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 didn't stop the Grinch from hating the holiday, because he couldn't bear seeing people as eager for 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 Conductor -
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 animated 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 so superior to the live-action adaptation with Jim Carrey or Illumination's CG version. It was the first time I reviewed a holiday special, but I was still unsure whether it was a movie, given its short 26-minute runtime. I couldn't care less that it isn't full-length, unlike the other versions that expanded the story. It is, however, one of the few good Dr Seuss adaptations that are at least incredibly loyal to the original book.
This piece of animation is sublime. Fortunately, former Looney Tunes director Chuck Jones brought this to life, along with the author, who also wrote the songs. I like how he brings his devilish charm to the character animation, and it's a pity that no one in today's generation could measure up to his talent. The late Boris Karloff did an excellent job narrating and voicing the Grinch. The songs and music are spot-on, especially "You're A Mean One, Mr. Grinch," which is the best.
This special holds a special place among the other Christmas movies. I recommend it to Dr Seuss fans, and I look forward to seeing it again next Christmas. In the meantime, Merry Christmas to you all and a Happy New Year.
Star rating: (8/10) Very Good Movie
