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For many people, especially in America – me included, the 1964 film Mary Poppins is the first time we really discovered who David Tomlinson was. He played Mr. Banks, the head of the family and whom a lot of Mary’s lessons were aimed at. I also remembered him from the 1966 original Herbie the Love Bug and of course the 1971 film Bedknobs and Broomsticks.
Mr. Tomlinson was a far greater actor than those three roles. He was a fantastic stage actor and VERY well known in the UK for both his stage and film work.
His son James shares fond memories of life with his father, family and Walt Disney. Walt saw his dad on stage in London, introduced himself and left, leaving Mr. Tomlinson wondering what the point was. Later he was cast as Mr. Banks and the whole Tomlinson family were able to experience Walt’s generosity. James even asked Mr. Disney about his magic plane.
We talk about who in the family followed father’s footsteps into the business, about how his Autistic brother William is gifted in woodworking way beyond what James can do.
As they say across the pond, we had just a lovely conversation. I hope you will enjoy Jame’s story as much as I did.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Luckier-Than-Most-Autobiography-Tomlinson/dp/1917382049
https://www.amazon.com/Disneys-British-Gentleman-Career-Tomlinson/dp/0750993308
#marypoppins #mrbanks #herbiethelovebug #autism #UK #Britain