Tom Hanks, who is set to play Walt Disney in the upcoming film "Saving Mr Banks", greets fans as he arrives on the red carpet for the gala presentation of the film “Cloud Atlas” at the 37th Toronto International Film Festival, September 8, 2012. — Reuters picLOS ANGELES, Sept 20 — The tale of how the world’s most beloved nanny, Mary Poppins, flew from the pages of a popular book onto the big screen is the subject of a new film starring Tom Hanks and Emma Thompson, Disney said yesterday.

The film called “Saving Mr Banks” began production yesterday. It tells of Walt Disney’s 20-year pursuit of the film rights to author P L Travers’ novel “Mary Poppins”, Walt Disney Co’s movie studio said in a statement.

Hanks will play Walt Disney, marking the first time the legendary animator and film producer has ever been depicted in a dramatic film. Thompson will play Travers, who reluctantly granted Disney the film rights while demanding script and character control that clashed with Disney’s vision for the movie musical.

“Mary Poppins” was released in 1964 and won five Oscars, including a best actress award for Julie Andrews in the title role, best original score and best song for “Chim Chim Cher-ee.”

The story of the magical English nanny who flies with her umbrella has also been made into a hit stage musical, playing on Broadway. The Cameron Mackintosh production was also a hit in London’s West End.

John Lee Hancock, whose best-known films include “The Rookie” and “The Blind Side”, will direct “Saving Mr Banks”. The film also stars Colin Farrell as Travers’ father and Rachel Griffiths as her aunt.

“Saving Mr Banks” will be released sometime in 2013, Disney said. — Reuters