Amazon’s Prime Video is bringing the story of Canada’s most famous children’s entertainer to the world. The streamer confirmed production began on an untitled video. “Mr. Dressup”Documentary about Ernie Coombs’ career and life.
The doc will celebrate the origins and history of the children’s show and its legacy of valuable lessons. Rogers is also interviewed. The project features rare archival footage, interviews of series puppeteers and musicians, as well the Coombs clan and other notable Canadians who talk about the influence the series had on them.
Rob McCallum (“Power of Grayskull: The Definitive History of He-Man and the Masters of the Universe”Jordan Morris (director and co-writer).“Nintendo Quest”).
American-born Coombs arrived in Canada in the 1960s to be with Fred “Mister” Rogers’ puppeteers for the 1961-64 CBC children’s program “Misterogers.” Coombs then immigrated to Canada and hosted his own children’s programs, “Butternut Square”Gemini-winning “Mr. Dressup.”
“Mr. Dressup”The series ran from 1967 through 1996. It lasted 29 years and featured 4,000 episodes. There was also a tickle trunk and a treehouse where the puppets Casey (played here by Judith Lawrence) were kept. Coombs announced his retirement. He was then invested in the Order of Canada.
Coombs, who was 73 years old, succumbed to a stroke in 2001.
Marblemedia produced the feature-length project with original “Mr. Dressup”Prime Video will exclusively release 2023 releases from broadcasters CBC, Hawkeye Pictures, and Pyre Productions. The broadcast window will be available on CBC Canada.
“Mr. Dressup”It was and is a safe and enjoyable show that appeals to all ages. It’s a great honor to share the rich history, cultural significance, and unlimited imagination of the show and its key creators with all of Canada and the entire world,” McCallum said in a release.
“Mr. Dressup” holds a special place in the memories of millions, and Ernie, along with his puppet friends Casey and Finnegan, are the cornerstones of childhood entertainment for generations of Canadians,” added Nav Saini, head of content, Canada, Prime Video.
“This is one of the most iconic Canadian stories to tell as producers in Canada,”Mark Bishop, executive producer of Marblemedia and co-founder, said: “A story that resonates positive values, an archetype that has changed the future of kids and family entertainment for generations, and shaped countless careers, including my own. And we’re telling it for the first time.”