks" offers a fascinating glimpse into the making of a beloved classic. From the real-life tension between P.L. Travers and Walt Disney to the heartfelt performances by Emma Thompson and Tom Hanks, the film captures the magic and challenges behind the scenes. Learning these 39 facts not only deepens our appreciation for the movie but also highlights the complexities of bringing a story to life. Whether you're a fan of Mary Poppins or just love a good behind-the-scenes tale, these tidbits add layers to your understanding. Next time you watch "Saving Mr. Banks," you'll have a richer perspective on the effort, creativity, and passion that went into making it. So, grab some popcorn, sit back, and enjoy the magic with newfound insight.