From Woman's World · Ed Gross · · 3m
Julie Andrews Made Mary Poppins Magical
Julie Andrews' Mary Poppins film softened P.L. Travers' darker books for a new TV series.
In brief
Julie Andrews' Mary Poppins film softened P.L. Travers' darker books for a new TV series. P.L. Travers' darker Mary Poppins books, published from 1934 to 1988, inspired a TV series that avoids Disney's magical tone. Originally reported by Woman's World.
Mary Poppins TV series in development
A Mary Poppins TV series is being developed from P.L. Travers' books.
P.L. Travers' eight books
P.L. Travers wrote eight Mary Poppins books published from 1934 to 1988.
Darker book adventures
The books reveal adventures, characters and a Mary the movies never fully explored.
Travers' mysterious world
Travers' Ms. Poppins was considerably darker, her adventures more surreal.
TV series optioned from Travers estate
Being shepherded by producer Tom Winchester through Pure Fiction Television, the show has been optioned from the Travers estate rather than Disney.
First book: East Wind arrives
Mary arrives in the Banks household at Number 17 Cherry Tree Lane with a carpetbag and parrot-headed umbrella.
Bird Woman and Uncle Albert
Mary and the children encounter the Bird Woman and Uncle Albert, whose uncontrollable laughter causes him to float toward the ceiling.
Mary returns in second book
Following Mary’s departure in the first book, she returns from the sky at the end of a kite string.
King of the Castle and Dirty Rascal
Jane and Michael encounter the King of the Castle and the Dirty Rascal during Mary’s return.
Mary’s world expands
The book expands the Banks family with the arrival of baby Annabel and introduces the twins John and Barbara.
Third book: Guy Fawkes Night
Travers set the third book on Guy Fawkes Night with Mary arriving amid fireworks.
Marble Boy and magical elements
The story introduces Mr. Twigley and his music boxes, the Marble Boy and Miss Calico’s peppermint horses.
Fourth book: Park adventures
Mary Poppins in the Park features six adventures during Mary’s previous stays with the Banks family.
Fifth book: Alphabet vignettes
Mary Poppins From A to Z is a collection of 26 brief vignettes, one for each letter of the alphabet.
Sixth book: Kitchen adventures
Mary Poppins in the Kitchen features the Banks household running the kitchen for a week with 30 recipes.
Seventh book: Midsummer’s Eve
Mary Poppins in Cherry Tree Lane takes place on Midsummer’s Eve with the Banks children visiting the Herb Garden.
Eighth book: House next door
Mary Poppins and the House Next Door introduces Miss Andrew, Mr. Banks’ former governess, moving into Number 18 Cherry Tree Lane.
The headline
P.L. Travers' darker Mary Poppins books, published from 1934 to 1988, inspired a TV series that avoids Disney's magical tone.
