Uncle Albert is a supporting character in Disney's 1964 film Mary Poppins.
Background[]
Uncle Albert is a jolly, kind old man who lives in a small home in London. He is the uncle of Mary Poppins, and appears to have full knowledge of her abilities. He appears to suffer from an unnamed condition, triggered by laughter, where he floats into the air, a condition which Mary describes as "quite serious". Bert reveals that his episodes are fairly common and that it "took three days to get him down" the last time it occurred. Though he loves having company, he becomes terribly sad whenever someone must leave.
Role in the film[]
While out on errands, Mary, Jane and Michael learn from Andrew the dog that something has happened to Uncle Albert, though his name is not mentioned at that point. Mary quickly announces a change of plans and heads to his home. Upon reaching the house, she finds that Bert has already arrived.
Upon entering the dining room, Mary, Jane, and Michael see Uncle Albert floating in the air, near the ceiling. Mary reminds him that he had promised not to allow this to happen again. Uncle Albert apologizes but notes that he loves laughing too much. When Jane and Michael begin laughing, Mary warns them to keep a straight face, as the condition is both very serious and contagious, and Bert says the last time it took them three days to get him down. Meanwhile, Uncle Albert sings about his love for laughter. Halfway through the song, Bert "catches" the "illness" and floats up beside him. They then finish the song as a duet. As it ends, Jane and Michael are laughing so hard that they join Uncle Albert and Bert in the air.
Uncle Albert and Bert entertain Jane and Michel by telling various jokes, which send everyone, except for Mary who remains stoic, into hysterics. Eventually, she tells everyone that it is time for tea, and she refuses to have her schedule interrupted. Uncle Albert reveals that he has a splendid tea set and ready to serve. Mary responds that it is getting cold, and Uncle Albert begins to respond with what he had planned. She understands what he is implying before he finishes and uses her powers to make the table float into the air. Mary herself then floats up, as she expects that they will want her to serve.
Uncle Albert, Mary, and Bert converse and are constantly interrupted by his jokes. Uncle Albert is so happy that he wishes they could stay. Michael is certain that they will have to, as there is no way back down. Uncle Albert then reveals the cure, somewhat reluctantly, which is to think of something sad. Mary asks him to begin. He starts by telling the story of a man who ran over his female neighbor's cat, and his offer to replace it. As a result, everyone begins to float down. However, the sad story ends with a joke, much to Mary's chagrin. Uncle Albert apologizes, saying that he tries but then everything ends up so hilarious. After looking at her watch, Mary reveals that they must head home, which is sad enough to have everyone float to the ground. Mary, Jane, and Michael promise to return, but Uncle Albert is now very sad. Bert offers to stay for a bit. Uncle Albert tells them how he always enjoys company but gets very sad when they must leave. Michael tells Uncle Albert that they will come back soon, and Jane tells him that they had a lovely time. Mary tells Bert to keep an eye on Uncle Albert and he tells her that he will sit with Uncle Albert for a while. Bert then attempts to tell a joke to cheer him up, but it fails miserably, and both of them are left sobbing. Uncle Albert isn't seen again for the rest of the film afterward.
Gallery[]
Trivia[]
- In Mary Poppins Returns, it's revealed that Mary has a cousin named Topsy, whose scene is very similar to that of Uncle Albert in the original film as both have a song and the Banks children enjoy their experience. However, it is unknown if Topsy is Uncle Albert's daughter or if she is related to Mary in some other way.
- Despite being British, he speaks with a thick American accent, mostly due to Ed Wynn being American himself.
- After Uncle Albert cries when Mary, Jane, and Michael leave, his glasses mysteriously disappear.
