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Last night was the grand premiere of “Saving Mr. Banks” at the Walt Disney Studios, down a red carpet lining the very location where so much of the film takes place recounting the history (with a bit of dramatic and comedic flair) of how Walt Disney wooed “Mary Poppins” author P.L. Travers into signing over rights to her story and characters.
In attendance at the premiere were two-time Academy Award–winner Emma Thompson and fellow double Oscar-winner Tom Hanks along with the rest of the film’s stars, including Jason Schwartzman, BJ Novak, Paul Giamatti, and Colin Farrell. Also making appearances were legendary Disney songwriter Richard Sherman (portrayed by Schwartzman in the film) along with “Mary Poppins” stars Dick Van Dyke and Julie Andrews.
The highlight of the night came when the group gathered for a final photo op as Thompson burst into song, bringing the whole cast along with its director, writers, producers, and even Disney CEO Bob Iger to join in a rousing rendition of “Let’s Go Fly A Kite.”
Video: “Saving Mr. Banks” premiere red carpet celebrity arrivals
Video: “Saving Mr. Banks” cast and filmmakers sing “Let’s Go Fly A Kite” at premiere
(Schwartzman, Novak and Sherman also previously sang “Let’s Go Fly A Kite” at the 2013 D23 Expo in front of an audience of Disney fans.)
Following that fun moment, everyone gathered inside the studio theater for a few words from the film’s stars before the premiere screening began.
Video: “Saving Mr. Banks” cast speaks at premiere
“Saving Mr. Banks” opens in limited release on Dec. 13, 2013 followed by a wide release on Dec. 20.
