#FIRSTLOOK: TRAILER FOR “MR. DRESSUP: THE MAGIC OF MAKE-BELIEVE”

We adored this Documentary so much at TIFF ’23. Here’s a glimpse of the Trailer for MR. DRESSUP: THE MAGIC OF MAKE-BELIEVE!

Synopsis:

Beloved by millions of Canadians, the Mr. Dressup series has a legacy of bringing kindness and thoughtfulness to generations of young people. The celebrated documentary has toured Canada at local film festivals and now the Amazon Original film Mr. Dressup: The Magic of Make-Believe makes it premiere on October 10, 2023. The film tells the origins and history of Canada’s favourite children’s show, Mr. Dressup, which built a legacy of kindness, patience, inclusiveness, and creativity in 4,000 episodes across 29 years on CBC. With never-before-seen footage and interivews, the documentary reveals Ernie Coombs’ two passions: Entertaining others with childlike wonderment and kindness, and the love for his wife and family, who were his support system and biggest fans. From his early days working with Fred Rogers, to his remarkable creative collaboration with puppeteer Judith Lawrence (voice and creator of Casey and Finnegan), to the struggles to fund the iconic series, and finally, his second act touring college campuses, the documentary shows the highs-and-lows of the creative force that helped raise Canadian children for well over four decades.

(Photo/video credit: Prime Video Canada)

#TIFF23: “MR. DRESSUP: THE MAGIC OF MAKE-BELIEVE” REVIEW

By Mr. Will Wong

Robert McCallum directs MR. DRESSUP: THE MAGIC OF MAKE-BELIEVE and there will be tears shed watching this loving tribute to a national icon.

If like me, you grew-up in the ’80s and ’90s, chances are that Mr. Dressup (Ernie Coombs) babysat you weekday mornings. The former understudy of Fred Rogers found his way into the hearts of children across the country with his long-running series MR. DRESSUP airing on CBC from 1967 to 1996. This portrait captures his true essence as a devoted husband, entertainer and imperturble father figure to kids across Canada.

McCallum gets notable subjects to speak on the matter. Members of the Barenaked Ladies, Kids in the Hall, Eric McCorrmack, Paul Sun-Hyung Lee, former Puppeteers on the Show and even Michael J. Fox appear with heartfelt recollections and anecdotes of what Mr. Dressup means to them. The Film also touches upon the deep friendship that Rogers and Coombs (both American) shared over the years through letters and footage.

The Documentary isn’t all sunshine. We hear from Coombs son Christopher how he used to get teased from schoolmates about his dad being a “sissy”, and tragedy strikes late in his life, making Mr. Dressup‘s story bittersweet. We could not help but feel affected and left teary-eyed. Thank you, Mr. Dressup, we will never forget you and this is your story told the way it was meant to be told.

MR. DRESSUP: THE POWER OF MAKE-BELIEVE screens at TIFF ’23:

Saturday, September 9
TIFF Bell Lightbox
9:00 PM

Sunday, September 10
Scotiabank Theatre Toronto
8:45 PM

#TIFF23: “MR. DRESSUP: THE MAGIC OF MAKE-BELIEVE”

Prime Video Original documentary based on the life and career of legendary Canadian children’s entertainer Ernie Coombs—or, as he is more commonly known by millions of fans, Mr. Dressup. The documentary celebrates the origins and history of one of Canada’s most beloved CBC children shows, Mr. Dressup, which enriched the lives of five generations.

The feature-length documentary celebrates the origins and history of Canada’s favourite children’s show, Mr. Dressup, which built a legacy of kindness, patience, inclusiveness, and creativity in 4,000 episodes across 29 years on CBC in Canada.

The documentary will combine never-before-seen archival footage, interviews with series puppeteers, the Coombs family, and other notable Canadians, all sharing the impact the series had on them. The project also includes fascinating insights into Coombs and how he worked with other key creators and partners, including his friendship with Fred Rogers.

The feature length documentary will launch exclusively on Prime Video in 240 countries and territories worldwide following its festival run. Dates will be announced shortly.

TIFF ’23 screening times:

1st Public *World Premiere* – Saturday, September 9, 2023 – 9:00 PM ET – TIFF Bell Lightbox Cinema 1

2nd Public – September 10, 2023 – 8:45 PM ET – Scotiabank 3

3rd Public –  September 15, 2023 – 11:40 AM ET – Scotiabank 14