Today in Nerd History | August 27

Today we take a jolly holiday through the magical alleys of musical fantasy and the riff-heavy realms of time travel. From a spoonful of sugar to a killer air guitar solo, August 27 has gifted us with cinematic stories that blend heart, humor, and a whole lot of imagination.

Inclusion on this list does not imply that the entry is family friendly, only that it was a nerd culture milestone. Parents should, of course, use discernment.

“Mary Poppins,” directed by Robert Stevenson and produced by Walt Disney, premiered on August 27, 1964. This beloved musical film, based on the book series by P.L. Travers, stars Julie Andrews as the practically perfect nanny who brings joy and magic to the Banks family.

Nerdy Facts:

• Oscar Winner: “Mary Poppins” was a critical and commercial success, earning 13 Academy Award nominations and winning five, including Best Actress for Julie Andrews and Best Original Song for “Chim Chim Cher-ee.”
• Innovative Effects: The film was groundbreaking for its time, combining live-action and animation in innovative ways, creating memorable sequences like the “Jolly Holiday” and “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” scenes.
• Cultural Impact: “Mary Poppins” has had a lasting impact on popular culture, inspiring a stage musical adaptation, a sequel titled “Mary Poppins Returns” in 2018, and countless parodies and references in other media.

“Bill & Ted Face the Music,” directed by Dean Parisot, premiered on August 27, 2020. This long-awaited sequel reunites Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter as the lovable slackers Bill and Ted, now middle-aged and facing the challenge of writing a song to save the universe.

Nerdy Facts:

• Nostalgic Return: The film brings back many familiar faces from the original movies, including William Sadler as Death, while introducing new characters like Bill and Ted’s daughters, Thea and Billie.
• Time-Travel Shenanigans: True to the spirit of the original films, “Bill & Ted Face the Music” features plenty of time-travel adventures, with Bill and Ted meeting various historical and future versions of themselves.
• Positive Message: Despite the comedic and surreal elements, the film delivers a heartfelt message about the power of friendship, family, and music, resonating with both new and longtime fans of the series.

August 27th celebrates the joy of family entertainment and the fun of revisiting beloved characters, from the magical adventures of “Mary Poppins” to the wild, time-traveling antics of Bill and Ted. Happy Nerd History Day to all who enjoy these iconic and heartwarming stories!