How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966) starring Boris Karloff, Thurl Ravenscroft
The classic, original animated story of How the Grinch Stole Christmas. The story by Dr. Seuss, narrated and voiced by Boris Karloff, sung by Thurl Ravenscroft. Often imitated, never surpassed. Enjoy!
Narrator: Every Who down in Whoville liked Christmas a lot, but the Grinch, who lived just north of Whoville – did not. The Grinch hated Christmas – the whole Christmas season. Now, please don’t ask why; no one quite knows the reason. It could be, perhaps, that his shoes were too tight. Or it could be that his head wasn’t screwed on just right. But I think that the most likely reason of all… may have been that his heart was two sizes too small. But, whatever the reason, his heart or his shoes, he stood there on Christmas Eve hating the Whos. Staring down from his cave, with a sour grinchy frown, at the warm, lighted windows below in their town. For he knew that every Who down in Whoville beneath was busy now, hanging a holly who wreath.
The short, animated Christmas classic, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, is a classic for a reason. It combine several great talents:
Talents
- Dr. Seuss (Theodore Geisel) who tells a simple, uncomplicated story, about a Grinch who hates Christmas. And, after 53 years, can’t take it anymore … And so, he’s determined to stop it. Somehow.
- Chuck Jones. The great animator, whose art style is spot-on perfect for this short story.
- The distinctive voice of Boris Karloff as both the Grinch and the narrator of the story.
- Thurl Ravenscroft, the voice of Tony the Tiger, who supplies the singing for the Grinch.
These all merge together seamlessly, in a wonderful story for all ages.
Grinch: I must stop this whole thing! Why, for fifty-three years I’ve put up with it now. I must stop Christmas from coming… but how?
What remakes don’t understand
This is a simple, delightful story about a grumpy person’s change in heart. And how Christmas, despite what some people would try to make it, is not about consuming. The various remakes try to stretch out a 20-minute story to a multi-hour extravaganza. By watering it down so badly, it’s nearly unrecognizable.
Welcome, Christmas, bring your cheer. Cheer to all Whos far and near. Christmas Day is in our grasp, so long as we have hands to clasp. Christmas Day will always be just as long as we have we. Welcome Christmas while we stand, heart to heart, and hand in hand.
Editorial review of How the Grinch Stole Christmas courtesy of Amazon.com
Every who down in Who-ville likes Christmas a lot, but the Grinch who lived just north of Who-ville did NOT! So the cuddly as a cactus Grinch (with termites in his smile and garlic in his soul) tries to wipe out Christmas for the cheerful Who-villains, only to discover: maybe Christmas, he thought doesn’t come from as store. Maybe Christmas perhaps means a little bit more! Magnificently narrated by Boris Karloff and animated by cartoon legend Chuck Jones, it’s an award-winning Who-roast-beast-feast of a holiday classic!
from the back cover
Dr. Seuss is back with his tongue-twisting verse and lighthearted music to delight children of every age. What Christmas holiday would be complete without this timeless tale of the mean-spirited Grinch who feebly attempts to steal the Yuletide celebration of Whoville?
The crotchety Grinch, with “termites in his smile” and “garlic in his soul,” tries once again to wipe out Christmas for the cheerful Whovillians, only to discover that the true spirit of the holiday season lies beyond his covetous grasp.
Narrated by the great Boris Karloff and featuring such musical favorites as “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” and “Trim Up the Tree,” Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! will warm even the most miserly heart. Don’t miss this animated confection. It’s a perfect festival of fun for the entire family!
Leave a Reply