SIDE 1

MARY POPPINS

Good morning.

GEORGE

(stunned by the sudden intruder)

Yes??


MARY POPPINS

I've come in answer to the advertisement.

GEORGE

What advertisement? We haven't placed any advertise-

MARY POPPINS

Now, let's see.

(pulls a mended piece of paper from her pocket)

"Play games, all sorts." Which I most certainly can. "Take us on outings, give us treats."

(Bewildered, GEORGE looks at the fireplace, then at MARY POPPINS. He can't believe what she holds in her hands. JANE and MICHAEL enter and listen.)

JANE

Michael! It's our advertisement!

MARY POPPINS

"Rosy cheeks and fairly pretty."

(to GEORGE)

There's no objection on that score, I hope?

GEORGE

(flustered)

Oh, none at all.

MARY POPPINS

I'm glad to hear it.

(MARY POPPINS stares at him so firmly that, for a moment, it is like a ray of light passing right through him.)

GEORGE

But-oh, take it up with Mrs. Banks. She manages all that side of things.

(heads towards the door)

Nothing domestic has anything to do with me.

(turns back and raises a finger)

And don't forget the references!

(GEORGE exits.)

MARY POPPINS

I make it a rule never to give references.

WINIFRED

Oh, I see...

MARY POPPINS

I'll see the children now, thank you.

(JANE and MICHAEL step forward noisily and stand in front of MARY POPPINS.)

WINIFRED

Oh, of course... You'll find they're very nice children.

(realizing she doesn't know the new nanny's name)

Now this is... oh-

MARY POPPINS

Mary Poppins.

(looks at JANE and MICHAEL as if she were reading their souls)

Jane, don't stare. And close your mouth, Michael. We are not a codfish.

(gives a sharp nod)

Best foot forward. Spit-spot.

(MICHAEL and JANE exit toward the nursery, followed by MARY POPPINS.)

WINIFRED

Mrs. Brill, we have a new nanny.

MRS. BRILL

She passed her interview, then?

WINIFRED

Or I did.

(WINIFRED and MRS. BRILL exit.)

SIDE 2

WINIFRED

Poor Michael. All he cares about is flying kites.

GEORGE

I used to love flying kites at his age. But my nanny, Miss Andrew, soon frightened it out of me.

WINIFRED

Is it out of the question to do without a nanny?

GEORGE

Don't be absurd! All the best people have nannies... so the wives can do charity work and entertain. Which reminds me, how is your tea party coming on?

WINIFRED

I'm not sure. It seems so odd to send out invitations to people I hardly know.

GEORGE

But they're people you should know. Remember: "By your friends shall ye be judged."

WINIFRED

But that's the point. They're not my friends...

GEORGE

Winifred. Dearest. I'm only thinking of you. Are you going to say something to Mary Poppins about this afternoon?

WINIFRED

I don't think so.


GEORGE

Very well. But just make sure she's doing things our way and not hers.

SIDE 3

VON HUSSLER

Herr Banks, what objections can you have? My security is more than adequate and Latin America is an expanding market. Have you no courage?

GEORGE

But Mr. Von Hussler, what I haven't been able to grasp is: What exactly is your final product?

VON HUSSLER

What do you think? Money, of course!

GEORGE

Yes, money. But I wonder, making money out of money, is that enough?

VON HUSSLER

Are you man enough to be a banker?

(VON HUSSLER exits. GEORGE now meets with JOHN NORTHBROOK.)

NORTHBROOK

Have you come to your decision, Mr. Banks? There's a town of good people whose future depends on you.

GEORGE

I know that...

NORTHBROOK

Give us this chance. The factory could be running in weeks and expanding before the year's out. Please, Mr. Banks. I'd give it everything I've got.

GEORGE

I believe you, Mr. Northbrook, and I've tried to find a way, but how can I be sure the money would be safe?

NORTHBROOK

What about my workforce? They'll make it safe!