There is a positive stereotype that all Canadians are polite (we can debate that someday); however, many people don’t know that an American was one of the most outstanding teachers of that legendary politeness for generations.

Ernie Coombs entertained and educated children as “Mr. Dressup” on CBC Television for four decades. A protégé of Fred Rogers (yes, that one), Coombs filled a massive void when Fred wanted to take his neighbourhood out of Toronto and back to Pittsburgh in the 1960s.

While the show had different formats over the decades, its most beloved incarnation revolved around Mr. Dressup and the two puppets living in his backyard treehouse, Casey and Finnegan, portrayed by Judith Lawrence. The improvised back and forth between Coombs and Lawrence always sparkled.

The show was calm but not condescending, and while Mr. Dressup would teach us crafts and other fun activities, the real education came from learning from his example. Mr. Dressup was not embarrassed to do childish things, but you never forgot he was a grown-up.

Director Rob McCallum’s new documentary (currently making the festival rounds and streaming on Amazon Prime) gives the late Coombs the love he deserves with this beautiful tribute.

The film takes us through his life and career, including family life, challenges, heartache, and eventual retirement, in that same calm and kind manner. Interviews include Coombs’ children and grandchildren, former co-workers (including the long-since retired Casey and Finnegan!), and Canadian celebrities who speak of his impact on them.

I won’t lie; I broke down during this movie at one point. It got to me, and that’s not something that happens often, but I felt this movie.

However, I was smiling by the end, mainly because I had been reminded of my love and admiration for the man and the show he helped craft. It made me want to be a better man. I’m grateful that this movie exists; even if you weren’t lucky enough to know what a “Tickle Trunk” is, it’s worth watching for the story.

PS- I grew up not far from Mr. Dressup as a kid. It was well known in the schoolyard scene that he was not only exactly like he was on TV but also gave out full-size chocolate bars at Halloween.

PPS- I can’t overestimate this show’s impact on Gen-X kids; years ago at the CBC Museum, my law-abiding wife jumped past the velvet rope to gently touch the treehouse door. (I hope there is a statute of limitations here.) If that isn’t magic, I don’t know what is…..

Tonka Steel Monsters- Toy-Ventures

#toyventures #plaidstallions #toyventuresmagazine #toylove #tonka #steelmonsters #madmax #80stoys #postapocalyptic #toyfare #toymagazine

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Toy-Ventures Magazine Issue 10 is here!

Do you miss print toy magazines? I sure did; that’s why I created Toy Ventures. A full-colour print magazine that celebrates toys from the 1960s to the 1980s. It features collector guides, interviews and even some satire. We’re on issue 10 now but still have a limited supply of our back issues; please visit our Shop for more information.

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Knock-Offs Totally Unauthorized Action figures is from the demented mind that brought you “Rack Toys: Cheap, Crazed Playthings” and features hundreds of hilarious, charming, copyright infringing toys. Get a signed copy in our shop!

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Mr. Dressup, CBC, Ernie Coombs, Rob McCallum,

The post Review: Mr. Dressup: The Magic of Make-Believe appeared first on PS.

In my review three years back of “In Search of Darkness: A Journey into Iconic 80s Horror“, I mentioned that I’m always a bit hesitant to add any fuel to the flame of the hyperbolic inferno that sometimes is 80s nostalgia.

However, you also have to give credit where it’s due and once again, “In Search of Tomorrow,” the third film from director (and frequent Pod Stallions guest) David Weiner, accomplishes the goal of making you realize how impactful the 80s were to the genre. With hindsight, we can learn that we were in a golden age, an embarrassment of riches. 

While the film notably discusses the blockbuster franchises of the era like “Back to the Future,” “Star Trek” and “Predator,” the same respect is given to smaller films like “The Quiet Earth” and “Outland.”

Thanks to crowdfunding and having no studio masters, ISOT can be super-sized. Which, for me, is a good thing. Its length allows the decade’s most influential and exciting films (sorry, America 3000, maybe there will be a sequel) to be adequately discussed and analyzed. However, when you see the vast amount of movies not being discussed in its nearly 5-hour runtime, you gain proper perspective in the enormous output of this decade.

Like the other films in the “In Search of” series, it lays out all the subject matter like a video store that you wish was in your neighbourhood. The film has the same satisfying flow that never lingers on a subject too long or too briefly.

The film features commentary and interviews from genre notables such as Peter Weller, Billy Dee Williams, Joe Dante, Julie Brown, Jesse Ventura, Will Wheaton and Pod Stallions co-host Jason Lenzi, to name but a few. 

Along the way, memorable SF subjects and themes such as soundtracks, world-building and cautionary tales are interjected into the film, providing a critical pallet cleanser.

In the same way, the “In Search of Darkness” films turned my head; I now believe the 80s SF era rivals the 1950s. My conclusion was reached by watching the film layout the evidence without aggrandizing it. It’s an objective look at the era, and I respect that.

Also, as an aside, when I started watching, my first thought was, “I hope this mentions Mac & Me!” and I’m happy to report they didn’t forget.

I hope there is a part 2 to the film as I was left wanting more.

To order In Search of Tomorrow through March 27th, visit www.80sscifidoc.com. The package includes choice of Blu-ray or DVD plus slipcover, digital download of the film, three exclusive In Search of Tomorrow posters, a sticker pack, and a credit in the film.

This limited edition set includes both books, all six magazines (with available premiums) and a Captain Canuck action figure. It’s a $150 value for a great price. I only can make six of these, so don’t wait.

Toy-Ventures Magazine Issue 6- PlaidStallions

Issue 6 of Toy-Ventures ships next week, order now from our shop and get a free Star Team Poster by legendary artist Dave Waugh!

Our newest book “Knock-Offs: Totally, Unauthorized Action Figures” is now available. It’s 130 pages of bootleg goodness.
You can get this new book via the PlaidStallions Shop , On Amazon (Affiliate Link) or on eBay (eBay Link)

Our book Rack Toys, Cheap, Crazed Playthings is now available again! Order through our Affiliate Link

Order Rack Toys 2.0 Here through our Affiliate Link►https://amzn.to/3Bkm9z1

FACEBOOK GROUPS FROM PLAIDSTALLIONS

Pod Stallions is one of the most fun groups on Facebook. Toys, Comics, Movies, TV, it’s all up for grabs and remember, you keep the glass!

Mego Knock Off Headquarters– The leading group discussing 70s Dime store knock-offs of Mego action figures, we talk vintage toys and not others. We know the difference between Astro Apes and Action Apeman! It’s a really fun group where we talk about Lincoln International, AHI, Tomland, Bogi, Demo Man, Mortoy, and other generic greats.

The post Review: In Search of Tomorrow appeared first on PS.

A couple of fantastic publications have crossed my path recently that really brought me some joy, considering the year we’re having, I figured I should share.

The Wonderful World of Wax Wrappers
By Jason Young

I love books about collectibles and I’m especially drawn to ones that are stuff I remember fondly but don’t collect and well, that’s me and gum cards. Jason’s love letter to the lost art of the wax wrapper is a book I really wish I had thought of.

There are so many genres covered here, TV (Growing Pains? Really?), Movies, comic books, toy lines, music personalities (KISS cards will forever remind me of 3rd grade), something is going to spark a memory, a feeling,

Design-wise, he’s done the right thing and let the wonderful bits of pop culture history do all the talking in this well laid out and fun little tome.

I pick this book up often and when I put it down, I’m in a better mood, it’s just a nice little time warp.

Jason is self-publishing this and you can order it here:

https://jyoung11.wixsite.com/oldtimesmagazine?fbclid=IwAR2effAnU46cw-P5DufM6_O1onwkxgS923RxSwBCGab8LTnhCxXg7nBHipE

Flash: 100 Greatest Moments: Highlights from the History of the Scarlet Speedster

by Robert Greenberger

I don’t read many comic books these days but I’m a real sucker for books about the genre and this one is definitely up my alley. It’s part of a series (I really need to check out the Justice League version) and honestly, this is the kind of book family would buy me for Christmas and I’d just pour over for hours and hours.

This exhaustive publication picks the highpoints (or flashpoints) of the Flash’s career from the golden age to the modern age and I’ve really enjoyed their choices, especially some of the silver age madness I was unaware of. 

As you can imagine, it’s also beautifully laid out with lots of splash pages featuring some industry legends. This is definitely a fun publication.

You can order it here:

https://amzn.to/39L5Lgq

CONTEST TIME!

I’m going to give away 1 copy of the Flash book. To enter all you have to do is comment below (We need to approve all comments so don’t worry if it doesn’t show up) and share this story on any social media platform. I’ll draw the winner this Tuesday and will run the book right to you.

PlaidStallions Toy-Ventures Magazine #1 is now available and it’s been called “not only an entertaining read, but it’s also an impeccable work of reference” by PopCult.

Limited Edition Gift Sets Available Now!
Rather than crowdfund the next issue of the magazine, I thought I’d whip up these gift sets full of merch we’ve created in the past. Just that thing for the retro fan in your life. Thanks for indulging me, more content soon!
OUR STORE: http://www.megomuseum.com/odeon/store/products/

The post PlaidStallions Book Reviews and a Contest appeared first on PS.