It has been two years since Mary Poppins Returns was released, but fans still love to compare the music, the stories, and the creativity from the sequel and the original Mary Poppins. Each film is a joy to watch, especially in times when it's hard to imagine and dream on your own.
There is so much music in these two movies. Brothers Robert B. Sherman and Richard M. Sherman composed the music for the 1964 Mary Poppins, and Marc Shaiman and co-lyricist Scott Wittman wrote the music for Mary Poppins Returns (2018). Some of the original film's music was explored in Saving Mr. Banks, a 2013 film about Disney and P.L. Travers, the author of the Mary Poppins books. As a tribute to the incredible performers and songwriters of both Mary Poppins movies, here are the five best songs from each film.
Mary Poppins: Chim Chim Cher-ee
There's something about the mystery of "Chim Chim Cher-ee" that is hard to resist. The minor musical chords fit perfectly with the dusty, sooty scene. The sweetness of the children joining in is so memorable.
This is part of the beauty of Mary Poppins--taking an ordinary chimney sweep and giving him a musical mystique. The whole scene evokes a much earlier (and darker) British poetic lore, like William Blake's two poems that are both titled "The Chimney-Sweeper."
Mary Poppins: Step in Time
"Chim Chim Cher-ee" brilliantly leads into the spectacle of "Step in Time." The ascent to the rooftop gives way to quite a production. The theatrical number employs a bevy of chimney sweeps, a crisp dance sequence, and all-around merriment for Mary, Bert, and the children. It has been recreated by dance companies and Broadway productions through the years, for good reason.
Returns: Trip a Little Light Fantastic
"Trip a Little Light Fantastic" is Mary Poppins Returns' bold answer to the original "Chim Chim Cher-ee" and "Step in Time" numbers. The newer number is over eight minutes long and takes the audience on a journey through the streets of London.
The chimney sweeps that Jack (Lin-Manuel Miranda) conjures up are fine dancers, and the light of the street lamps captures the warm glow that such a number provides.
Mary Poppins: Feed the Birds
"Feed the Birds" is one of the more somber musical selections in Mary Poppins, but it is so important. In a technicolor film with hearty song-and-dance numbers, "Feed the Birds" pulls things back down to Earth quite a bit. The soft ballad shows the pain of homelessness through the eyes of children who are trying to understand it.
In her graceful way, Mary Poppins teaches Jane and Michael the importance of feeding the birds. The bird lady of Mary Poppins clearly inspires the balloon lady in Mary Poppins Returns.
Returns: The Royal Doulton Music Hall
This scene is most definitely creative. Mary Poppins, Jack, and the children don't wind up in chalked pictures like in the original movie; they wind up inside a piece of fine china! The scene brings together all the whimsy of the original movie's animated characters. Unfortunately, some of them are evil in this film. The image of "The Royal Doulton Music Hall" is certainly memorable, though.
Mary Poppins: Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious
Have you heard this song enough times to pronounce the title correctly? The zany tune has become a favorite in the years since Mary Poppins first came to the screen. It reinforces the brilliance of the live-action and animation hybrid. It all comes together because of the dancing duo of Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke. The song has been featured on endless movie soundtracks, and it's still a delightful sound for old and new generations of fans.
Returns: A Cover is Not the Book
The scene at the Royal Doulton continues in Mary Poppins Returns. Mary takes the stage as only she can, and Jack and those adorable penguins help her with her song in a costumed performance fit for Broadway.
Emily Blunt and Lin-Manuel Miranda make this one of the best performances in the film. The title "A Cover is Not the Book" is appropriate since the happy bunch is ultimately deceived and must find their way out of danger.
Mary Poppins: A Spoonful of Sugar
One of the most celebrated musical works from Mary Poppins, "A Spoonful of Sugar," is surely a fan favorite. The song is a valuable reminder to children and adults alike. Some things aren't an easy fix, but often, "a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down." The vibrant playroom scene is just unparalleled in children's movies, and Julie Andrews' voice is simply a balm to the soul.
Returns: Can You Imagine That
Both Mary Poppins feature films are nothing without the gift of imagination. "Can You Imagine That" is a pure Mary Poppins moment. It clearly pays homage to "A Spoonful of Sugar" with Mary's never-ending bag and perpetual talent for pretend. The bathtime scene in "Can You Imagine That" is a moment for the three children to learn how to play, Mary Poppins style.
Returns: The Place Where Lost Things Go
"The Place Where Lost Things Go" is one of the quieter songs from Mary Poppins Returns. It can be compared to the original movie's bedtime lullaby, "Stay Awake." In a sequel that is so packed with big musical numbers and over-the-top sequences, it is a treat to slow things down.
The song reminds us that, at her core, Mary Poppins is a gentle and thoughtful nurturer. She is equal parts fun and rules, and her silliness is measured by a motherly gift of comfort and guidance.