TV Special Review: How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966)

Stars: 5 out of 5

Pros: Classic version of a kid's picture book

Cons: Animation is only average (yes, I'm being grinchy)

The Bottom Line:

Brighten your Christmas

With animated special

For whole family

I'd Take This Special Over a Seasick Crocodile Any Day

I've been watching the TV version of How the Grinch Stole Christmas since I was a kid. And it is still an absolute must every year. Based on the Dr. Seuss picture book, it tells the story of the Grinch and the Whos.

You see, Christmas is the Whos' favorite holiday. They celebrate with songs, feasts, presents, and loud games. All of that drives the Grinch crazy. He hates Christmas, the whole Christmas season. And the extra noise and celebration just drives him crazy. Even though he lives north of the village he can't take it any more.

But this year will be different. The Grinch has decided to steal Christmas. Disguised as Santa, he's going to sneak into the Who village and steal every last trace of Christmas. But will it really be that simple?

It was risky turning a book that takes probably 7 minutes to read and turning it into a 30 minute cartoon. But it works remarkably well. Of course, part of that is thanks to the involvement of Dr. Seuss himself. He helped write the additional dialogue and all of the songs. It shows, too. They carry his special brand of fun nonsense that made all his books such a hit with kids. That imagination can't be imitated.

They've also added lots of scenes with no narration, such as the Grinch getting from his cave to the village and his stealing Christmas. They've got some great visual jokes, and the slap stick nature will especially appeal to kids.

Another standout is Boris Karloff. Not only does he do all the narration, but he also does the Grinch's voice. And he does it with such joy that it just adds to the fun. Yes, the Grinch is mean at the beginning. But there's fun to it, too.

I previously mentioned the songs. They are all great. The Whos sing a couple songs, "Welcome Christmas" and "Trim Up the Tree" that are easy to hum along to. However, the song everyone loves is "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch." Here, the singer attempts to insult the Grinch by making all kinds of funny comparisons, like to stinky garbage or a sea sick crocodile. The lines are still laugh out loud funny today no matter how many times I've seen the special.

The animation in this TV special is okay. There's nothing wrong with it, but there's nothing to get excited about, either. It gets the job done, however.

Finally, there's the moral of the story. The special never gets preachy. But it does remind us that Christmas isn't just about the externals. It leaves you to decide just what that means.

This is a special I have watched at least once a year every Christmas. And I intend to do so for many years to come. It's hard to beat this version of How the Grinch Stole Christmas.