That Time Dick Van Dyke Peed within the Bushes and Paid Walt Disney for 2nd ‘Mary Poppins’ Function
In this month’s “Mary Poppins Returns”, Dick Van Dyke plays a surprisingly nimble older London banker who bears an uncanny resemblance to the older Mr. Dawes, whom he played in the original 1964 film “Mary Poppins”.
The 92-year-old actor, best known for playing “step-in-time” chimney sweep Bert in the Walt Disney classic, said he went to great lengths – and at his own personal expense – to get the bonus role to get in the movie.
“I loved portraying old men, and since I first read the script, I’ve been secretly keeping an eye on that part, which included the song ‘Fidelity Fiduciary Bank,'” the actor wrote in his 2011 release Treatise “My Lucky Life In and Out of Show” Business. “” I saw a lot of potential for after-school entertainment. “
Also read: “Aquaman”, “Mary Poppins” have been leading the overcrowded Christmas box for years
To his surprise, studio boss Walt Disney insisted that his young star test the role. So Van Dyke put on white hair and a beard to look like “a bald old man in his nineties”. “I was hunched over, talking like the senior banker, and having a great time that amused both the crew and me,” he wrote.
During the actual screen test, he applied in front of George and Martha Banks’ house, where much of the film took place, with lines – and even pretended to “pee in the bushes” every few minutes.
“‘I’m a weak old man with a hernia,’ I said in a gasp,” he wrote.
Also read: ‘Mary Poppins Returns’ Trailer: Emily Blunt Sings and Dick Van Dyke Dances (Video)
The game worked. Disney gave in and allowed him to take on the additional role – but at a high price. He insisted that Van Dyke donate $ 4,000 to his 3-year art school, the California Institute of the Arts – that’s more than $ 32,000 in 2018.
“I ended up paying him a substantial amount of money to play a role that I had offered to play for free,” the actor wrote. “I was still scratching my head.”
Even so, Van Dyke added, “It was worth every dollar. I would have paid even more. “
The actor’s cameo in “Mary Poppins Returns” was considerably cheaper. During a Q&A in New York earlier this month, director Rob Marshall stated that Van Dyke’s character was the son of the original Mr. Dawes, as the new film is set about 25 years after the original.
A timeline of Disney’s animated animal pals, from Mushu to Sven (photos)
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Jiminy Cricket, “Pinocchio” (1940)
This little cricket went from being a supporting character in the original Carlo Collodi 1881 novel to being a star player in the 1940 Disney film. He serves as Pinocchio’s conscience and tries to keep him out of trouble throughout the film.
RKO Radio Pictures
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Thumper, “Bambi” (1942)
This young rabbit from the 1942 Disney classic teaches his best friend how to talk and how to skate on ice. He also put his own spin on the permanent phrase, “If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.” Thanks for the tip, knockers!
RKO Radio Pictures
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Gus and Jaq, “Cinderella” (1950)
Jaq is smart and thin, Gus is plump and not too light, but together they serve as Cinderella’s best friends and closest confidante. While dodging the ever-hungry Lucifer, these two mice help find a ribbon for Cinderella’s dress, transform into horses so they can pull Cinderella’s chariot and steal the key to Cinderella’s room from her wicked stepmother so that she and Prince can escape Charming can marry.
RKO Radio Pictures
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Archimedes, “The Sword in the Stone” (1963)
Archimedes is Merlin’s favorite owl and Arthur’s teacher. He teaches Arthur history, shows him how to fly and helps him find the sword in the stone.
Buena Vista Distribution
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Sebastian and Flounder, “The Little Mermaid” (1989)
Flounder accompanies Ariel on all her adventures, supports her fascination for human things and ultimately helps her to defeat Ursula. Sebastian is the royal court composer and a loyal servant of King Triton, but he is also a loyal friend of Ariel – he helps her win his love and defeat Ursula. Not bad for a tropical fish and crab!
Buena Vista pictures
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Abu, “Aladdin” (1992)
Abu may be a little monkey and a big thief, but he is loyal to his best friend, Aladdin, and will do whatever he can for him. He shares his stolen food with hungry children, transforms into an elephant to use his disguise to help Aladdin win Jasmine’s heart, and transforms into a toy monkey after saving Aladdin’s life.
Buena Vista pictures
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Zazu, “The Lion King” (1994)
The King’s royal dodo (excuse me, Toucan) may not be the best babysitter in the world, but he makes up for it with his great singing (“The Morning Report”), loyalty to Mufasa, and his ability to have a sense of humor to preserve while he lives in a bone cage with the murderer of his boss. In the end, he takes his rightful place as the right bird of King Simba.
Buena Vista pictures
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Meeko and Flit, “Pocahontas” (1995)
Meeko is a greedy raccoon and Flit is a loyal hummingbird. Together they accompany Pocahantas on her visit to Grandmother Willow and try to sabotage her relationship with John Smith – although in the end, just like Pocahontas, they warm up to him.
Buena Vista pictures
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Pegasus, “Hercules” (1997)
Every hero needs a loyal steed, and Hercules is no exception. His winged horse Pegasus is brave, goofy, and doesn’t particularly like Meg – but after saving Hercules’ life, the goddess and horse work together to help Hercules defeat the Titans.
Buena Vista pictures
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Mushu, “Mulan” (1998)
This dragon may look more like a lizard, but it has a heart of gold and a mouth to match – and it helps Mulan save China from the evil Hun invaders. Happy 20th, Mushu!
Buena Vista pictures
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Bullseye, “Toy Story 2” (1999)
Even toy cowboys need a way to get around, and Bullseye serves as loyal and adorable pals for Woody and Jessie.
Buena Vista pictures
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Dory, “Finding Nemo” (2003)
This forgetful fish kept swimming in our hearts and minds as she helped Marlon find his son in the 2003 Pixar classic – and twelve years later she got her own film as thanks for her hard work.
Pixar animation studios
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Unearthed, “Up” (2009)
The lovable Golden Retriever from Pixar’s “Up” is as brave, silly and loyal as they come – and thanks to a special collar for dogs, he can talk to his heart’s content about squirrels and giant birds.
Walt Disney Studios
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Pascal and Maximus, “Tangled” (2010)
They may be of different sizes and styles, but these two pals help Flynn and Rapunzel stay out of trouble and fall in love. Pascal is a little green chameleon who served as Rapunzel’s best friend and confidante during her long imprisonment in the tower. Maximus is a tall white stallion who chases the movie Flynn with the police – and ends the movie as a loyal friend of Flynn and Rapunzel and the head of the Royal Guard.
Walt Disney Studios
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Sven, “Frozen” (2013)
Kristoff’s loyal friend is a great example of why reindeer are better than humans (according to some). He loves carrots, he can pull sledges like no one else, and he deserves a medal for saving Anna and Elsa from the evil Prince Hans.
Walt Disney Studios
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Chicken, “Sea” (2016)
Heihei isn’t the smartest chicken in the barn, but he makes up for his low IQ by accompanying Moana on her long journey across the ocean – and he manages not to be turned into Maui’s food.
Also read: 34 Films That Raised $ 1 Billion Worldwide (Photos)
Walt Disney Studios
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When “Mulan” turns 20, be sure to visit Disney’s most famous furry, feathery, and scaly pals again
“Mulan” is celebrating its 20th birthday on June 19th, after having been released that day in 1998. The popular Disney film is based on a Chinese legend and tells the story of a young girl, Mulan, who poses as a man to take her sick father’s place in the fight against an invading Huns army. The film was well received by critics, garnering multiple Golden Globe and Oscar nominations, and grossing $ 304 million at the box office. In addition to the title heroine, “Mulan” played Eddie Murphie as the little red dragon named Mushu, who served Mulan as a guard throughout the film. In honor of Mulan’s 20th birthday, take a look back at some of Disney’s most famous animal pals.
