Pepinot, Capucine and Mr. Black

These characters starred in the first Canadian television show for children. Pepinot was the rebellious hero, and Capucine was his clever and protective sister. They were helped by the absent-minded cobbler Mr. White, businessman Mr. Potiron, and pet bear Mr. Black — the show’s mascot, who became famous for his catchphrase, “menoum, menoum” [“yum yum”]. The friends took on the villain Pan-Pan, who always ended up losing and being repentant. Their outlandish adventures were presented first to a francophone audience, then to anglophone viewers two years later.

Pepinot and Capucine/Pepinot (1952–1957)
Hand Puppets
Design: Jean-Paul Ladouceur
Construction: Edmondo Chiodini and Jeanne Auclair
Pepinot: Operated and voiced by Charlotte Boisjoli
Capucine: Operated and voiced by Marie-Ève Liénard
Mr. Black: Operated and voiced by Jean Boisjoli

Broadcaster: Radio-Canada/CBC (in French and in English).Production companies: Société Radio-Canada (Montréal)/Oméga Productions inc.

© Private collection, Capucine, Pépinot and Mr. Black, 1950s

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