Friday, February 10, 2017

THE MARY POPPINS CONUNDRUM



I was 7 years old the year Mary Poppins was released. The emotions associated with that movie are still vivid to this day. Sitting in the theatre I was entranced by the music and the look of the movie. I recall thinking that David Tomlinson was the best actor in the world. I truly felt for his plight at the bank.  My parents bought the soundtrack album and as the eldest child of, at that time 3 sisters, I took control and practically wore it out with the playing.

I remember the deep satisfaction of sitting up straight in bed the night I finally (finally!) managed to say supercalifragilisticexpealidocious all the way through perfectly for the first time.

Nonetheless, there is something about Mary Poppins that always puzzles and concerns me, from the very first viewing on the big screen to the many viewings associated with my son Gavin putting Mary Poppins on a video or DVD return loop. (The boys in my family have this thing for Julie Andrews.)




Perhaps, like me, you too are plagued or blessed with a sweet tooth and find the scene in the chalk drawing equally disturbing.

Settling into the charming cafe, our Mary sings : -

Now then, what would be nice
We'll start with raspberry ice
And then some cakes and tea

The obliging waiters respond : -

Order what you will
There'll be no bill
It's complimentary




However, did you see anyone bring raspberry ice? Not to mention cakes and tea? Did you? No! Nobody did; not then and not now - not ever. 

All they get is a floor show! No eats!










14 comments:

  1. HA! The devil is in the details! Funny when little things catch your attention that no one else necessarily notices. If I remember correctly, it's been a while, it started to rain shortly after Bert finished dancing with the penguins and they were back on the pavement so no sweeties.

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    1. Glad you got a kick out of this post. We all have those moments. And this one has bothered me for over 50 years!

      Actually, Mary gets to win a horse race riding a merry-go-round equine before the rain comes tumbling down. But still, no sweets.

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  2. Obviously they had to make them. They were fresh out at the time.

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    Replies
    1. Now I will be forever worried about that one overworked penguin in the kitchen slaving away while his friends are cavorting.

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  3. i really loved this post. very charming little talk.

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    Replies
    1. It was indeed meant as a funny little respite from the headlines of the day - and to get something off my chest after all these years!

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  4. You're right. Mary Poppins and Bert were totally ripped off in this scene. No wonder everything is complimentary!

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    1. Right?! It's a wonder Mary wasn't too famished to win that Derby.

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  5. Typical penguin behavior, those creatures never remember to bring me what I order either.

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    1. Indeed. They hope to bamboozle us with their winning personalities into forgetting the slights.

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  6. Ah, but then I don't remember Mary and Bert leaving a tip, either!

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    1. Well, I guess the floor show was worth something. But they seemed happy enough with a little kiss from Mary.

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  7. Yes CaftanWoman, the way I see it is you can have cakes and tea, or raspberry ice anytime - but you can't always dance with penguins or watch a floor with Bert.

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    Replies
    1. I see your point and it is indeed a worthy one. However, my sweet tooth still has that pang of lost goodies.

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