“So many people knew their songs, but not many people knew the boys," says Julie Andrews of the Oscar-winning composing team of Robert and Richard Sherman.
The Boys: The Sherman Brothers' Story (* * * out of four) is a touching and illuminating documentary about the songwriting duo, directed by their sons Jeff and Greg. The film chronicles their long partnership and includes footage from movies they wrote songs for and most of their catchiest tunes. The pair wrote the scores for Mary Poppins, The Jungle Book, The Parent Trap and the Winnie the Pooh series, and the song It's a Small World.
“People think it's a little novelty," says Richard Sherman. “It's a prayer for peace."
While the structure could be more seamless and the length shorter, it's a heartfelt tribute to a pair of extraordinary men. It delves under the surface of their partnership and celebrates their bond.
Robert, the more introspective of the two, had dreamed of becoming a novelist but was deeply affected by his combat experiences in World War II. Richard was a troublemaker as a child and the more outgoing of the pair. The key to the success of their musical compositions was the blend of their dissimilar natures. Conflict fueled their art. Where Dick was quick-witted, spontaneous and hot-tempered, Bob was deliberate, artistic and reserved. Over time, their relationship grew more strained, and the two parted ways socially but continued to come together on occasion to compose music. Jeff Sherman (Bob's son) and Greg Sherman (Dick's son) resolved to explore the source of their rift and discover what led to their fathers' estrangement.
The film spans their entire lives, from their childhood to recent events. (The now-octogenarians attended at the Broadway opening of Mary Poppins.) It features incisive commentary from celebrities and filmmakers including Dick Van Dyke, Angela Lansbury, Debbie Reynolds and Disney scion Roy Disney. Composers such as Alan Mencken and John Williams weigh in, as does Ben Stiller, who is a producer on the film. His presence in this film is more entertaining and lively than his role in the Night at the Museum sequel, which also opens this weekend.
The Shermans' father, Al, had written songs for Al Jolson and Maurice Chevalier, and he gave them the musical rules they adhered to for their compositions: “Singable, simple and sincere."
The Boys is a fascinating love story and moving tribute to Disney films, the joys of making music, the bonds of family and enduring partnerships. (PG for mild thematic elements, smoking images and brief language. Running time: 1 hour, 41 minutes. In select cities.)
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