The new docu-series “Prop Culture” debuts next Friday, May 1st, on Disney+. It’s an 8-episode look at iconic pieces of movie memorabilia from some of the most popular Disney films of all-time, including “Who Framed Roger Rabbit?”, “The Chronicles of Narnia”, “TRON” and “Pirates of the Caribbean”.
But the first episode of the eight is devoted to a film that “Prop Culture” host Dan Lanigan grew-up loving: “Mary Poppins”. I’m right there with him. It’s a film that has meant a lot to me throughout my life, along with “Saving Mr. Banks”, the 2013 drama about the making of that movie, and 2018’s “Mary Poppins Returns”.
If you’re a “Poppins” fan, then I can state with absolute certainty that you will LOVE this episode of “Prop Culture” (which, frankly, could be titled “Mary Prop-pins”).
Lanigan and the show’s crew were able to get access to some key people, places and things to make his quest to find rare “MP” pieces worthwhile. Over the half-hour, he and some special guests (including composer Richard Sherman, actor Jason Schwartzman and TV host Erin Andrews) take-in artwork, costumes and even a certain snow globe, all while sharing their love of, and fascination with, the film.
I don’t want to give everything away, but there are other sections of the episode with three people who worked on “Poppins” (an actress, a designer and a choreographer) that simply glow with sincerity and heart. “Prop Culture” not only serves as a look-back at a beloved movie, but it uncovers some previously kept-secret details, images and stories that are borderline stunning.
For someone who cares so deeply about “Mary Poppins”, watching this “Prop Culture” episode was quite moving. And if you’ve had that same care towards the other Disney hits that are highlighted, such as “The Muppet Movie”, “The Nightmare Before Christmas” and “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids”, then I don’t see why those episodes won’t live-up to your expectations.