Mary Poppins has left a mark on everybody's life which is why it remains special even after all these years. Celebrating its 60th anniversary, ABC is hosting a special two-night event that promises nostalgia, magic, and rare insights into this iconic masterpiece. Here’s what you need to know.
This exclusive two-hour documentary aired on Wednesday, November 27, from 9:00–11:00 p.m. EST on ABC. For those who missed it, it will be available on 28th November on Hulu and Disney+. On November 28, the original movie will also air on ABC at 7 pm.
ABC News Studios’ 20/20 presents rare footage, unseen photos, and unforgettable behind-the-scenes stories of Mary Poppins. It dives into how the film, its cast, and its music became legendary.
Mary Poppins
On Thursday, Nov. 28, audiences will get to relive the magic as ABC airs the original 1964 film. Starring Julie Andrews as Mary Poppins and Dick Van Dyke as the lovable Bert, the film’s whimsical charm, catchy songs, and heartfelt storytelling still inspire audiences.
Fans will get a glimpse of never-before-seen material, including moments from the film’s original premiere featuring Walt Disney, Julie Andrews, and Dick Van Dyke.
The documentary includes conversations with living legends like Dick Van Dyke, Josh Gad, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and even Walt Disney’s grandchildren. Julie Andrews also shares her memories of creating this timeless classic.
As part of the celebration, the broadcast will debut a short film called The Last Verse. This three-and-a-half-minute feature includes a new verse for the iconic song It’s a Small World, written by Richard Sherman in his final Disney contribution.
Fans will also get to learn about the making of unforgettable songs like "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious" and "A Spoonful of Sugar." Rare demos and behind-the-scenes anecdotes will give fans another chance to appreciate the music that defined an era.
A heartfelt tribute
On November 27th, the documentary team embarked on an extraordinary journey of discovery. Exclusive interviews with surviving cast members and behind-the-scenes personnel revealed fascinating insights into the film's creation. Archival footage, previously unseen by the public, painted a vivid picture of the movie's production.
Walt Disney turned P.L. Travers’ 1934 book into a groundbreaking film that blended live-action and animation like never before. Julie Andrews’ portrayal of Mary Poppins earned her an Academy Award, while Dick Van Dyke’s charming Bert remains beloved by fans.
From “Chim Chim Cher-ee” to “Let’s Go Fly a Kite,” the Sherman Brothers’ soundtrack continues to resonate with audiences worldwide. Catch The Untold Story of Mary Poppins documentary on ABC or stream it on Hulu or Disney+. The original movie will air on ABC on Thursday, 28 November at 7 pm.
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