"A Man Has Dreams"

[@bricktam]

What I absolutely love about Bert is that not only does he make the dad realize how he needs to spend more time with his children, he also talks to the children about how they need to be more kinder and understanding towards their father, who really has no one to lean on when he is stressed at his job. Bert never took sides.

[@benitahiestermann1186]

Agreed👏👏Bert is an incredible character

[@operation1968]

That's a good point. I like that

[@paulieboy6644]

One of the most compassionate characters in any movie. Recognizes that we’re all trying our best, most of us just need to change our perspective

[@HolyKhaaaaan]

He took the best side: he's on the side of the family working together and having patience with each other.

[@expletivedeleted7853]

Only Dick Van Dyke could play such an amazing person! Interestingly he still sings and dances to this day, pushing nearly 100 also! His kindness and good nature have given him good health all these years!

[@ConcreteSurfer420]

as a kid I hated this scene cause I didnt understand but now as an adult its one of my fav scenes from the movie

[@ItalianDC]

ConcreteSurfer420 I was literally about to type this same post.

[@AdamSwiggitySwooty]

ConcreteSurfer420 when we struggle the daily workmans struggle. it hits home.

[@oscarrookie]

verily

[@Spurros]

God this is so true....this is the one scene you'd fast forward the tape as a kid because it just didn't register, but now....*TEARS*

[@colliric]

Spurros and the tears hit a devastating climax in the following scene, which this scene has setup. Mr Banks arrives at the Cathedral to find the steps are empty and the time to "feed the birds" has passed. That is the exact moment he changed.

[@andsings13]

I never realized until I got older that this song basically summed up the whole point of mary poppins coming to the banks' household and Bert helped explain it perfectly

[@operation1968]

There's a lesson there for life you know. Sadly there are many people who don't learn it until it's too late. Others don't learn it at all...

[@ChrisJones-kx1jj]

As a kid the movie was just about a magical nanny and the kids. Maybe some romance between Bert and Mary. But this scene sums up the whole purpose and theme of the movie. Mr Banks was overworked. But now has the realisation that he needs to be a better parent and spend the time with his kids because it may be "too late for him to give" before their "childhood slips" away "like sand through a seive". I love seeing the countanance change in Mr Banks look and face when he realizes this. As a child I did not understand this scene as much. As a dad this is now may favorite scene and song in the whole movie. I am masculine, but will bawl like a baby when I see this scene.

[@jamesbroske6701]

@@ChrisJones-kx1jj The song "Cat's In The Cradle" comes to mind.

[@vanillabean1215]

I just watched this movie and realized I never understood any of it as a kid.

[@Negus222]

Chris Jones What’s also remarkable is you can see Banks starting to come around to the idea of a “spoonful of sugar” by trying to lighten the mood of his own firing and cashiering by telling that one-liner about Americans and tea. It’s these little things you don’t see when you’re a child that give the movie its own magic for when you’re an adult.

[@WillScarlet16]

Tomlinson is really acting from the heart - he had four kids, one of whom was autistic, and he was one of the early voices for autism-awareness. He knew how important his time was with his children. He's the underrated performance in this movie.

[@bizzy24100]

wow never knew David Tomlinson spoke for autism I got pervasive developmental disorder back when I was about 3 years old, I should read his bio again and find out more about dis.

[@Erdath91]

My favourite character in the film, along with Uncle Albert and Mr Dawes Senior

[@DesperatelySeekingAz]

I totally agree, I think it's sad that people don't speak about what a fantastic job he did here, especially in comparison to the mediocre performance from Dick Van Dyke.

[@KL9702.]

+Az Butterfield I couldn't agree more.

[@agentfungus9742]

+William Craig : For some reason, I've always loved Mr. Tomlinson from when I was a little kid. Something always simmering under the surface of his goofy Disney characters .

[@fjccommish]

When I was a kid, the movie was about a nanny who helped some kids. Now that I'm an adult, the movie is about a nanny who helps a father.

[@jchandlersabeast]

And the kids

[@jasonfischer8946]

@@jchandlersabeast Yeah. She helps the kids to use their imaginations to enjoy life, but also makes sure that they understand some of the truths about life.

[@alking7655]

Strangely, I got the fact that she was there to help George when I was a child. If you look over the movie, the kids actually point it out to Winifred and George earlier with the advertisement, but of course, they don't get it. They are all traits that the kids want in their parents, not just their nanny. (aside from select physical features)

[@fjccommish]

@@alking7655 True.

[@alking7655]

@@fjccommish, the most poignant line in the advertisement being "Love us AS A SON AND DAUGHTER", NOT 'like a son and daughter.'

[@jacksonbrown1274]

this is by far the most important scene in the movie. so profound.

[@benjamintorrie]

This scene explains everything.

[@RedPandaGirl002]

Also, my OVERALL favorite scene of the movie too!! 😁😁😁

[@TheNotverysocial]

@@generalcomments1239 Or rather Bert did. Mary only created the surrounding circumstances and they fell into place. Given his lack of another name, the movie would not sell were it merely called *Bert.*

[@lesliezucker3862]

@@generalcomments1239 yes, to heal the family

[@Dextersmama]

Seriously, the deepest scene in any Disney movie ever. Beautiful

[@QrtOpus1]

This is indeed deep. This is where Mr. Banks gets the point. There are times to run a spreadsheet, sure, but there are also times to go fly a kite!

[@jjzgamer5507]

This scene and Bert's scene talking to the children add the very thoughtful touch the movie so needed. It turns the movie from a whimsy fantasy into a more three dimensional look at why that whimsy fantasy is justified. It moved me a lot.

[@fjccommish]

This movie is a lot like Christmas Carol. BTW, the scene when Bert explains things to the children is also full of meaning.

[@jessyleppert2]

Alissa McFaddin Bert is telling Mr. Banks that he needs to spend more time with the kids before they become adults.

[@stagestud]

"It's not the children she comes to save. It's their father..."

[@stephaniegittinger7980]

"It's your father. Travers Goff."

[@JLovrak]

“It's alright. Mr. Banks is going to be all right. I promise.”

[@marvinthemaniacaldancingap3291]

This is a very moving scene in the movie. Although Bert is poor, he's as happy as can be. Though Mr. Banks on the other hand is rich, he's unhappy because he forgot how to love his children, until Bert explains to him in a confrontational yet sympathetic manner how you can always make more money, but you can never love your children the same way ever again when they grow up if you never loved them like you should have when they were small. Instant Classic! And a powerful message indeed! Thank you Mr. Walt Disney!

[@SuperTed19021]

+Marvin The Maniacal Dancing Ape Shows you money isn't everything. Family and happiness is.

[@joshuadesautels]

"Although Bert is poor, he's as happy as can be. Though Mr. Banks on the other hand is rich, he's unhappy" Like the Weasleys and Malfoys in Harry Potter.

[@prestonu-ie1823]

Bert is actually a blue blood

[@marvinthemaniac7698]

@@joshuadesautels I never thought of it that way seeing as I wasn't allowed to watch Harry Potter growing up.

[@operation1968]

A very powerful message and an important one for all of man. If more people would listen this world would be a better place

[@soloragoldsun2163]

I love that Bert had something to say to both Mr. Banks and the children. It shows that all of them are human beings with flaws, and that they all need to put forth the effort to mend their relationship. Other movies would just portray Mr. Banks as the person solely at fault.

[@TeaCub]

Do you know, that's a very valuable point; it must be hard for Mr. Banks to do what he does and it must be hard for the children to understand. So it's great that Mary Poppins instigates everything in her own, subtle way and Bert takes care of everything else by having a chat with Jane, Michael and their father.

[@Prior2Popular]

TeaCub LOL totally

[@ThePete1081]

Solora Goldsun. Poppins introduces the lesson they all need to learn - "A spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down". Bert helps them all understand what it means.

[@stephaniegittinger7980]

My fave part of Bert's talk with the children: when he points out that they will always have someone to look after them and "fix it", but their father's on his own. Translation: he loves you, but he has troubles of his own,

[@rainwitchansy]

True, though it could end up resulting in another kind of dysfunction, in terms of the kids feeling responsible for their dad’s feelings. I mean, when he talks to the kids, he mentions how Mr. Banks talks to no one at home; what about Mrs. Banks? They don’t talk as a husband and wife ought to, and most of that was Mr. Banks’ fault, to the extent that she has a kinda double life. He’s the one who pushed everyone away. Still...if he hadn’t said anything, maybe his kids wouldn’t have wanted to give their dad their tuppence and make up with him, further sparking the change. So maybe it worked outdoor the better anyways.

[@cc-wz6xr]

The true magic of Mary Poppins is that it's not about her or the kids. The movie is about Mr. Banks and his transformation. The biggest message is directed at adults. Powerful!!

[@mikegallant811]

He had to put his kids first. And I'll tell you something else if I were in his shoes I would have let Michael feed the birds one of my happiest experiences when I was a kid was that either my pepre... that would be my grandpa, yes I'm French Canadian, or my mom would take me down to Forest Park here in Springfield Massachusetts which is my hometown to feed the ducks and we bring some bags of bread that was broken up that was close to getting a little stale but could serve to feed the ducks and we have a great all time. And as I have said elsewhere if anyone was responsible for the run on the bank it was not Michael Banks it was Mr Dawes Sr because he snatched the tuppence from Michael's hands without the boy's permission technically Mr Dawes Sr should have had to spend a little time in jail for robbing the boy he technically committed petty theft!

[@alking7655]

As Walt used to say " I don't make films primarily for children, I make films for the child in all of us, whether we be six or sixty." This is definitely one of those films, so many perspectives that are seen when you view it from each lens, be it child or adult.

[@manuelorozco7760]

After watching Saving Mr Banks I see what you mean. I was almost 21 when it came out. I can’t believe it took me a while afterwards to finally sit down and watch it.

[@judasfm4966]

I love David Tomlinson's acting in this scene. You can see the point when Bert's words hit home...a brilliant performance :)

[@alking7655]

I can even pinpoint the moment on his face. The bit where Bert sings, "When your little tykes are crying, you haven't time to dry the tears; and see their grateful little faces smiling up at you, because their Dad, he always knows just what to do." It's the sudden realisation that he can't blame anyone else anymore, it is a case of he has finally awakened to how his children have needed him, yet he neglected to see it. To draw an even longer bow perhaps, he realised that the advertisement the kids wrote was meant for him and Winifred (him in particular) and that he should have listened. A 'job description' for him, of which he gave no regard because he didn't see any initial gain or importance. However, hindsight is bittersweet.

[@Theboulder318]

His lonely walk to the bank is such a powerful scene

[@lizzieflint4623]

⁠@@alking7655 This is my favourite part the bit where Bert sings when the little tykes are crying you haven’t time to dry the tears.😢😢😢😢

[@sacredsyrena680]

As an adult now, I wish Bert and Mr. Banks had more screen time together like in this scene. Such a short and powerful scene.

[@inarencommander4663]

Perhaps the scarcity of their interaction is part of what makes this scene so great.

[@M3Besh]

A poignant exchange.

[@malcolmferguson4869]

Honestly, I think the fact that Burt is a complete stranger to Mr. Banks makes the scene so much more powerful.

[@manuelorozco7760]

I don’t know about that

[@scottishjedi1522]

Say what you want about the terrible accent, but Dick Van Dyke still gave a fantastic performance. So full of warmth and charm.

[@HolyKhaaaaan]

I'm flabbergasted he managed to do it drunk. At the movie premiere he said he didn't remember any of it. He really is an amazing actor.

[@theself5738]

His accent is part of the joy!!

[@nicholas104]

I really feel like people are a bit too harsh on him. He put on a fun performance.

[@verkaforever]

FINALLY- another person who doesn't let Bert's accent bother them! I thought I was the only one!

[@johnmcgreevey7795]

It was an incredible performance. Just the expressiveness of his face during this scene is remarkable.

[@johnmcgreevey7795]

Dick Van Dyke has one of the kindest, friendliest faces to walk the Earth. He is a gift.

[@GrifMoNeY]

My favorite moment is Banks, flustered, trying to explain that of course he loves his children, but Bert shakes his head in understanding. Of course, "you've got to grind, grind, grind at that grindstone." For an authoritarian like Mr. Banks, only another man could have said those words and have them reach him. Only Bert, a perfect stranger, could give that little smirk that says "I understand you sir, more than you can possibly know." He couldn't dismiss Bert's words as nonsense even if he wanted to.

[@HolyKhaaaaan]

A bitter pill for a rationalist like myself to take. Sometimes who delivers the message is as important as the message itself.

[@gregmarshsharingaboutgod5148]

When David Tomlinson speaks / sings the word "exemplary", he infuses that word with such heart-felt disappointment, longing, heartache of something lost. That one word spoken by a great and under-rated actor reveals so much about his soul, his priorities as a man in Edwardian society. I love replaying the song to just before that line. greg in Winnipeg

[@DanSolo0119]

I like this scene because it's the only time Bert and Mr. Banks are together. And these two are exact opposites: Mr. Banks is always stern and strict; Bert is always happy. Mr. Banks is all about order; Bert's completely all over the place (first he's a one man band, then he's drawing on the pavement, then he's a chimney sweep, then he's selling kites). Most of all, Mr. Banks always overlooks the smaller things in life like acts of generosity or his children. Bert enjoys those smaller things in life because he knows you might miss them and might not get a second chance

[@BenJabituya]

So true. You only live once.

[@Prior2Popular]

DanSolo0119 #truth

[@snakes3425]

Maybe it's because Dick Van Dyke played Mr. Dawes the Bank Manager but I've always thought Bert is Mr. Dawes younger son, who didn't want to follow in his father's footsteeps and was disowned by him, and sent off to boarding school, where he met Mary Poppins who convinced him that his life was his own to live, and just before Mr. Dawes dies he, Mr. Dawes Jr. and Bert reconcile allowing Mr. Dawes to die happy

[@joshuadesautels]

@@snakes3425 Funny you should mention that. In Mary Poppins Returns, Dick van Dyke plays Dawes Jr.

[@detectivefiction3701]

I love this scene so much that I was slightly disappointed MARY POPPINS RETURNS (which I loved) didn't have a similar sort of scene between Michael and Jack the lamplighter.

[@orangefox1231]

After Saving Mr. Banks has come out, I think a lot more of us will appreciate this movie even more knowing why this is so important.

[@CyraEmm]

Orange Fox I never understood who she came to save until I saw that movie.

[@manuelorozco7760]

But what happened behind the scenes does not change my respect for this movie.

[@geoffwilliams4478]

I have never seen Saving Mr. Banks, but as an adult, I've found this scene significant to the fathers growth.

[@doodlertoodlert8728]

I love how Bert weaponizes the past songs as reprises to get mr Banks to see the point. Spoonful of sugar, life I live, and again spoonful. Nothing he says can be taken as disagreeing or calling out. But it’s his face and slight tone that let you know that’s exactly what he does. It’s brilliant.

[@tootoolafroo]

If ever someone tries to tell me that Mary Poppins isn't a masterpiece I now direct them to this scene, and the one that directly follows it. It's a wonderful scene which perfectly sums up the message of the movie.

[@thatghostkid56]

This song is a great reminder for us to slow down and look around at what we have and appreciate it because before we know it what we had, the thing that we took advantage of will be gone forever and we can never get that back, especially family because that is one of the most important things in life and without them we have absolutely nothing.

[@luckyluckyNo1love]

i love scene because, first of all, it's the only time Mr. Banks and Bert speak to one another. also it's the meeting of two men who have taken two completely different paths in life. one a chimney sweep and odd-jobber, while the other a highly payed banker. Yet you can see clearly which one is the happier and wiser man! :)

[@grimTales1]

Agree, excellent point.

[@mikegallant811]

Nothin wrong with being a chimney sweep.... It's thanks to them we needn't worry about creosote buildup or worse, chimney fires 🔥!

[@jivejudd1023]

Love watching movies like this when you're older and realize hidden messages behind everything

[@BuzryHaproMandalorianHunter]

This is a prefect movie for fathers and soon to be fathers.

[@StevenSmith-ml6ni]

Every parent should watch this once in a while......

[@seanpatrickcain2]

Walt Disney: Says the woman who sent a flying nanny with a talking umbrella to save the children? P.L. Travers: You think Mary has come to save the children?

[@stephaniegittinger7980]

Oh, dear.

[@vgg31]

@@stephaniegittinger7980 because she didn't "She didn't come to save the children, Mrs. Travers. It's their father" 😭😭😭

[@stephaniegittinger7980]

@@vgg31 I know. That's part of the movie: "you think Mary Poppins has come to save the children? Oh, dear." 😊

[@BrendenBryant21]

Called saving banks for a reason

[@mkaplan1383]

Just like on The Bishop's Wife. Henry Brougham: I was praying for a cathedral. Dudley: No, Henry. You were praying for guidance.

[@Trayusstudent1]

There's something special about Mary Poppins I think that means you can take something away from it no matter how old you are. When you're younger you're more focused on the children's story and how magical Mary is, but then when you get older, you stick the movie on for old times sake, and you realise that Banks' attitude to life is actually very similar to your own when you grow up. Watching it now, especially with Saving Mr Banks in mind, I must say I feel a greater sense of sympathy toward Banks than any other character in the film.

[@BenJabituya]

If you first see "Mary Poppins", see "Saving Mr. Banks" afterwards. I made a discovery about P.L. Travers. The Mary Poppins idea was based on Mrs. Travers' life.

[@BJDJMusic]

I love this scene from Mary Poppins, no doubt, because of David Tomlinson and Dick van Dyke with the way they act and sing to go with the story. If I ever pay tribute to the Disney Company, once sold out by Bob Iger, THIS is the song for them. "And all too soon, they've up and grown and then they've flown. And it's too late for [them] to give."

[@sarahlfc1]

Awww David Tomlinson was a great actor reminds me of my childhood with this and bedknobs and broomsticks what a legend he was

[@idansentai.crafts]

Was? He died?

[@martabotiasalinero]

@@idansentai.crafts In 2000, 81 years old.

[@davidf2703]

I agree- an extraordinary performer in this film and Bedknobs and also great in the Luv Bug films as nasty Peter Thorndike! RIP

[@lillanna615]

Mr Banks... doesn't realize how much more important things are... his children are priceless moments in life

[@spidermanandsnape]

This is one of my favorite parts of the movie. Such a changing moment. Shows that Bert has a lot of magic in him too, the whimsy of childhood and fun and adventure, but he's got his head more square on his shoulders than anyone in the banks family.

[@Jenny-mt2tg]

Every single time I ever watch this scene, I get a massive lump in my throat. Absolutely fantastic.

[@musicus9]

David Tomlinson is such a wonderful actor!!

[@redchojnowski7159]

Hard to believe Bert is also the senior bank manager. The senior bank manager is strict and stern, while Bert is so gentle.

[@LuckoDaStars]

And I also like to think it's a similar manner to the whole Peter Pan Captain Hook is also the dad situation. Bert willingly left the life that his father demanded him to join into and became lack of a better word a homeless person who gets by with odd jobs but he is in Bliss because he's free to do whatever he like even though he does have to struggle. I think there was a proverb about the Blissful Wanderer

[@martinenyx-filmstuff305]

I grew up having a very rigid, distant father. This movie and this scene in particular meant so much to me.

[@aminsadeghpour1549]

I hope the two of you have "mended fences"

[@simonschroder7298]

"And it's too late..." "For you..." "To give..."

[@TrueBlueProd]

Those bars make me cry every time now (=',^)

[@oldstuff]

One of my favourite movies ever and probably my favourite scene in it. David Tomlinson provided a phenomenal performance in the movie and his performance in this scene is fantastic.

[@MorganKing95]

I love this part so much: you learn so much about Mr. Banks and see his character development, and Bert's key role in the musical is finally explored. Plus that the title alone says so much and the entire "My world was calm, well-ordered..." part is so relatable

[@pathora44]

So much about this scene works so well. From the way it is shot, to how Dick Van Dyke and David Tomlinson both act in the scene, to just how brilliant the writing of the song is. Man I need to watch this movie again because due to watching both Nostalgia Critic's and Pawdugan's reviews of this movie I see it in a completely different light. I haven't seen the movie since I was a kid and back then I never cared for it but seeing this now I see how absolutely brilliant of a movie it is at every level.

[@RedlineXXII]

I was a kid when Mary Poppins became one of my favorite movies. It wasn't until 20 years later that I realized that the most boring scene (to my young self) was the point of the whole thing.

[@kittenbumble6911]

David Shattuck Yeah when you are a kid life seems to drag and you can't wait to grow up, but when you are an adult you realise time actually goes very quickly when you are busy focusing on the 9-5. So as an adult you can appreciate the message in this scene which is to take time out for the stuff that really matters. This scene confused me when I was a kid, but as an adult it is really emotional to watch.

[@andsings13]

Even when I was younger I appreciated the song feed the birds, that song always made me cry and how the children wanted a relationship with their father, but now that I'm older and watching the movie saving mr banks i realized it was so much deeper than that.

[@Wawagirl17]

***** Its interesting, because Doug Walker (the Nostalgia Critic) just made a video of his top 10 favorite movie moments, and another heavy scene from Mary Poppins, the one where Mr. Banks is walking to the bank to lose his job, made the number one spot as his all time favorite moment in film. He said something similar to what you said here, that when he saw that scene as a really little kid, he didn't fully understand what was going on, but he could knew that it was important and that it needed to be there. It shows that its true that many kids will pick on up on the emotion of a film, when its done well, even if they aren't yet old enough to comprehend the details of the situation. I love this movie for being one that does that, apparently with many different moments for different people.

[@missabb100]

+Kittenbumble it's truly emotional!!!

[@Prior2Popular]

David Shattuck yeah like I never really remembered this scene, then I just saw it recently and was all over it

[@benitahiestermann1186]

Wow, I never realized that Bert was such an inspirational character as a kid. Now watching it when I'm older, I realize what an impact he has on both the kids and Mr Banks and how much he helps the family.

[@FantasiusTriton1993]

You got to grind, grind, grind at that grindstone though childhood slips like sand through a sieve. And all too soon they've up and grown, and then they've flown, and it's too late for you to give Just that spoonful of sugar to help the medicine go down. The medicine go do-own. Medicine go down. Those are probably my favorite words from any Disney movie ever!

[@charlenejo2490]

It's also true.

[@TheOriginalMoc]

+FantasiusTriton1993 always gave me chills even as a kid

[@Prior2Popular]

FantasiusTriton1993 I love that part! So sweet ;)

[@stephaniegittinger7980]

Childhood is so short and those years are so precious.

[@Remy1225]

FantasiusTriton1993 I also love how that part mixes the two songs, mr bank's one and mary poppins' one. Those were the songs of the most antithetical characters of the movie and the mix/medley is a perfect metaphor of the meaning of the whole scene.

[@jacobgarrity9055]

He deserves an Oscar for this performance for playing Mr.Banks the best performance in Disney history

[@davidf2703]

Such a performance.

[@smwca123]

Best Supporting Actor would have done it nicely, alongside Julie who won Best Actress.

[@SaintSteven67]

This is a fantastic scene. Bert is the one who really got George Banks to shift his focus.

[@alking7655]

Absolutely love this scene. Bert shows George that he should take time to appreciate the small joys of life, yet through its simplicity, it is deeply profound. "A spoonful of sugar, that is all it takes. It changes bread and water into tea and cakes." - Take some time to picture a happy thought when at your lowest. "A spoonful of sugar goes a long long way, have yourself a healthy helping every day." - A metaphor for how showing a little bit of kindness and compassion can make someone else feel better and furthermore makes you feel good. But the one that is most profound and helps George realise that she was coming to help him. "You've got to grind, grind, grind at that grindstone, though childhood slips like sand, through a sieve. And all too soon they've up and grown and then they've flown, and it's too late for you to give." Yes, money is important, but the joy of your children as children is fleeting and much more precious, and it will be a major change if you don't prepare for it. Treasure it while you can.

[@tailsfan11westandwithukraine]

I’m tearing up right now. All these years and I never realized the true meaning of all this. Thank you. 🥲

[@KLWilsonUS]

As a kid this and Feed the Birds were my least favorite songs from the movie and now they are two of my all time fav songs ever.

[@BrennanYoung]

Mine too! I sing Feed the Birds to my kids at bedtime.

[@ianwestc]

As a young child, "Feed the Birds" seems like a nice diversion, a way to comfort the children so they'll sleep. Who doesn't like birds? And the thought of a kindly old woman using her tuppins to feed little birds, well it's certainly heartwarming. It's an example of a song that works multiple levels. Adults realize that the "birds" are their children. It takes only a little attention to give them love they need.

[@claireclarke4734]

WOW, I never realized that!

[@andsings13]

Feed the birds and let's go fly a kite were the only songs I did like as a child, but now being in my early 20s I love this song along with Stay Awake and the British bank (life I lead) one.

[@lefinlay]

The theme for The Life I Lead is my favourite. It appears several times in the film.

[@pjw85]

i think this is the best scene in the whole movie,

[@johnathanhunter7899]

It is indeed! It touches my SOUL!

[@ryanwilliams1800]

@@johnathanhunter7899 what i really like about it is that despite his faults and strictness Mr Banks is actually a good and likeable man and the way Bert talks to him without judgement, just gently directs him in the right direction with gentleness and kindness and Mr Banks gets what he is saying. The respect between them in the scene is lovely.

[@NiVi192]

That scene is the turning point in this character's whole development and so wonderfully displayed these two men's interaction!

[@missk2559]

3:32 Tomlinson’s facial expression as Dyke is singing “just a spoonful of sugar” Amazing performance by then both… you can see the moment Mr. Banks changed ❤ favourite scene

[@aminsadeghpour1549]

I think that every working father can learn from this scene. Some fathers work so hard to support their families that they do not spend enough time with the kids. Not that they are necessarily bad fathers. They just have to prioritize things a little bit better. Sure, it's important to support your family but you also have to find the balance between supporting your family and spending time with the kids when they're young.

[@flamingkitten1]

I love the use of A Spoonful of Sugar song for both the father and the children. For the children the Song is used to let them know a little fun can get hard jobs done. For Mr. Bank it is used to remind him that a little kindness is important

[@troelswabakken7512]

So true, family is still the most important.

[@sugarcrisp53]

I've been a Mary Poppins fan since 6th grade when the film opened in the hometown, and I've read PL Travers' books. Watching the movie again, and that I love studying history and the cultural and social changes, I've come to believe Disney's Mary Poppins is a story of change. Why did Disney set the film in 1910, approx. one month before Edward VII died, two years before Titanic, and a little more than 4 years before WWI? Change was in the air and Mr Banks couldn't deal with it. Mary Poppins was there to save George, not the kids.

[@SuperTed19021]

Maybe that's it. The world was changing fast in 1910. If you think about it, today is not a lot different. Especially in Britain. What with the Covid-19 pandemic, Brexit, terrorism, austerity, Elizabeth II coming up to the end of her life, threat of Scottish independence etc. The film more-or-less serves the same message to people who watch now in these (continuous) troubled times.

[@davidmcaninch4714]

Bert is what you would call a Jack-of-all-trades. He’s a one-man-band, a literal artist, a chimney sweep, and as we see later, a kite salesman!! What a way to make a living!!

[@verkaforever]

Though Mary Poppins helped, it is actually Bert that should be credited for making George realise he should be kinder to his children.

[@kelliepoindexter24]

When I was child, Step in Time, was my favorite part of the movie. For obvious reasons lol. Then this scene follows it. Bored me to death and would drift off until the beautiful, happy ending. Rewatching this in my late teens, still somewhat same reactions. But rewatching it again in my early twenties, now mid twenties, I paid attention to this scene. I never knew how significant and beautiful this scene is. Everytime I come across this clip or scene during the film, I sob like a B A B Y. It's incredibly true. I love Disney with my whole heart. Love Walt Disney World even more. But no Disney film recently as captivated audiences like Walt's masterpiece of Mary Poppins. Walt would turn over in his grave if he knew the amount of sequel's, prequels, remakes came flooding out today. My favorite quote by Walt is, "It's kind of fun to do the impossible." The Walt Disney Company, I hope, will get back to imaginative, innovative time and creations Walt had accomplished. Hopefully one day.

[@daleesan5914]

This scene makes me cry.

[@GrassPotati]

When I was younger, I didn’t understand how beautiful this scene was. When Bert was explaining everything to Mr. Banks, you could see in his eyes how he realized he needed to change and be there for his kids. I always tear up in this scene.

[@1peytonapicture]

I wish someone would say these things to my dad...

[@Graxster]

Best guilt trip in the history of filmography.

[@stephaniestarrett643]

Graxster a guilt trip that's true none the less

[@305Lfx]

I weep like a kid watching this... David tomlinson reminds me of my dad... Mr Banks is so like him.. a very gentle man but conflicted in a world..

[@mrglibb]

I truly love this part of the movie because it's a perfect representation of healthy debate in disguise. Banks proposes that his life has been ruined and that the root of it can be traced to Mary Poppins causing disruption in his routine. Burt chimes in, wholly accepting of the suffering Mr Banks is going through and never dismissing or invalidating it, but argues that this temporary suffering is necessary to avoid greater suffering in future. In order to maintain the current level of comfort Banks and his family have, he must forego a healthy relationship with his children and the joy that comes with it. Not only that, he closes his argument with "just that spoonful of sugar to help the medicine go down", he isn't arguing that this revelation negates the suffering, rather that it justifies it. Each side presents indisputable points, neither attempts to discredit the other, and by the end a resolution has been found which both sides can agree upon. If only more people took this to heart.

[@briskbronco8292]

The world is going to be totally heart broken when Dick van Dyke passes away

[@kaimcnamee3658]

I've watched this film many a-time over the years, as a child. Now I hear this song, I finally understand it's meaning to life. And hearing again, I had that moment where I understand the true significance of 'a spoon full of sugar.'

[@anthonyosullivan268]

My late Irish Grandmother (who adopted me) saw this movie back when it was released when she lived in London . She said at the line “Childhood slips like sand through a sieve” most the mothers burst out crying 😢.

[@maitre6365]

This one scene is the heart and linchpin of the entire film. Just marvellous writing, acting and with an incredible message to boot. I wonder, would disney include it today, considering no child could ever understand the message? I hope so, but I have my doubts in this world of overblown action and instant gratification.

[@germanwolf8839]

+Maître Scythe yeah there's always hope

[@MR2trader]

+Maître Scythe Linchpin is right. Only now when I'm challenged to spend quantity and quality time with my sons does this scene totally blow me away. Like many others here, I had no clue as a kid.

[@germanwolf8839]

Tom Cyr like I don't have sons or a family yet, probably won't for a few years. But even seeing this as a young adult to being a kid, I kind of forgot they had a scene but I didn't really understand then what the two of them were saying. Now just being a young, single guy-being what Mr. Banks is, trying to find your niche, grinding at that grindstone but is he happy? Bert has nothing, does odd jobs but is full of joy with a smile on his face. It took Mary Poppins to save Mr. Banks but it was Bert who really got to him. Made him realize cause most are ambitious and want a certain lifestyle but need to remember and be grateful with what they have before it's gone. My sibling's and I now that we're all adults try to tolerate our father because he's one that shouldn't have had kids. He had his moments but it wasn't enough as he was mostly rude and an asshole towards his family, whether it came to playing catch or just wanting to do something with him, he shunned us away, said we were bothering him...his life decisions we had to suffer for it...same applies to Mr. Banks, his family was suffering because work was all that mattered, and thanks to Mary Poppins and Bert, he realized that family matters too and your children too because it's not long before they're adults and it's too late to give. My father doesn't want to work but as we got older he tried to show interest, act like he was father of the year but it was bull and a little too late for us all, so we tolerate, move on with our life's, let him be and I intend to work and be ambitious but also cherish the moments when I have a family and not neglect them, so I guess my father showed me something even if it was the expense of bonding as a kid.

[@germanwolf8839]

+Maître Scythe and for Disney showing something like this today, that's a tough one-I'd like it, the messages behind these movies helped me through parts of my childhood and young adulthood. Like I enjoy action, CGI is cool but I want more than that, whether it's a sci-fi, sports movie or drama, I want a message behind it all that if you saw it, kind of gets you thinking about your own life, not just seeing heads get blown off or some zombie apocalypse. I plan on getting into the entertainment business, intend to make more pictures that lean towards a Mary Poppins type story or a Rocky story with a deep, meaningful message that children today need compared to a dime a dozen joke that you forget in a few years, thus making the kids of the future into useless, immoral dumbasses.

[@inarencommander4663]

Bert is the real MVP of the story. I never realized this when I watched this movie as a child.

[@patrickcarney13]

This song hits so hard as a dad approaching 40 with little kids and advancement opportunities on the horizon

[@LevCallahan]

Having grown up, I've realized this scene is actually the point of the entire movie.

[@mickeyfairweather4484]

Alex Alerasoul you hit it right on point my friend

[@benwalker8474]

Probably the most important scene in the movie

[@SuperTed19021]

To me, it is *one* of the most impactful scenes in the Disney film library.

[@LivemeLoveme]

Definitely one of my favorite scenes.

[@malcolmferguson4869]

I love how, while Mary Poppins was the one who opened the door to all this, it was ultimately Burt - a simple chimney sweep - and his kids who made Mr. Banks have a change of heart.

[@WestHamWorld]

Fantastic scene. Love it

[@FatherOsnom]

This has got to be my favorite part of the whole movie. The intense shift in Mr. Banks perspective is jut amazing

[@joshuae9878]

This is the most emotional part of Mary poppins

[@champof64]

Oh what a great beautiful film! Even after all these years I had a smile almost throughout the experience

[@PrinceMarc22]

Watch Saving Mr Banks. It will give you a new appreciation for this great film and its beautiful lesson. Mary Poppins truly was and still is one of the last gems in Walt Disney's crown of successes.

[@manuelorozco7760]

I was almost 21 when it came out. Saving Mr Banks I mean. And yet it took me a while to finally sit down and watch it. I was initially cynical of watching behind the scenes how this magical movie came together and the real life tragedies that put MP into what and who she is today as a book and film heroine.

[@kevinboudreaux7860]

one my favorite scenes in any Disney movie. its incredible how this scene sums up priorities in adulthood.

[@joshuadesautels]

"If I mess up raising my kids, nothing I do here matters."

[@JoeZUGOOLA]

This film has three parts.. and this part means the most to me now I'm an adult (male)

[@johnsterbenz6400]

"Saving Mr. Banks" finally made me realize why I love "Mary Poppins" like I do--and this scene captures the start of that redemption that so many strive for but few ever get because those "last grains of sand have gone through the sieve".

[@alexanderpytko5394]

Bert makes Mr. Banks realize that he has to spend more time with Jane and Michael because they're not going to be children forever and children do grow up fast. He'll never get this time back so he must make the most of it. As mentioned in the song, "The Life I Lead," he comes home with only enough time to send them off to bed. It seems like Mr. Banks has been a workaholic lately. He seems to spend so much time at the bank that he's been neglecting his kids and even his wife.

[@chocolatebar1592]

How old are Jane and Michael in the film?

[@alexanderpytko5394]

@@chocolatebar1592 I'm not sure but the girl who played Jane was 9 at the time and the boy who played Michael was 8 at the time.

[@smwca123]

@@alexanderpytko5394 Matthew Garber, who played Michael, died in 1977 at 21.

[@Gambit771]

Mr Banks is a man that has lost his way with his family. A family that has helped him lose his way.

[@aminsadeghpour1549]

I have several thoughts here: I honestly don't think Mr. Banks MEANT to be a bad father. I think deep down he loved his children. I think he made a mistake that some father's make. They think working and supporting the family is important. I think Mr. Banks was a little misguided. he had the right idea but it was kind of in the wrong direction. Sure, it's important to support your family but you also have to find the balance between supporting your family and having time for the kids when they are young. I think this scene was the logical conclusion to Mr. Banks understanding that his children need his love. I think at the end when Mr. Banks got his job back he shortened his hours or even took some days off to be with the kids.

[@australfever7934]

I've often wondered about Bert's backstory. From re-watching the film recently for old times sake, I wondered if Bert's advice to the children or to Mr. Banks was from self-experience. Maybe Bert also had a bad relationship with his father when he was a child, or he was once a father in Mr. Banks' place but didn't have a Bert of his own to give him advice.

[@ladyfire44]

Probably from self-experience because Bert knew what it was like to be in Banks' position and related to him. Bert may have came from a bad family structure and his father may have been like George's own. Maybe Mary Poppins was the closest that Bert had to being a parent figure to him and he was forever grateful to her. That was why he defended her, Mary was trying to help Mr. Banks spend time with his children.

[@ladyfire44]

Because Mary knew how strained Jane and Michael's relationship with Mr. Banks really is and how it was similar to Bert's family structure. There was no way for her to talk some sense to Banks without him being angry at her and she felt that the only one who could talk to him is Bert. We can only assume that Banks' father was like Bert's own father and wasn't very good to him

[@ladyfire44]

thanks

[@esayli-vainio6698]

And how about Albert, the laughing man on the roof? He is spoken as "uncle" By both Mary Poppins and Bert. Could he be maybe the uncle of Bert? Or just maybe just the mutual friend of Mary's and Bert's?

[@ladyfire44]

I think a mutual friend or maybe Bert's uncle.

[@demetriosaverkiou2839]

Such a great scene one of my favourites.

[@chrisfurniss02]

It's sad how rigid and depressed Mr. Bank's life is. You can see on his face the moment when he realizes what Berts saying.

[@EthalaRide]

Man, This scene always made me so curious as to what the heck Bert's backstory was. How does he know so much? How did he become friends with Mary Poppins? She's clearly some sort of supernatural 'fairy godmother/super-nanny' like person. Could she have helped him when he was a child, like she's helping Jane and Micheal? With how imaginative and worry free he is, it could totally be from Mary Poppins changing his life with magic and imagination. It seems to me he understands what it's like to have a workaholic father and what it does to the kids, but he could just be coming from a place of empathy, rather than firsthand knowledge. but I don't know...

[@iconsumeinfants]

***** yes......just yes.

[@cnoize314]

***** The interpretation that Bert was a kid helped by Mary Poppins in the past is one of my favorites, especially because it pays back those fantastic lines near the beginning---"Wind's in the East, mist coming in, like something is brewin', about to begin. Can't put me finger on what lies in store, but I feel what's to happen, all happened before." Bert, consciously or not, remembers his past encounter with Mary and recognizes the deja vu. Love this movie!

[@iconsumeinfants]

I definitely agree, and I think the opening helps with that a lot when he automatically knows that something strange is happening almost like he remembers when she came. He says something along the lines of "winds in the east mist coming in like something is brewing about to begin"

[@Wawagirl17]

Wow, I have NEVER thought of that before, but that is a fascinating, and quite touching, idea of how he met Mary Poppins and how his character was formed.

[@bloodyrose1985]

+cnoize314 that does explain a lot

[@SuperTed19021]

I love how wise Bert was. He always had a lesson to tell. Like others mentioned, I wonder what his background was?

[@simsgirlgem]

I like the theory he’s the owner of the bank son or grandson and chose to be happy than rich

[@vampylass3848]

Every father should listen to this!

[@beccaflynn6261]

I never got this scene, but now I do!

[@logancasey1635]

R.I.P. David Tomlinson

[@PaulGill-jf9cm]

There is magic 🪄 in this movie 🎥

[@BuzryHaproMandalorianHunter]

Do you want to be remembered as a caring father or one that ignored your kids?

[@aminsadeghpour1549]

I THINK MR. BANKS IS STARTING TO ASK THAT QUESTION.

[@aminsadeghpour1549]

good point: Mr Banks should imagine this: if he's not there for the kids when they're young pretty soon they will be grown up and on with their lives and they will not want a relationship with him. like Burt said: "all too soon they've up and grown, and then they've flown, and it's too late for you to give.

[@violinguy9869]

A man has dreams of walking with giants To carve his niche in the edifice of time Before the mortar of his zeal Has a chance to congeal The cup is dashed from his lips The flame is snuffed aborning He's brought to rack and ruin in his prime My world was calm, well ordered, exemplary Then came this person, with chaos in her wake And now my life's ambitions go with one fell blow It's quite a bitter pill to take A spoonful of sugar that is all it takes It changes bread and water into tea and cakes A spoonful of sugar goes a long, long way 'Ave yourself a 'ealthy 'elpin' ev'ry day You're a man of 'igh position Esteemed by your peers And when your little tykes are cryin' You 'aven't time to dry their tears And see them grateful little faces Smilin' up at you Because their dad, 'e always knows Just what to do You've got to grind, grind, grind At that grindstone Though child'ood slips like sand through a sieve And all too soon they've up grown And then they've flown And it's too late for you to give Just that spoonful of sugar To 'elp the medicine go down The medicine go down, the medicine go down.

[@bigrealm8156]

Thanks for this. Take care

[@smwca123]

What was Bert's interjection after the first verse "Life is a __ , Governor"? It's never been clear. And what does it mean?

[@TheAlps36]

@@smwca123 I think he's saying "Life is a rum go" which is Cockney slang for "life's kinda weird isn't it?"

[@Freethinkingtheist77]

Just been having a very difficult night with my newborn and her two year old brother. It can be hard, tiring, even frustrating. This clip helped me regain a right perspective. Thanks Bert.

[@loganbenson119]

Ever since I was a little kid, I always put this song as many times as I needed

[@joshpark7745]

In Memory of Richard M. Sherman (June 12, 1928 - May 25, 2024)

[@StephanieEleni]

Best scene in the movie hands down

[@kalmia01]

Mary Poppins is a marvelous lovely creature but Bert - Dick Vab Dyke is the real heart of the movie❤ what a beautiful man, i wish there were more like him today😊