Making Mary Poppins: The Sherman Brothers, Walt Disney, and the Creation of a Classic Film, by Todd James Pierce

 

Publication Nov. 11, 1015

What are the odds that just after finishing the section talking about Julie Andrews being tapped for the role in Sound of Music after doing Mary Poppins that I'd encounter a grocery worker stocking shelves  merrily whistling an Andrews tune? True story. Made me smile. This book also brought me some smiles. It was interesting to learn not only about the Sherman Brothers' work on Poppins but get to know their back story, such as Bob being in the first wave of army troops to hit Omaha Beach during WWII, and why it helped prepare them for the task. Walt Disney's courtesy toward their family was nice to hear about, too. 

In other words, while the focus is on the drive to produce the music for Disney's Mary Poppins, we learn not only quite a bit about Disney and the Sherman's as humans, but also many of the various others who contributed. Knowing that, say, Dick Van Dyke is approaching 100 years old as I type, it was fascinating to  be reminded that despite his successful television series, this was his first truly important movie role as Bert the chimney sweep. While Andrews was fresh off the disappointment of not being given the chance to take a successful Broadway role to the big screen, she was also pregnant when she signed to do the picture. You'll also meet the other main cast members, including the Bird Lady, and get a feel for their backgrounds and why Disney selected them. Heck, for all this talent, Van Dyke wasn't a dancer, so you know there was more to that story.

Bottom line, while I was expecting to read a bit more detail of how certain scenes were accomplished, many were explained, including the fear of heights one of the child actors had. The standard answer to those on set asking how something would be done was "Disney magic" which, given our knowledge nowadays of the output from the studio, made all the sense in the world. You'll even learn where the Sherman's life long love of word play lead to "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious" as a song. The author of the Poppins book, btw, PL Travers, gets some time and explanation, too, which was interesting having seen Disney's "Saving Mr. Banks" movie dealing with those tricky negotiations. In other words, lots of behind the scenes info shared including Walt's (he disliked being called Mr. Disney) concept of connecting with all ages, not just the children the picture may seemed aimed at. It worked and, yes, still works today. There's also an extensive list of resources used at the end. Thanks #WWNorton&Company for this early peek into the making of a movie so many of us have loved. It brought smiles and warm memories of it, not to mention the Sherman's role in the "It's a Small World" theme song at that Disney experience.

Disney's Animated Classics: A Comprehensive Guide, by Stephen Rötzsch Thomas

 

Publication Sept. 30, 2025

I enjoyed this relatively informal look at the animation history of the Disney studio. Part behind the scenes glimpses, part informational, and part an introduction to the people who made the magic we've all come to expect from Disney. As I read, I was actually astonished to realize not only have I never seen many of these films but, well, hadn't even heard of some of them. I put that squarely on my own shoulders, however, and that little thing called real life. It was definitely interesting to read about Walt Disney's obsessive nature with his films, especially as it was made obvious how long many were talked about before they even began production. Production, of course, could take years. There was even what I'd call a gossipy vibe to the text at times, not to mention that the author made observations that, quite frankly, even for the films I've seen countless times, I'd never thought of or, more likely, I'd have rolled my eyes at such as the discussion of Gaston from "Beauty and the Beast". Nope, not telling. You'll just have to read the book for that one. 

The book is divided into sections detailing the animations emerging during that time period. There's a bit about the history behind the creation of each film, from Disney's foray into creating Mickey Mouse to what may have sparked the various films' ideas in the first place. There are photos but since the version I read was an early unedited digital one, they were at the end of the book. They'll surely be inserted in proper time, to speak, in the final versions. Living in Central Florida at the time Disney World opened, it was interesting to realize that "Sword in the Stone" was probably the film distracting Walt Disney from his dreams for the complex at about the same time. "Lady and the Tramp" came about the time the original Disneyland opened, by the way. Disney was never one not to push boundaries and technology, so it was interesting to see how they used and developed technology to attain their goals. They certainly set the standard for years to come. 

Bottom line, while hardly the ultimate look at Disney animation, this was a fun, interesting look at the evolution of the Disney studio's early days until, well, "Moana II" is given a mention, so until almost today. As a fan of Lin-Manual Miranda, I was delighted to see his efforts spotlighted, not to mention to hear about Robin Williams' problems with "Aladdin".  Let's just say, Williams wasn't happy at how his contract was interpreted. In any case, while you won't know all there is to know about Disney when you finish this one, you'll have picked up lots of history, some behind-the-scenes tidbits, been reminded of the studio's role in WWII, and know the humans who created some of the most memorable animated characters ever. You'll even get the author's opinions on the films and songs (Oh, "Let It Go" indeed). Thanks #Pen&Sword for this early peek behind the curtains and some thoughts to ponder. I mean, I hadn't picked up on the Yen Sid villain's name until now. Also, thanks for that extensive bibliography and index. They were quite appreciated. 

 

After Disney: Toil, Trouble, and the Transformation of America's Favorite Media Company, by by Neil O'Brien

 

Publication March 4, 2025

I was still a kid when Disney World was being built in my state of Florida. As such, other than hoping to one day get to go and see Cinderella's Castle, I didn't give it much thought. Imagine my delight when many years later, I was able to not only visit there but attend a "Backstage Disney" class for teachers that took us, whoa, under that same castle and into what is really the first level of the park, the part underneath all the magical sights we see. Yes, it truly is a magical place.

Given that, it's amazing to look back via this book and discover the turmoil that was going on behind the scenes that made decisions of what would be filmed, when, and such details that we mere "guests", as Disney insists paying customers be called, never gave one moment's attention. I won't even attempt to summarize it all as it was long lasting and the names are both familiar and unheard. I definitely enjoyed getting to know some of those unknown faces via the book, giving me new insights into the germ of an idea for, say, Fantasia, or the comings and goings of people like Tim Burton of Nightmare Before Christmas fame. It's equally astonishing to realize how close we may have come to never seeing the likes of Beauty and the Beast or Lion King, among others. Disney's animation department may have been its heart and core at the beginning, with many of the animators being with Walt Disney even before Mickey Mouse, but its survival wasn't guaranteed by any means. You'll also learn of the Disney family's involvement, both token and active, over the years and the role they played in the survival of the park.

For the most part, it's an easy read, somewhat conversational in tone. That said, when the author delves into lengthy lists of names and facts, jumping back and forth in time a bit, I did find my eyes tending to glaze over at times. It'll probably depend upon how business savvy you are or interested in mergers and corporate structures and power struggles as to where you fall on that aspect. I was glad to see so many unknown to me names not only get credit, however, but be fleshed out as real people. Disney's magic is based around family values and it made it easier for me to care about what was happening to those involved, whether creative or management. Even the family had struggles with these aspects of what became a massively huge conglomeration of different parts and sections, many of them giving rise to the likes of, say, Pixar. It was quite nice to see Disney's daughter emerge more in her later years, making her feelings and ideas known, too. Family. That's the key to Disney magic and it seems like that despite all the disgruntlement at times, those who thrived remembered that concept. So, no simple, quick read, but one that will give you insight into what keeps that magic going and it isn't all pixie dust.

Bottom line, for those of us who grew up with Disney, whether watching the cartoons, nature shows, or usually child-friendly movies, this is an intriguing read. It even delves into how difficult it was to decide not only to stretch self-imposed limits as times changed, but how the reactions both within and without of the organization impacted those making them. For me, child of the pixie dust, of course, it was fascinating to read how the animators worked, the meticulous skill and attention required, not to mention how many re-draws were done in record time. And, yes, seeing the finesse and skills of early female animators gain their rightful place was also a "You go, girl!" moment. Thanks #PostHillPress for allowing me this sneak peek behind doors I didn't even know existed. That said, I still think fondly of the mantra we teachers took away from our workshop there which might be summarized as when the going gets tough, spread a little more pixie dust. More pixie dust for Disney, please. We need them all the more in this day and age.