Kites & Quarantine offer a special way of maintaining the Corona-virus mandated social distancing. As a bonus they can provide a bit of peace in a troubled time. There is, however, another way to enjoy kites in a time of mandatory quarantine and that is to binge watch movies and programs about kites. Let’s start with a great film for the whole family.
Mary Poppins was released by Walt Disney Studios in 1964. Kites figure prominently in this uplifting film about a magical nanny that transforms a family. This is the only film from this studio that earned a Best Picture nomination during Walt Disney’s lifetime. In addition to this prestigious award the film was nominated for twelve additional Academy Awards. Julie Andrews received the award for Best Actress. The film also received awards for best film editing, best original music score, best visual effects and and best original score. In 2013 United States National Film Registry selected the movie as worthy of preservation. The Library of Congress designated the film to culturally significant.
The film has aged surprisingly well. The blending of animation and live action is quite different from the special effects used in today’s films but that is a part of it’s whimsical charm. It is still enjoyed by children of all ages from nine to ninety. In part this is due to the all-star cast that were consummate professionals. In addition to Julie Andrews the movie also featured the talents of Dick Van Dyke and Ed Wynn.
The story is set in 1910 Edwardian England. Stuffy banker George Banks returns to his home at Cherry Tree Lane to learn from his wife, Winifred, that the children’s nanny has left his employ as the children, Jane and Michael, have run away, “For the fourth time this month.” They are returned shortly afterwards by the constable who informs George that the children were chasing a lost kite. The children ask their father to help build a better kite, but he ignores their pleas.
The movie ends with a kite. George walks to the bank where the board of directors deliver a humiliating reprimand. Looking to some coins he struggles for words and then blurts out “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious,” a term used by Mary Poppins. The stodgy Mr. Banks tells a joke, and happily heads home to Cherry Lane. The new, improved happier Mr. Banks fixes his children’s kite and takes the family to the park to fly it. One of the most popular songs from the film closes the movie, “Let’s Go Fly a Kite”.
If you would like to rediscover the childhood joys of kite flying, and make new memories with your children and grandchildren, remember the Tumbleweeds & Tarantulas is your one stop shop for all kite needs.
Written by Jim Hinckley of Jim Hinckley’s America
