By Dody Denman

“Saving Mr. Banks” and Pork Chops

This cool, cloudy Saturday lay at the exact center of Christmas memories and New Years promises.  There was a movie I anticipated seeing, the first one since this past summer’s “Superman.”  I hold a handful of production companies to a higher standard and expect great movies; Amblin, Disney, Lucas Film, Pixar and this Disney film far exceeded any anticipation.

What I knew of this movie, “Saving Mr. Banks”, was it to be the story of Walt Disney obtaining the rights from P.L. Travers to make a movie from her books of “Mary Poppins.”  What I never expected was my gut-wrenching reaction to the necessary exorcism of their childhood demons to make it possible.

Mike and I left the movie quietly with a need to not enter “life” quite so quickly.  I suggested we walk around a bit.  We did…we walked and, after a moment, we talked.  We talked of the demons of our childhood.  We all have them.  We all have the pains of tortured memories that are carried with us, affect us and become part of who we are.

We spoke of the catharsis both Disney and Travers experienced.  We spoke of reasons behind our demons….and our parent’s demons…even those of our grandparents.  I even thought of the demons my children must face due to my hand.  More than once I have apologized to my children for any way I have failed them, adding “loving you as much as I do, and always have, must make up for some of it.”

I do not struggle with my childhood monsters daily, but occasionally they raise their evil heads.  I left this movie with a newfound desire to rid them forever.  If that is accomplished, this will be a good year indeed.

“Saving Mr. Banks” immediately became one of my favorite movies. I don’t believe I was alone. There were photographs shown through the credits and not one person moved from the theatre until they were finished.  I hope you realize the enormity of this…a full theatre…no one moved…no one spoke…not a sound was made!!!  This movie will touch you, entertain you and perhaps move you.

Please don’t allow my reaction to deter your seeing “Banks”.  There is so much more to the movie than what I speak of.  It is historical, enchanting, humourous, poignant, powerful…and I am still singing “Just a Spoonful of Sugar”. The struggles between Disney and Travers are mirrored in the excess of America and the discipline of England. Tom Hanks is delightful as the beloved Walt Disney.  Emma Thompson, as the immovable curmudgeon, P.L. Travers has you cheering and jeering at the same time.  Colin Farrell and Paul Giamatti give brilliantly believable performances.  “Saving Mr. Banks” is an extraordinary story of the making of a beloved story.  Now I want to know the story behind the story of the making of the story!

Smothered Pork Chops

Ingredients

4 pork chops

1/2 cup flour

1/4 cup canola oil

1 medium onion, thinly sliced

2-3 cups chicken broth

1 can cream of mushroom soup (may use lowfat)

Seasoned salt and freshly ground pepper

Directions

Heat a large sauté pan or cast iron skillet over medium heat.  Generously season chops with seasoned salt and pepper.  Dredge in flour, shaking off excess.  When the oil is hot, gently lay chops in a single layer in pan.  Fry about 3 minutes on each side until golden brown.  Remove chops and set aside.

Add sliced onions to pan, stirring until lightly browned.  Sprinkle 2 T. flour over onions.  Add salt and pepper. Stir until flour is well incorporated with fat.  Add 2 cups broth and stir until thickened.  Add soup.  Let liquid cook for a couple of minutes, adding more broth is necessary.

Return chops to pan, covering them with sauce.  Cover pan and simmer for at least thirty minutes or until fork tender.

Great served with brown rice and steamed broccoli.