1961
In 1961, "Mary Poppins" author P.L. Travers reluctantly travels to Los Angeles to meet Walt Disney, who has pursued film rights for twenty years, immediately clashing with his creative team over their interpretation. Flashbacks reveal Travers's difficult Australian childhood and her deep affection for her alcoholic father, Travers Goff, the inspiration for Mr. Banks, whose memory she seeks to protect through her stories. Walt Disney, understanding her personal connection, confronts Travers, sharing his own childhood struggles and explaining his vision for the film as a story of healing and hope, leading to a breakthrough when a kite-flying scene resonates with her memories. Travers finally grants Disney the film rights and, two years later, is deeply moved by the "Mary Poppins" premiere, finding peace and closure regarding her past.
Save the Cat beat sheet
Pamela Travers arrives in Hollywood to negotiate the film adaptation of Mary Poppins.
Open full beat sheetP.L. Travers is listed as Author of Mary Poppins. Stiff, determined, and protective of her work; haunted by her childhood. In the parsed data, P.L. Travers is connected to 45 scenes, 17 dialogue lines, 17 text mentions, first appearing around scene 4.
45 scenes / 17 dialogue linesWalt Disney is listed as Studio Head. Charismatic, persistent, and visionary; determined to adapt Mary Poppins. In the parsed data, Walt Disney is connected to 14 scenes, 11 dialogue lines, 11 text mentions, first appearing around scene 11.
14 scenes / 11 dialogue linesTravers Goff is listed as Pamela's father. A charismatic but troubled man struggling with alcoholism. In the parsed data, Travers Goff is connected to 14 scenes, 2 dialogue lines, 2 text mentions, first appearing around scene 5.
14 scenes / 2 dialogue linesDon DaGradi is listed as Scriptwriter. Collaborative and patient member of the Disney team. In the parsed data, Don DaGradi is connected to 11 scenes, 2 dialogue lines, 2 text mentions, first appearing around scene 32.
11 scenes / 2 dialogue linesRobert Sherman is listed as Songwriter. Serious and occasionally frustrated member of the Sherman Brothers. In the parsed data, Robert Sherman is connected to 11 scenes, 1 dialogue line, 1 text mention, first appearing around scene 19.
11 scenes / 1 dialogue linesRichard Sherman is listed as Songwriter. Optimistic and creative member of the Sherman Brothers. In the parsed data, Richard Sherman is connected to 11 scenes, first appearing around scene 10.
11 scenes / 0 dialogue linesMargaret Goff is listed as Pamela's mother. Delicate and often overwhelmed by her husband's struggles. In the parsed data, Margaret Goff is connected to 7 scenes, 1 dialogue line, 1 text mention, first appearing around scene 31.
7 scenes / 1 dialogue linesDiarmuid Russell is listed as Pamela's literary agent. Patient and professional, trying to secure the film deal. In the parsed data, Diarmuid Russell is connected to 3 scenes, 2 dialogue lines, 2 text mentions, first appearing around scene 3.
3 scenes / 2 dialogue linesRalph is listed as Limo Driver. Friendly, optimistic, and helpful driver in Los Angeles. In the parsed data, Ralph is connected to 3 scenes, first appearing around scene 8.
3 scenes / 0 dialogue linesAunt Ellie is listed as Pamela's aunt. Strict, practical, and the inspiration for Mary Poppins. In the parsed data, Aunt Ellie is connected to 1 scene, first appearing around scene 39.
1 scenes / 0 dialogue linesYoung Ginty plays in a park, imagining a miniature world while her father's voice sings about Mary Poppins.
P.L. Travers, Travers GoffPamela sits in her office, disturbed by the doorbell ringing.
P.L. TraversPamela opens the door to Diarmuid Russell.
P.L. Travers, Diarmuid RussellPamela and Diarmuid argue about her trip to Los Angeles and the film rights.
P.L. Travers, Diarmuid RussellTravers Goff plays with Ginty in the park, promising never to lose her.
P.L. Travers, Travers GoffPamela struggles with her luggage and expresses disdain for the flight.
P.L. TraversThe Goff family prepares to leave their home.
P.L. Travers, Travers Goff, Margaret GoffPamela arrives in Los Angeles and meets Ralph, her driver.
P.L. Travers, RalphPamela inspects her suite and is horrified by the Disney gifts.
P.L. TraversPamela arrives at the studio and meets Don DaGradi and the Sherman Brothers.
P.L. Travers, Don DaGradi, Richard Sherman, Robert ShermanPamela finally meets Walt Disney.
P.L. Travers, Walt DisneyPamela Travers meets Walt Disney in his office to discuss the Mary Poppins film adaptation.
P.L. Travers, Walt Disney, Don DaGradiTravers Goff plays music for his family while promising a better future.
Travers Goff, P.L. Travers, Margaret GoffPamela begins script review with Don, Dick, and Bob, criticizing their choices.
P.L. Travers, Don DaGradi, Richard Sherman, Robert ShermanTravers plays with Ginty, pretending to be a horse and talking about flying.
Travers Goff, P.L. TraversPamela continues to critique the storyboards, demanding changes to character names and appearances.
P.L. Travers, Don DaGradi, Richard Sherman, Robert ShermanPamela, Dick, Don, and Bob discuss the film, with Pamela demanding no red color, leading to a tense negotiation with Walt.
P.L. Travers, Walt Disney, Don DaGradi, Richard Sherman, Robert ShermanWalt leaves the rehearsal room in a hurry.
Walt DisneyThe team reacts to Walt's departure; Pamela demands to hear a song.
P.L. Travers, Don DaGradi, Richard Sherman, Robert ShermanWalt watches Pamela leave and discusses her with Tommie.
Walt DisneyPamela sits alone at the bar drinking tea.
P.L. TraversGinty arrives at the bank.
P.L. Travers, Travers GoffTravers Goff acts erratically in his office.
P.L. Travers, Travers GoffTravers and Ginty sit by the river.
P.L. Travers, Travers GoffPamela talks to her agent on the phone.
P.L. TraversThe team works on the song 'Spoonful of Sugar'.
Don DaGradi, Richard Sherman, Robert ShermanWalt greets Pamela.
P.L. Travers, Walt DisneyThe team performs the song for Walt and Pamela.
P.L. Travers, Walt Disney, Don DaGradi, Richard Sherman, Robert ShermanTravers plays with his children.
P.L. Travers, Travers Goff, Margaret GoffWalt and Dick discuss the film and their struggles.
Walt Disney, Richard Sherman, Robert ShermanMargaret, Biddy, and Ginty arrive at the fairground where Travers is expected to present medals.
Margaret Goff, P.L. Travers, Travers GoffDon and the songwriters attempt to play a song for Pamela, who is distracted.
P.L. Travers, Don DaGradi, Richard Sherman, Robert ShermanTravers struggles with his speech and his drinking at the fair.
P.L. Travers, Travers Goff, Margaret GoffGinty tries to get her father to watch Biddy dance, but he is drinking.
P.L. Travers, Travers GoffTravers falls off the stage while giving a speech.
P.L. Travers, Travers Goff, Margaret GoffPamela confronts the writers about their portrayal of Mr. Banks.
P.L. Travers, Don DaGradi, Richard Sherman, Robert ShermanWalt and Pamela walk through Disneyland, Walt hands out postcards to fans, and they discuss the origins of Mary Poppins.
P.L. Travers, Walt DisneyWalt convinces Pamela to ride the carousel and reveals he had a wager about getting her on a ride.
P.L. Travers, Walt DisneyTravers Goff suffers a coughing fit while Ginty watches from outside.
P.L. Travers, Travers Goff, Margaret Goff, Aunt EllieThe team performs a new ending for the film involving a kite, which delights Pamela.
P.L. Travers, Don DaGradi, Richard Sherman, Robert ShermanPamela sits alone with the unsigned rights papers and decides to move forward.
P.L. TraversWalt discusses the premiere invitation list with Tommie.
Walt DisneyPamela works on her writing and is interrupted by her maid, Polly.
P.L. TraversPamela and Diarmuid discuss her new book and the film premiere.
P.L. Travers, Diarmuid RussellPamela travels to Los Angeles.
P.L. TraversPamela surprises Walt at his office.
P.L. Travers, Walt DisneyPamela finds the premiere gifts in her hotel room.
P.L. TraversRalph arrives to drive Pamela to the premiere.
P.L. Travers, RalphThe premiere event takes place.
P.L. Travers, Walt Disney, RalphPamela watches the film and experiences an emotional catharsis.
P.L. Travers, Walt DisneyWe thought about what you said Mrs Travers and Mr Banks isn't cruel. He isn't. We've got a new ending for the film. Oh god, I hope you like it.
No, I brought you all the way out here for monetary gain. Had a wager with the boys that I couldn't get you on a ride. I win!
No, no. It's just that-- I can't, I can't abide cartoons!
Excuse me ma'am, have you seen my daughter?
He is indeed! On behalf of the bank.
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