Dr Seuss, less commonly known as Theodore Geisel, is probably the most famous child author of all time.  He stories, and the messages that they represent, are truly timeless, and none hold to that more so than is Christmas story.  “How The Grinch Stole Christmas!” is one of his most well known stories, and the animated made-for -TV version that was released in 1966 is a classic of the Christmas season.

Following a slimy green character known only as The Grinch, the story tells the tale of a land called Whoville, the home of the Whos, who all love the holiday season.  The Grinch, who lives on Mount Crumpit nearby, detests the holidays, and comes up with a plan to steal all the decorations, food, and presents from the Whos, thus ruining the day.  Of course, I don’t think I’m spoiling anything by revealing the end, in which the Whos gather in the town square and celebrate Christmas anyway, without any material items.  The Grinch, realizing what the season truly stands for, joins them, and becomes one of the most spirited of the Whos.

What really makes the special so good, and memorable, are the lyrics by Seuss, which rhyme in such a way that only he can pull off.  I especially love the section where the Grinch complains about the constant noise made from children’s toys, where the rhymes come from made-up instruments constructed directly from Seuss’s brilliant imagination.  It makes the special captivating, along with the perfect narration by Boris Karloff (who also portrayed Frankenstein in all the classic versions) and the classic song invented just for the show.

Yes, the song “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” was written for this special, and it really adds to the sinister nature of the Grinch, as it plays over his nighttime thievery of all the Whos items.  The lyrics, written by Dr. Seuss himself, are just as creative and fun as any other Seuss classic, and create images in your mind like nothing else.  The song is sung by Thurl Ravenscroft, who voiced Tony the Tiger, and his low voice provides a great level of sinister, but also charismatic, atmosphere to the scene.  The message of the film is also one that I see as very important:  remember that Christmas is a time for togetherness and love, not of gifts and decorations.

Though the animation is poor and cheap, I feel that this special is one of the best.  It has a ton of heart, and a great message to go with it.  Now, what if there was a live action version?  Wouldn’t that be bizarre?