We all like to be entertained from time to time. With that in mind, those smarties our in Hollywood made a whole multi-billion dollar industry out of this. Just a few nights ago, the Grammy’s were on. A couple of friends were over, having pizza with us, and the “pre-Grammy show” was playing on the TV. The four of us barely knew who anyone was. After our friends left, I did not stay with that TV and watch the rest. I used to follow the entertainment scene, but these days, it doesn’t matter to me one iota who wins the best song, album, or singer of the year. If I hear a song and like it, that’s the only award that matters to me.
Don’t get me wrong. I’m happy for the artists’ goodness and success. I just don’t need to keep track of it. I still listen to a lot of the same music I did 30 years ago. Although, my tastes are fairly eclectic when it comes to my playlists on Spotify.
But entertainment isn’t really about keeping track. Unless, of course, you play golf. Then, you probably should keep track. When I play, it is definitely entertaining for those who might be watching.
Speaking of watching, the other day, I decided to cue up Mary Poppins on our movies. The original. I hadn’t seen it in 100 years, or so. I thoroughly enjoyed watching it again, but now I feel myself being driven around the house by Mary Poppins songs. I’ve been “stepping in time” with the chimney sweeps and Burt, not to mention all the “spoons full of sugar” I’m taking every three minutes or so. And every time I look out at our bird feeders, I break out in song with “tuppence a bag.” Well done, sister suffragette.
But one thing I noticed during the movie was their feet. Mary Poppins’ feet, and Burt’s, and sometimes the kids’, were all pointed outward. A lot. Unnaturally. I don’t understand why they did this in the movie. I am not sure of the significance. But it became completely distracting for me as I watched this time.
Imagine what Billy Porter at the Grammy’s would have done to me. However, he sort of wore a Mary Poppins hat, but added the fringe from the lamp in her bedroom.
Anyway, other things sparked my interest about the movie this time. I wondered where Jane and Michael Banks were these day. As it turns out, little Michael Banks died. The actor, Matthew Garber, contracted hepatitis while he was down in India. It spread to his pancreas, and as a result, he died when he was 21. That made me a little sad. But his sister, Jane, who was played by Karen Dotrice is now 64 years old. She’s done some acting over the years, including a cameo in the Mary Poppins remake in 2018.
I’ve not seen the remake. Some things are better left undone.
And thank goodness the original was made the way it was. The original leads were cast as Angela Lansbury and Cary Grant. I for one, am happy that Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke landed the spots. The were “practically perfect in every way.”
There are a lot of good lessons in the movie though. They snuck these in on me when I was a kid. But I notice these things now. Keeping a positive outlook on life; doing our work gladly; feeding the poor; women’s rights; importance of love and compassion; and many more. Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.
Yes, we like to be entertained. And well we should, especially when it gives us good things to consider. Maybe today, we can all keep a little bit of Mary Poppins in our step.
Did I mention that thing about her feet always being pointed outward?
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“Life becomes easier and more beautiful when we can see the good in other people.”
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“Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.”
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“One of the world’s most popular entertainments is a deck of cards, which contains thirteen each of four suits, highlighted by kings, queens and jacks, who are possibly the queen’s younger, more attractive boyfriends.”
― Lemony Snicket
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