WEST PLAINS, Mo. – Missouri State University-West Plains’ annual film series will conclude at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 27, with the showing of the Academy Award-winning “Mary Poppins” at the West Plains Civic Center theater.

The theme for this year’s series is “A Novel Idea” and features films whose stories originated from literature, organizers said.  Admission is free.

Released in 1964, this Walt Disney Studios classic retells the story of P.L. Travers’ beloved children’s book series about a magical nanny, Mary Poppins, who comes to work for a cold banker’s unhappy family.  In a groundbreaking effort, the film combines songs, color and sequences of live action with animation to bring the story to life.

The film stars Julie Andrews, in her first movie role, as the beloved nanny, which earned her the Oscar for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in 1965.  The film also earned Academy Awards for Best Film Editing; Best Effects, Special Visual Effects; Best Music, Original Song for “Chim  Chim Cher-ee;” and Best Music, Substantially Original Score.

The film received eight other Oscar nominations, includuing Best Picture, and earned Andrews an award from the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) for Most Promising Newcomer to Leading Film Roles.

“Mary Poppins” is not rated.

Emily Gibson, coordinator of theater and events for the University/Community Programs (U/CP) Department, will introduce the film, discussing its history and points of interest.

This is the 15th year for the film series, hosted by the U/CP Department.

For more information about the annual film series, call the U/CP Department office at 417-255-7966.