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Mabel

Feisty, fiercely independent and firmly rooted in place, 90 year-old Mabel Robinson broke barriers back in the 40s when she became the first woman in Hubbards, Nova Scotia, to launch her own business—a hairdressing salon where she still provides shampoo-n-sets over 70 years later. Weaving animation and archival imagery with intimate and laugh out loud moments in the salon, the film celebrates the power of friendship, doing what you love and staying active. With no desire to retire anytime soon, Mabel gives voice to a generation who are not front and center of cinema or the pop hairstyles of the …
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Feisty, fiercely independent and firmly rooted in place, 90 year-old Mabel Robinson broke barriers back in the 40s when she became the first woman in Hubbards, Nova Scotia, to launch her own business—a hairdressing salon where she still provides shampoo-n-sets over 70 years later. Weaving animation and archival imagery with intimate and laugh out loud moments in the salon, the film celebrates the power of friendship, doing what you love and staying active. With no desire to retire anytime soon, Mabel gives voice to a generation who are not front and center of cinema or the pop hairstyles of the day, and subtly shifts the lens on our perception of beauty and the elderly.

Seniors Women - Portraits All subjects
Fascinating People Short Docs All channels
  • featuring
    Mabel Robinson
    Lola Ewing
    Ruby Johnstone
    Nellie Westhaver
  • writer
    Teresa MacInnes
  • director
    Teresa MacInnes
  • director of photography
    Kent Nason
  • sound recordist
    Arthur McKay
  • animation
    Frank Forrestall
  • sound design
    Judith Gruber-Stitzer
  • original music
    Judith Gruber-Stitzer
  • editor
    Teresa MacInnes
  • foley artist
    Karla Baumgardner
  • dialogue editor
    Tristan Capacchione
  • musician
    Yves Adam
    Rich Irwin
    Amanda Keesmaat
    Tanya Laperriere
  • big band arrangement
    Dave Gossage
  • stills photography
    Shirley Robb
  • researcher
    Teresa MacInnes
    Wanda Nolan
  • production supervisor
    Roz Power
  • technical coordinator
    Jean-François Laprise
    Chris MacIntosh
  • assistant editor
    Cheryl Murgatroyd
  • online editor
    Yannick Carrier
  • title design
    Mélanie Bouchard
  • foley recording
    Luc Léger
  • music recording
    Luc Léger
  • music recording assistant
    Philippe Jeansonne
  • re-recording
    Jean Paul Vialard
  • production coordinator
    Sarah Gignac
  • senior production coordinator
    Kelly Davis
  • marketing manager
    Paule Béland
  • legal counsel
    Dominique Aubry
  • studio administrator
    Leslie Anne Poyntz
  • publicist
    Pat Dillon
  • producer
    Annette Clarke
  • executive producer
    Annette Clarke

Education

Ages 13 to 18

Notes

Warnings: smoking

What are some of Mabel’s thoughts on longevity? What challenges did Mabel face as a young woman getting her education and starting her own business with a family? What has contributed to Mabel’s success in her business? How were Mable and Nellie impacted by the deaths of their husbands? Why is the ability to drive important to Mabel? What are some challenges that Mabel and her friends face as they age? Why does Mable appreciate having her son live next door? Why does she say, “You can’t stop. Once you stop, you’re dead.”

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Mabel
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