The original "Mary Poppins" books were written in the 1930s by author P.L. Travers. Walt Disney got the rights from her in 1961, and asked brothers Richard and Robert Sherman to compose songs for the film.
"Mary Poppins" is about a magical nanny in Edwardian England who cares for two neglected children. Through her sunny attitude and magical tricks, she heals the rifts in the family.
Julie Andrews gained the role of Mary Poppins after being passed over for Eliza Doolittle in "My Fair Lady," which she had originated on Broadway.
In addition to its memorable songs and performances, "Mary Poppins" is notable for combining live action and animation in a single sequence. At one point, Mary takes the children into an animated landscape where they sing and interact with a number of cartoon characters.
"Mary Poppins" and "My Fair Lady" went head-to-head at the 1964 Academy Awards. Though "My Fair Lady" beat it for Best Picture, "Mary Poppins" still won 5 Oscars, including a Best Actress award for Andrews.