What is the significance of Dick Van Dyke playing both Mr Dawes and Bert?

What is the significance of Dick Van Dyke playing both Mr Dawes and Bert in Mary Poppins? I have a feeling that something of this sort might have been intended, but is there any official word on such? Has there been other speculation?

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Best Answer

There isn't any behind the scenes meaning of why Van Dyke played both roles. Van Dyke had lobbied Walt Disney for the part for some time before Disney acquiesced to allow him to play it. According to this article from the LA Times:

Van Dyke had to cajole Walt Disney into giving him the part because Disney thought Van Dyke -- then in his 30s -- was too young to be the ancient moneyman. The actor reportedly won him over by acing a screen test, agreeing to portray Dawes for free and making a donation to the California Institute of the Arts, which Disney co-founded.

NOTE: Emphasis mine.

It seems it was just a matter of Van Dyke wanting the part and being a "go-getter" was able to convince Disney in the end.

Pictures about "What is the significance of Dick Van Dyke playing both Mr Dawes and Bert?"

What is the significance of Dick Van Dyke playing both Mr Dawes and Bert? - Friends Playing a Card Game outside Their Camper Van

What is the significance of Dick Van Dyke playing both Mr Dawes and Bert? - Wall-e Die-cast Model

What is the significance of Dick Van Dyke playing both Mr Dawes and Bert? - A Woman Lying in the Van Watching a Man Play the Guitar

Is Bert Mr. Dawes son?

Well, that brings us to the biggest twist of this theory: Bert is actually Mr. Dawes Sr.'s son! Both characters were played by Dick Van Dyke in the original movie, after all!

How do Mary Poppins and Bert know each other?

Bert is a blue blood. Mary knows this because she was his nanny. She helped raise him and she knows his father was Mr. Dawes.

Who plays Mr. Dawes in the new Mary Poppins?

Dick Van Dyke: Mr. Dawes Jr. Jump to: Photos (7)

Who was Bert in Mary Poppins?

Bert is a jack-of-all-trades. He is an old friend of Mary Poppins and is featured in the opening scene of the Mary Poppins Disney film, along with other various scenes. He is also the narrator, introducing the audience (breaking the fourth wall) to the Banks' neighborhood. Bert is played by Dick Van Dyke.

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