Mr. Dressup

Mr. Dressup

Author: Aaron Giovannone August 1, 2024 Duration: 1:04:35

Naomi and Aaron discuss the documentary Mr. Dressup: The Magic of Make-Believe (2023). 

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This week we rumage around our Tickle Trunk and pull out this wonderful documentary about the life and career of children's entertainer Ernie Coombs, aka Mr. Dressup. If you don't have your own Tickle Trunk, you'll find the documentary on Amazon Prime. Surprising facts that we learned from this documentary directed by Robert McCallum: Mr. Dressup wasn't actually Canadian, Mr. Dressup was real-life friends with Mr. Rogers, and once Mr. Dressup studded Finnegan out to a dog breeder to help pay down gambling debts. We might be mistaken about one of those factoids, because what we actually learned was that Mr. Dressup was a pure soul dedicated to the entertainment of Canada's children, including many who grew up to be celebrities, such as Michael J. Fox, Jonathan Torrens, and Eric McCormack, all of whom make moving appearances as talking heads. Prepare to have those heartstrings thrummed. Also, don't miss the visit from Paulrus the Walrus, Naomi's own puppet pal who never watched Mr. Dressup but who is apparently a big fan of Sweater Weather. 

 


There's a particular warmth to the conversations on Sweater Weather, hosted by Canadian writers Aaron Giovannone and Naomi K. Lewis. Think of it as the audio equivalent of a long, thoughtful chat on a comfortable couch, where the topic just happens to be the shows, films, and books that shape a national identity. This husband-and-wife duo moves beyond simple reviews, weaving personal reflection with cultural analysis to explore both the iconic and the overlooked in Canadian storytelling. Their discussions are smart and often very funny, finding the cozy heart in everything from beloved CBC classics to under-the-radar indie films and literary gems. Listening feels like being included in a great conversation between two people who genuinely love this stuff, dissecting what makes Canadian pop culture distinct without taking it all too seriously. Whether you have a deep nostalgia for CanCon or are just curious about the stories from north of the 49th parallel, this podcast offers a welcoming, insightful space to reconsider what we watch and read. You'll find yourself noticing new layers in familiar favorites and discovering hidden treasures, all through the lens of two writers who know how to talk about art with both expertise and affection. It’s that specific blend of casual and clever that makes Sweater Weather such a consistent listen.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 61

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