For many, the holiday season isn’t truly underway until they’ve settled in to Watch How The Grinch Stole Christmas 1966. This animated special, alongside classics like A Charlie Brown Christmas and The Muppet Christmas Carol, forms a cornerstone of festive viewing. There’s something particularly heartwarming about stories where a grumpy character discovers the true meaning of Christmas, and the Grinch is perhaps the grumpiest of them all.
Before revisiting the beloved cartoon this year, diving back into Dr. Seuss’s original book was a must. The book itself is a literary gem for children, and it’s remarkable how faithfully Chuck Jones and his team translated its essence onto the screen. The narrative of a reverse-Santa, a character so brilliantly crafted in his miserly ways, makes his ultimate transformation all the more impactful. It’s a story brimming with hope, renewal, and goodwill, all wrapped in Seuss’s signature whimsical rhymes and the curious concept of Who Hash.
However, experiencing the book and the animated special in close proximity highlights the incredible enhancements Jones and his team brought to the story while maintaining its core spirit. The most immediate difference? Color. Think about the Grinch in the book – what color comes to mind? Surprisingly, he’s primarily white in the original illustrations. Dr. Seuss masterfully employed a limited palette of red, black, green, and white, creating a frosty yet distinctly Christmas-like atmosphere. But Chuck Jones threw open the doors to a vibrant explosion of hues. His adaptation is a riot of bold, bright, and solid colors, amplifying the visual appeal for a television audience.
Beyond color, the writing team, with Dr. Seuss himself at the helm, injected a significant dose of humor into the story. Thurl Ravenscroft’s iconic basso profundo performance of “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” is an element entirely absent from the book, yet it’s become inseparable from the Grinch’s persona. This song alone elevates the playful wickedness and mischievous nature of the character. Furthermore, the special is brimming with slapstick comedy and visual gags. From the Grinch slithering like a snake as he pilfers presents to the chaotic sled ride overtaking Max, Jones masterfully blends physical comedy with Seuss’s whimsical wordplay and narrative.
Adding another layer of brilliance is Boris Karloff’s velvety baritone narration. Who better to narrate a tale about a holiday curmudgeon than Karloff? He infuses the short with gravity, sprinkled with just the right amount of playfulness and a hint of creepiness, perfectly capturing the story’s tone.
But perhaps the most enduring aspect of watch How the Grinch Stole Christmas 1966 is the Grinch’s face itself. In just 25 minutes, the Grinch cycles through what feels like a dozen of the most iconic facial expressions in animation history. There’s that one expression – the heartwarming smile of transformation – that reliably brings a tear of joy each year.
However, it’s not just that single moment; the Grinch’s face is a constant source of personality, expressiveness, and comedic timing throughout the special. Just a few more examples of his incredible range:
These incredibly expressive animations are just one of the many reasons why Chuck Jones is rightly considered an animation genius.
A testament to animation brilliance, even outside of the Grinch.
Ultimately, How the Grinch Stole Christmas 1966 masterfully weaves together its various elements to create a truly enchanting experience. The whimsical Seussian rhymes infused with genuine emotion, the stunningly bold and almost abstract animation by Jones, and the pervasive holiday spirit all combine to make this special more than just a cartoon. It’s a holiday masterpiece, essential viewing that deserves to be part of everyone’s annual Christmas tradition. If you haven’t already, make sure you watch How the Grinch Stole Christmas 1966 this year and rediscover its timeless magic.
