Saving Mr Banks

How did Walt Disney (Tom Hanks) finally convince author PL Travers (Emma Thompson) that her Mary Poppins character was safe in his hands after 20 years of stubborn refusal? This hugely entertaining, informative and ultimately moving comedy drama reveals that the cantankerous Travers hated cartoons, musicals and Dick Van Dyke, and had no intention of signing over the rights... until she faced bankruptcy. But woe betide Disney if her magical nanny suffered any image damage. Her continual interference caused enormous problems with the creative team, but this cultural clash proves sharply witty and poignant under John Lee Hancock's spit spot direction. Evocative flashbacks to Travers's troubled Australian childhood expose her melancholy, vulnerability and motives for fiercely protecting her character, clearly inspired by her no-nonsense Aunt Ellie (Rachel Griffiths). It's a superlative confection of Hollywood dream and backstage legend, dominated by Thompson's stunningly eccentric performance, and lovers of the 1964 family classic will find it irresistible.