Saving Mr. Banks
Author P.L. Travers looks back on her childhood while reluctantly meeting with Walt Disney, who seeks to adapt her Mary Poppins books for the big screen.
Dialogues from Movie Saving Mr. Banks
Walt's Determination, Reelive
You know, there’s a place for you in this film.
What do you know about the story? You’re just a man with a hat.
A man with a hat and a mission.
Mission? You’re not making a cartoon, Mr. Disney. You’re taking the essence of my work.
And I understand that. But we need to bring magic to the screen.
Magic? What do you call magic? Kicking up dust with fluff?
No, it’s about the heart. It’s about the story.
The heart, Mr. Disney? You think that’s all it takes?
It’s the only thing that makes life worth living.
And books are worth it too.
Yes! Which is why I want your blessing. To create something beautiful.
The First Attempt at Compromise, Reelive
I don’t think you grasp the subtleties of the story.
I understand it better than you think, Pamela.
Pamela is my business. Miss Travers is a title you should respect.
I do respect you, and your work.
Then why the insistence on a song and dance?
Because that’s what captures the spirit of the time.
And yet, the child of my story is still a child.
What if we honored the child in a new way?
A new way? I hardly want to allow you to edit my sentences.
What if I promise to keep the essence intact?
And if that essence gets lost?
Then we’ll figure it out together.
Emotional Connection, Reelive
My father was a man of great beliefs, but he was also a tragic figure.
Sounds like it shaped a lot of your story.
It did, yes. But you’ll exploit that if you don’t tread carefully.
I promise you, I’m not here to exploit anything. I want to honor it.
Honor? You mean ‘entertain,’ don’t you?
Why can’t it be both?
Because oftentimes in film, honor gets sacrificed at the altar of entertainment.
And I assure you, that's not my goal.
Then what is your goal?
To create something that breathes — that has life beyond the page.
And can you even do that?
I believe I can.
Clash of Visions, Reelive
I envision color and music in this scene.
You envision it, but it’s my character.
I respect that, but Mary needs to connect with the audience.
And is that not what the book did?
Yes, but we need to expand. Make it resonate on a deeper level.
Resonance? Are you manipulating my work?
No, just elevating it.
Elevating at what cost?
A cost worth paying if it means more people find joy in it.
Joy at the cost of integrity? I’ll have none of it.
The integrity of the story and the joy in the hearts of many — can we not have both?
Letting Go, Reelive
What if it’s not what I envisioned?
Then it’s something new.
But isn’t that the hardest thing to accept?
Acceptance comes from understanding.
Understanding? Or manipulation?
I would never manipulate your work.
Then how do you expect me to trust you?
By showing you that your story has a life beyond just you.
And if that life is something I cannot embrace?
Then you must find peace in what it becomes.
The Importance of Family, Reelive
My father’s failures haunt me.
His failures shaped you into the writer you are.
Writers write, but we live with the pain.
And sometimes that pain becomes the source of healing.
Healing? Is that what you think my character is about?
It can be. It can offer solace that we all crave.
I’m not sure solace was my intention.
Intention or not, it’s what people find.
And if that’s twisted?
Then it’s twisted into something beautiful.
Final Agreement, Reelive
Let’s clear the air once and for all.
I’m all for honesty, Mr. Disney.
All I want is your trust.
Trust is earned, not given.
Then let me show you.
Show me how?
By breathing life into your words, while preserving their integrity.
And if I disagree with that ethos?
Then we’ll have to discuss it. But I need you alongside me.
And if I walk away?
Then you’ve lost something precious to us both.
The Power of Storytelling, Reelive
Stories can change lives.
Change lives? Or entertain them?
Sometimes they can do both.
And which one are you aiming for?
I’m aiming for connection.
Connection through art?
Yes! Through characters that resonate with their audience.
And what if they misunderstand the character?
Then we’ll have a discussion after the film air.
How comforting.
It’s the best I can offer.
Closing the Gap, Reelive
I didn’t think you’d understand my pain.
Pain and joy, they often walk hand in hand.
So it seems.
Let’s not lose sight of that balance.
Balance? A precarious dance.
Dance is what we must do to make magic.
Magic that could vanish.
But with every act, it leaves behind a trace.
And that trace could capture my father.
Then that’s worth every risk.
Honoring the Character, Reelive
She has to be more than a caricature!
I promise you, she won’t be.
And how can you assure me of this?
Because I understand what Mary means to you.
Then will you protect that meaning?
With every ounce of my strength.
You better hope I see it that way.
You will, I promise.
And what if the audience sees her differently?
Then we’ve created a conversation.
Crossing the Final Frontier, Reelive
It cannot end this way!
What way, Pamela?
In created chaos.
Or with a little bit of happiness?
Happiness is subjective, Mr. Disney.
And life, with all its hurdles, has room for it.
And art must capture that struggle.
Precisely! And that’s what will be shared.
And if that oversimplifies?
Then it opens the door for new interpretations.
Faith in Creativity, Reelive
I can’t believe we’ve finally done it.
Believe it. This is just the beginning.
Our beginning?
Yes! You can see that art can transcend.
Transcend or corrupt?
Transcend — it’s all dependent on the eyes of the beholder.
Right. Which still holds power.
Exactly! And that power is what we’ve harnessed.
Harnessed or unleashed?
Let’s say both.
Emotional Resolution, Reelive
I see you now—not just as an author.
And I see you for the dreamer you are.
Dreamers need visionaries like you to ground them.
And visionaries need dreamers to inspire them to break through.
Together, we are both.
Perhaps not so different after all.
Indeed. Will you trust me with your story?
And will you protect its legacy?
For as long as I breathe.
Then I shall let you in.
The Celebration, Reelive
It’s beautiful, Walt.
It is, isn’t it?
I never thought I’d say that.
And look at what we’ve achieved together.
Together, yes… and surprisingly well.
You see, sometimes willingness to let go allows growth.
And joy.
And joy, exactly.
Perhaps magic does exist in the collaboration.
Absolutely, Pamela. Here’s to that magic!
Quotes from Movie Saving Mr. Banks
You know what? I’ve done my job. This is the best I can do. But if you don’t like it, then it’s your fault.
Walt Disney
Saving Mr. Banks, Reelive
You don’t understand. You make a film to leave a legacy, to affect generations.
P.L. Travers
Saving Mr. Banks, Reelive
I’m afraid of what’s at the end of the road.
P.L. Travers
Saving Mr. Banks, Reelive
A story can take people through anything. It can pull them into a world of wonder, but it can also break them.
Walt Disney
Saving Mr. Banks, Reelive
You think you know everything about magic; you don’t. You don’t know one thing about love.
P.L. Travers
Saving Mr. Banks, Reelive
You can't pretend you're someone else. You have to be who you really are.
Walt Disney
Saving Mr. Banks, Reelive
Some stories are meant to hurt, and some stories are meant to heal.
Walt Disney
Saving Mr. Banks, Reelive
A man cannot be trusted without his tether.
P.L. Travers
Saving Mr. Banks, Reelive
It’s not about the money; it’s about the heart.
Walt Disney
Saving Mr. Banks, Reelive
Everything you do affects someone else’s story.
P.L. Travers
Saving Mr. Banks, Reelive
You think I’m just a grumpy author? I’m a guardian of my characters.
P.L. Travers
Saving Mr. Banks, Reelive
I won’t let you turn my story into a joke.
P.L. Travers
Saving Mr. Banks, Reelive
This world can be relentless, but stories can provide solace.
Walt Disney
Saving Mr. Banks, Reelive
You have to let people in to truly be heard.
Walt Disney
Saving Mr. Banks, Reelive
The past is never over; it’s always with you.
P.L. Travers
Saving Mr. Banks, Reelive
You’re asking me to abandon my family.
P.L. Travers
Saving Mr. Banks, Reelive
You’ve captured the spirit of Mary Poppins; now capture my spirit.
P.L. Travers
Saving Mr. Banks, Reelive
My characters deserve more respect than you are giving them.
P.L. Travers
Saving Mr. Banks, Reelive
You have to listen to the heart of the story.
Walt Disney
Saving Mr. Banks, Reelive
Sometimes love means letting go, even when it hurts.
P.L. Travers
Saving Mr. Banks, Reelive
Every great story begins with a spark of truth.
Walt Disney
Saving Mr. Banks, Reelive
You don’t own the characters; they own you.
P.L. Travers
Saving Mr. Banks, Reelive
You must have faith in the magic.
Walt Disney
Saving Mr. Banks, Reelive
No one can dictate how you should feel about your own story.
P.L. Travers
Saving Mr. Banks, ReeliveSound Tracks from Saving Mr. Banks by Thomas Newman
Let's Go Fly a Kite
Let's Go Fly a Kite by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman, Finale scene where the family flies a kite
Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious
Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious by Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke, Chimney scene during the film's musical moments
The Bare Necessities
The Bare Necessities by Phil Harris and Bruce Reitherman, Played during childhood flashbacks
Download App
Memorable Scenes from Movie Saving Mr. Banks
Walt's Promise
Walt Disney and P.L. Travers meet for the first time. Travers is skeptical about Walt’s intentions. The tension builds as Walt shares his vision for 'Mary Poppins.' At the peak of the scene, Walt expresses his deep understanding of the story and its importance to him. The visuals change from Travers's disapproving demeanor to a flicker of recognition on her face as Walt discusses the importance of family. After this moment, Travers begins to open up about her childhood, revealing her own emotional struggles with her father. This marks a turning point in their relationship and sets the stage for deeper connections to be explored throughout the film.
Context: This scene is crucial as it sets up Walt's determination to adapt the beloved children's book while also revealing how personal P.L. Travers's story is to her.
Travers' Childhood Memories
In a beautifully shot flashback, we see young P.L. Travers with her father during happier times. The pivotal moment occurs when her father makes a promise to always keep her safe, juxtaposed with the adult Travers's cold demeanor with her family. The visuals shift from warmth to a stark contrast of her father’s drinking habits, showcasing the emotional crux of her childhood. The aftermath reveals how deeply her father’s promise hurt her when he failed. This understanding allows viewers to empathize with Travers's hesitance in trust.
Context: This scene deepens the audience's understanding of Travers's complex relationship with the themes of family and loss, acknowledging the root of her fears and resistance.
The Big Meeting
During the climactic meeting where Travers finally confronts Walt's vision of Mary Poppins, emotions fester. The moment tension peaks is when Travers passionately describes her unmet expectations of the character and the story. The atmosphere is charged, and the visuals show Walt's frustration and confusion. The aftermath is revealing as Travers's vulnerabilities surface, forcing her to reckon with her past. This not only strengthens their relationship but also adds depth to Travers’s character.
Context: This scene showcases the emotional weight of creative differences and personal stakes in storytelling, encapsulating the essence of Travers’s fears about losing the integrity of her work.
The Final Acceptance
Toward the end of the film, Travers embraces Walt's final vision for Mary Poppins. The pivotal moment hits when she finally sheds her tears, acknowledging her father's shortcomings and accepting her past. The scene is filled with powerful visuals of her letting go, as Walt provides a comforting presence. The aftermath shows Travers walking away with a newfound respect for Walt, marking her internal growth. This moment resonates as it reflects healing and acceptance of one’s past.
Context: This scene is the emotional culmination of Travers’s journey, highlighting themes of forgiveness and reconciliation.
The Song Writing
A warm, vibrant sequence where Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman write 'Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.' The pivotal moment occurs when the playful banter culminates in a lyrical breakthrough, injected with energy and laughter. This highlights the joy of creation. The aftermath is a bonding moment that illuminates the Shermans' sibling relationship and creative synergy, enriching the film's exploration of artistic collaboration.
Context: This scene stands out by showcasing the creative process, emphasizing how joy and inspiration fuel storytelling.
P.L. Travers' Resistance
Travers visits the set of Mary Poppins and is visibly uncomfortable. The tension builds as she sees the whimsical portrayal of her characters and the story contrasted against her darker memories. The pivotal moment occurs when she sharply critiques the portrayal of Mary Poppins. The aftermath reveals her deep-seated anxieties about letting go and how it compels her character development, forcing her to confront what joy means to her.
Context: This scene effectively illustrates Travers's struggle between nostalgia and acceptance, marking the challenges of adapting personal stories for wider audiences.
The Heartwarming Revelation
In a tender moment between Walt and Travers, Walt shares a personal story about his own family and childhood. The pivotal moment hits when Walt reveals the pain of losing his father. The visuals soften as the atmosphere warms up, showing mutual understanding. The aftermath impacts Travers greatly, as she reflects on her experiences, creating a connection that bridges their differences.
Context: This scene is significant for its exploration of personal loss and how storytelling can heal, encapsulating the heart of the film's narrative.
The Dance Sequence
At one of the film’s lighter moments, the cast rehearses a lively dance number. The pivotal moment peaks when Travers can't resist smiling at the infectious joy around her. The visuals are vibrant and lively, filled with laughter and camaraderie. The aftermath highlights a turning point in her character, signifying her struggle to embrace joy in a life overshadowed by sorrow.
Context: This scene stands out as a turning point for Travers, illustrating the contrast between her past sadness and newfound joy.
The Signature Scene
In a poignant moment, Travers confronts her memories while she watches the finalized film sequences in the premiere. The pivotal moment occurs when she hears the song 'Let’s Go Fly a Kite,' eliciting a mix of happiness and sadness. The visuals juxtapose her childhood memories with the animated scenes from the movie. The aftermath signifies Travers' acceptance and her harmony with the story, acknowledging her tumultuous relationship with her father.
Context: This scene encapsulates the film's exploration of memory, healing, and the bittersweet nature of family.
A Father's Impact
Travers recalls a conversation with her father about the importance of imagination. The pivotal moment strikes when her father encourages her to hold on to her dreams despite the hardships. While they are in the park, their bond is depicted beautifully. The aftermath shows how this memory influences Travers’s perspective, framing her struggles with creativity and vulnerability.
Context: This scene highlights how familial relationships shape our identities and creative expressions, a key theme of the film.
Facing The Truth
Travers finally reveals to Walt her feelings of betrayal about how Disney's portrayal of her work differs from her truth. The tension peaks when she stands her ground against Walt, moving the discussion into emotional territory. The visuals depict her deep pain and conviction. The aftermath leads to a fierce yet respectful discourse, providing ground for mutual understanding.
Context: This moment catalyzes change in both characters, symbolizing Travers’s struggle between artistic integrity and commercial appeal.
Walt’s Kindness
Walt Disney shows unexpected kindness to Travers by taking her through Disneyland, sharing personal memories that make her laugh. The pivotal moment occurs when he unveils a hidden vulnerability about his own family issues. The warmth of the visuals creates a stark contrast to Travers's usual demeanor. The aftermath deepens their bond, demonstrating how shared experiences can unite people.
Context: This scene emphasizes themes of empathy and connection, highlighting change in Travers's heart.
Crisis at Home
Travers receives a call about her father's illness, and her world momentarily shatters. The pivotal moment occurs as she breaks down, revealing the burden she carries from her past. The visuals reflect her isolation and pain. The aftermath transforms her resolve, showcasing how this moment pushes her towards confronting her fears.
Context: This scene emphasizes the impact of grief, exploring how personal crises can propel character evolution.
Coming Together
In an emotional meeting, Travers agrees to let go of some creative control. The pivotal moment arises as she acknowledges the story’s evolution. There's a palpable shift in her demeanor. The visuals reflect her balance of vulnerability and strength. The aftermath reveals a moment of growth for both Travers and Disney, as they navigate the complexities of storytelling together.
Context: This moment represents the convergence of their journeys, symbolizing creativity’s communal nature.
A Moment of Reflection
Travers visits her childhood home one last time, taking in the scenery. The pivotal moment occurs when she recalls fond memories while grappling with their loss. The visuals pan to nostalgic shots that evoke deep emotions. The aftermath is reflective, allowing Travers to move forward with her story, embracing her past.
Context: This scene captures the essence of reflection and nostalgia, weaving together the complex web of memory that informs her art.
The Power of Story
In the final moments, Travers listens to children enjoy the film, smiling softly. The pivotal moment occurs when she sees her story resonate with others. The visuals are bright and joyous, marking a contrast to her earlier despair. The aftermath signifies a sense of closure and pride as she understands the lasting impact of her work.
Context: This scene serves as a culmination of Travers's journey, showing the power of storytelling to connect and heal.
Opening Up
During a pivotal conversation with Ralph, Travers discusses her fears of being vulnerable. The scene escalates as Ralph challenges her to open up. The visuals intensify, illustrating the emotional crux of her journey. The aftermath showcases Travers beginning to recognize her need for connection, a milestone in her character arc.
Context: This moment captures the tension between vulnerability and strength, aligning with the film’s themes of emotional honesty.
Travers' Journey
As we see a montage of Travers's life as a writer, the pivotal moment spans various key events and decisions leading her here. The visuals ebb and flow between triumph and setbacks. The aftermath reveals the cumulative weight of her experiences on her writing, rooting her character in authenticity.
Context: This scene serves to remind viewers of the journey of creativity, emphasizing that it often mirrors personal struggles.
The Performance
During the film's premiere, Travers witnesses how her story touched the audience. The pivotal moment crystallizes when she hears laughter and applause, revealing the film's warmth. The visuals capture the blend of her hopes and fears. The aftermath shows Travers smiling, showcasing her acceptance of the story she created.
Context: This scene marks a significant convergence of her personal and professional life, highlighting the lasting impact of creative work.
The Change in Heart
In one final conversation with Walt, Travers softly expresses gratitude for the journey they undertook together. The pivotal moment is when she finally admits the importance of joy in her life. The visuals are intimate, highlighting their bond. The aftermath acknowledges that Travers has found balance, merging sorrow with joy.
Context: This scene encapsulates the transformation in both character arcs and reinforces the pivotal themes of acceptance and connection.
Download App
