Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas

Released 1966
Animated
Voices Boris Karloff, June Foray
Directed by Chuck Jones

Dr. Suess’s famous tale is brought to the screen every year around Christmas and has become a holiday tradition for millions of Americans old and young. The Grinch is a character that every viewer loves, despite the fact that his "heart was two sizes too small." With his faithful dog Max, disguised as a reindeer and himself got up as Santa Claus, our green-skinned villain steals all the christmas presents, trees, and decorations from Whoville, home of the Whos. Who can forget the Grinch’s conversation with little Cindy Lou Who, the tot who caught him taking the family’s christmas tree? After he lied to her and got her to go back to bed, he not only stole the tree, but even their fireplace log. Now that’s bad!

The quality of the animation and dialogue is superior to most cartoons even today. Boris Karloff is an absolutely wonderful voice for the Grinch. The singer of "You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch," is Thule Ravenscroft, better known as the voice of Tony the Tiger.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas is a movie the whole family will enjoy. At just under a half hour in length, it is a mite short but it is certainly one of the best half hours you and your children can spend together in front of the idiot box. The video or DVD also contains another popular Dr. Seuss tale, Horton Hears a Who!

Summary by George Chabot

This is the ultimate Christmas special. It's a delight from beginning to end, and Boris Karloff was an inspired choice for the narrator. It doesn't get any better than this. --Bill Alward