Before it even started, the TIFF representative almost began to cry while introducing this film. That was certainly foreshadowing of what we were about to see! Although Mr. Dressup: The Magic of Make-Believe was a heart-warming and nostalgic hour and a half, there was also plenty of reality and heartache.
The Magic of Make-Believe chronicles the fascinating career and life of Ernie Coombs. Mr. Dressup alone spanned 29 seasons in 29 years. But Ernie didn’t start there. Mr. Dressup was born in Butternut Square!
Mr. Dressup was a true Canadian icon that everyone born in the 70s, 80s, and 90s grew up on. Surprisingly though, Ernie Coombs wasn’t Canadian at all! In fact, it was Mr. Rogers himself who brought Ernie Coombs to Canada with him to explore a new opportunity in children’s television. These two incredible worlds collided and, according to writer and director Robert McCallum, became the Lennon and McCartney of children’s entertainment.
It was fascinating to hear from the voices behind the numerous puppets that were so beloved in Mr. Dressup, particularly Judith Lawrence who voiced the iconic Casey and Finnegan. Though this wasn’t even on my radar as a child, I was so fascinated when it was brought to my attention that Casey was a gender-less character. This was undoubtedly far beyond its time. And though some were confused, no one cared. Everyone just loved Casey.
The Magic of Make-Believe is an emotional, nostalgic walk down memory lane. Not only do we get Mr. Dressup and Mr. Rogers, but cameos from other Canadian icons who were all touched by Mr. Dressup like Michael J. Fox, Graham Greene, Paul Sun-Hyung Lee, Eric McCormack, Bif Naked, Fred Penner, Andrew Phung, Scott Thompson, and more.
Mr. Dressup: The Magic of Make-Believe hits Prime Video on October 10, 2023.
