LOS ANGELES, CA.- One of the most iconic costumes from one of the most beloved Disney films is up for auction -- Dick Van Dyke's colorful striped coat from the 1964 film, "Mary Poppins." Van Dyke starred as "Bert" the memorable chimney sweeper opposite Julie Andrews. The rare coat is Bert's most memorable in the movie, and one of the few "Mary Poppins" costumes to come up to market in recent years.
Van Dyke was in the news last week after his car caught on fire on the freeway and he was saved from the car engulfed with flames.
The pink and mango-colored recognizable coat was worn during the famous musical scene, "Jolly Holiday" in which Van Dyke fantastically jumps into one of his chalk paintings with Mary and the two frolic through the English countryside. Bert and Mary interact with a wide variety of animated animals, with the unforgettable penultimate dance sequence in which Bert dances with a pack of penguins.
"Few can forget this scene in the film," said
Nate D. Sanders. "It remains one of Dick Van Dyke's most career-changing, memorable roles."
The scene in which the coat is featured was groundbreaking at the time, as it became one of the first to combine live action with animation. Bert dons this coat through the entire "Jolly Holiday" sequence. The original costume tag is still intact, with Van Dyke's name printed onto it.
Jacket is designed with vertical stripes running throughout in pink and mango tones. With a lining in red, jacket has two inside flaps that served as makeshift hooks for a moment in the scene when he was lifted to sing along with some birds. Original tag reads, ''Western Costume Co. Hollywood / No. 2764-1 / Name: Dick Van Dyke / Chest: 39 1/2 / Sleeve: 17 1/2'' in inches, and a second ''Western Costume Co.'' stamp to lining. Measures 33'' in length. Includes an original Christie's tag from a prior 1993 auction. Coat has two very minor, unnoticeable spots, else near fine condition.