The two rambunctious children (Karen Dotrice and Matthew Garber) of a banker, aptly named Mr. Banks (David Tomlinson), have driven off another nanny. So when it's time for a new nanny, the children decide to help by writing a description of the perfect nanny. Their father tosses it on the fire. Somehow the list makes its way up their chimney, across the London rooftops and into the hands of Mary Poppins (Julie Andrews). She arrives as the wind changes. The Banks hire her because there are no other applicants. The children laugh, sing, and play their way to better behavior under Mary's care. With "A Spoonful of Sugar", things like medicine and chores become a joy. They enjoy a "Jolly Holiday" with Mary and her chimney sweep friend, Bert (Dick Van Dyke). But when the wind changes will Mary stay?