How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Broadcast Date: 15th November 1977 - Australia
Production Companies
MGM Television
MGM Animation/Visual Arts
Genre: Animation/Family
Rating: G
Runtime: 26 minutes
Budget: $315,000
Plot Summary
It's Christmas Eve in Whoville, and everyone is excited about what tomorrow will bring. Unfortunately, this did not stop the Grinch from hating the holiday, as he couldn't bear the sight of people being eager over it. By stealing all the presents and other goodies, he is determined to ruin Christmas for the people of Whoville.
Voice Cast
June Foray - Cindy Lou Who (Uncredited)
Dal McKennon - Max (Uncredited)
Crew
Producer/Storyboard Artist (Uncredited)/Director - Chuck Jones
Co-Director/Animator - Ben Washam
Based on the Book/
Producer/Songs: Lyrics - Dr. Seuss
Additional Story - Irv Spector
and Bob Ogle
Production Designer -
Maurice Noble
Lloyd Vaughan, Richard
Thompson, Don Towsley,
Tom Ray and Phil Roman
Layouts - Oscar Dufau and Don Morgan
Backgrounds - Philip DeGuard, Bob Inman and Hal Ashmead
Graphics - Don Foster
Production Manager - Earl Jones
Production Executive - Les Goldman
Editors - Lovell Norman and John Young
Songs: Music - Albert Hague
Performer: "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch" - Thurl Ravenscroft (Uncredited)
Additional Music and Orchestra - Eugene Poddany
Review
Happy holidays, everyone. During the season, I've been busy making significant edits to my reviews and one analysis (as you may not have noticed). Speaking of which, I watched a Christmas special, which, believe it or not, is the 1966 animation classic HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS. It takes me back to my childhood when I first saw it on Cartoon Network. Yes, it's timeless and unforgettable. No one can deny that this rendition is much superior to the live-action adaptation with Jim Carrey or the CG version from Illumination. It was the first time I reviewed a holiday special, but I was still determining whether this was a movie because of its short running time of 26 minutes. I couldn't care less that it isn't full-length like the other versions that expanded its story. It is, however, one of the few good Dr Seuss adaptations that at least are incredibly loyal to the original book.
This piece of animation is sublime. It helps that former Looney Tunes director Chuck Jones brought this to life with the help of the author, who also wrote the songs. I like how he puts his devilish charm into the character animation, and it's a pity that none of the animators from today's generation could measure his talents. The late Boris Karloff did an excellent reading for the narration but also provided the voice for the Grinch. The songs and music are spot-on, particularly "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch", which is the best.
This special holds a meaning and a place among the other Christmas movies. I recommended this movie to Dr. Seuss fans. I look forward to seeing it next Christmas. But in the meantime, Merry Christmas to you all, and a Happy New Year.
Star rating: (8/10) Very Good Movie
