How the Grinch Stole Christmas, 1966

In Whoville they say - that the Grinch's small heart grew three sizes that day.

You have to appreciate how much effort the Grinch puts into his plans. From the elaborate “Santy Suit” he makes for himself, to the excuse he gives little Cindy Lou Who, the Grinch really pulls out all the stops. And with a heart two sizes two small even.

And the animated special doesn’t disappoint either. With Chuck Jones at the helm, how could it? Based on the original Dr. Seuss designs from the book, the short film still bears enough of Jones’s signature style. It’s hard to imagine a Grinchier voice than Boris Karloff (although Margie claims the Zero Mostel record is very, very close), and the songs, though uncredited, are by Thurl Ravenscroft – he of the Enchanted Tiki Room, Pirates of the Caribbean ride, and Tony the Tiger fame.

Critics may have deemed it “passable” at the time, but How the Grinch Stole Christmas hasn’t been off televisions since it first aired. (Sounds like their hearts were a couple of sizes too small.) And without decorations, toys, or even roast beast the Grinch will always be a classic.

Favorite lines:

And he puzzled and puzzed, till his puzzler was sore.

Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before!

"Maybe Christmas," he thought, "doesn't come from a store.

Maybe Christmas… perhaps… means a little bit more."