This week on The Produce Stand, we continue our summer deep dive into the Don Cherry story with the first half of The Wrath of Grapes Part 2.
We pick up in 1984 with Don’s television career once again hanging by a thread as CBC grows increasingly uncomfortable with its controversial star. Ralph Mellanby goes to bat for Grapes, securing him another contract before leaving Hockey Night in Canada, while Don and Rose embrace their newfound celebrity with a hilariously recreated series of TV commercials.
But the real turning point comes with the arrival of a young broadcaster named Ron MacLean. We watch their awkward first meeting and the beginnings of the chemistry, bickering and relentless trolling that would eventually define Coach’s Corner.
The film also takes us back to Don’s playing days under the notoriously eccentric Eddie Shore, with appearances from Brian Kilrea and legendary goaltender Gump Worsley.
Finally, we reach the infamous 1987 World Junior Championship brawl between Canada and the Soviet Union, where Don’s fiery defence of the Canadian players puts him at odds with Brian Williams and once again threatens his broadcasting career.
Along the way, we marvel at Jared Keeso’s uncanny performance, debate how much of Don Cherry’s persona was genuine versus carefully crafted shtick, and, naturally, get hopelessly distracted by some glorious 1980s nostalgia.
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