Fuse 8 n’ Kate: Arthur’s Nose by Marc Brown

When it comes to Arthur there is LOT to pick apart! Thanks, in large part, to the television show from 1996 which (checks watch) is still playing to this day. We go way way way back to 1976 to his VERY post-60s semi-psychedelic origins. Back when he actually looked like the aardvark he claims, to this day, to be. We talk earth pigs, children’s access to unnecessary cosmetic surgery, and how the entire point of the book is for the hero to fail to do something. And if you want a look at the racism debates surrounding the series, we have that as well.

Listen to the whole show here on Soundcloud or download it through iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, Google Play, PlayerFM, or your preferred method of podcast selection.

Show Notes:

Kate wasn’t lying. The “John Legend looks like Arthur” thing is real. Just check out the Bustle article This Video Of John Legend Dressing Like Arthur & Recreating The Fist Meme Is Everything.

And since we’re doing articles, you may also wish to read Marc Brown on Arthur’s nose job and other vital issues.

This bird doesn’t give a crap about any of this. Arthur’s nose means nothing to it. Looks like an escapee from a Sandman graphic novel or something. It’s the eyes.

Finding evidence that this book came out in 1976 can be fun. For example, the family photos are all in black and white, without comment. Then again, super uber fancy parents might opt for artistic b&w shots like this even today.

Winnie-the-Pooh, the later years. When he’s just kinda checked out.

What precisely is in this “gift bag” as Kate calls it, in this scene before Arthur traipses off to the rhinologist? Could be feathers. Could be white latex gloves. None of these theories are putting my mind to rest.

Okay. So this is just fascinating. Check out the photographs inserted into the book in the background. We identified Cyrano, W.C. Fields, and Lassie. Beyond that, who are the other two individuals pictured? Kate made the clever guess that the one on the far bottom right is Barbara Steisand.

As Kate says, these aren’t nose jobs. These are face transplants that the rhinologist is suggesting. So if Arthur says he wanted this one, what precisely would she do to make it for him. “Where would the teeth come from? Just that alone.”

Kate’s Recommendation: Outlander

Betsy’s Recommendation: Fine Cooking

Filed under: Fuse 8 n' Kate