movies,

Is the movie Saving Mr. Banks (2013) based on a true story?

Olivia Thompson Olivia Thompson Feb 27, 2019 · 2 mins read
Is the movie Saving Mr. Banks (2013) based on a true story?
Share this

Yes, Saving Mr. Banks is based on the true story of how Walt Disney, played by Tom Hanks, convinced author P.L. Travers, played by Emma Thompson, to adapt her novel Mary Poppins into a movie. The movie also delves into Travers’ personal history and the inspiration behind her book.

What is the true story behind the movie Saving Mr. Banks (2013)?

The movie Saving Mr. Banks is based on the true story of the making of the famous 1964 Walt Disney film Mary Poppins. The plot of the movie Saving Mr. Banks revolves around the author of the Mary Poppins book series, P. L. Travers, and her reluctance to make a movie adaptation of her beloved books.

In reality, Travers did resist the idea of selling the rights to her books to Disney for a movie adaptation for many years. Disney had been pursuing the Mary Poppins rights since the 1940s, and finally secured them in 1961. Travers was then invited to the United States to consult on the film script and production.

Travers found the script and many elements of the film to be a deviation from her books and was highly concerned with Disney’s intentions for the film, fearing that it would be overly sentimental or childish. She clashed with the film’s creative team, including the songwriters, and fought to keep her vision intact.

Ultimately, Travers was not able to control every aspect of the film, and the movie was made with creative liberties taken by Disney. Despite her reservations, Mary Poppins became a beloved classic and remains a fan favorite to this day.

Are there any books about the true story behind the movie Saving Mr. Banks (2013)?

Yes, there are a few books about the true story behind the movie “Saving Mr. Banks” (2013). Here are a few:

  1. “Mary Poppins, She Wrote: The Life of P. L. Travers” by Valerie Lawson - This biography explores the life of the author of the Mary Poppins books and her complicated relationship with Walt Disney.

  2. “The Boys: The Story of the 1954 Marian Anderson Easter Concert” by Stanley A. Ransom Jr. - This book tells the story of how Walt Disney and his friends, including P.L. Travers, helped to organize a concert by African American singer Marian Anderson at the Lincoln Memorial.

  3. “Walt Disney: The Triumph of the American Imagination” by Neal Gabler - This comprehensive biography of Walt Disney includes a chapter about the making of “Mary Poppins” and the difficulties he had in convincing P.L Travers to sell him the film rights.

  4. “The Real Mary Poppins: The Life and Times of P.L. Travers” by Paul Brody - This book examines the life of P.L. Travers and her experiences that inspired the Mary Poppins books, as well as the making of the Disney film.

All of these books provide insight into the true story behind the movie “Saving Mr. Banks” and the complex relationship between P.L. Travers and Walt Disney.

You can try an audible free trial and search for audiobook versions of those

movies
Olivia Thompson
Written by Olivia Thompson
Making a difference, one step at a time.