On December 18, 1966,38 million people tuned in to CBS-TV to witness the birth of what would become one of the most watched holiday specials in the history of American television–Dr.Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas. It was a show that was to become a vivid part of my TV watching childhood. I was troubled by the mean ol’ Grinch who was trying to stop Christmas Day and felt sorry for his cute little dog, Max, who endured his cruelties. Yet, the Grinch taught me a valuable lesson, at an early age, that Christmas was not about the most presents I could get, but the amount of love I carry in my heart and about giving it to others.
In “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” the green, grouchy Grinch starts out hating everything and everyone. But his sweet dog Max is just the opposite – cheerful, fun-loving and ready to try anything. Who wouldn’t adore this lovable mutt? He’s cute, cuddly and never seemingly bothered by the abuses heaped on him by the evil Grinch.
The special, which is considered a short film as it runs less than an hour, is one of the very few Christmas specials from the 1960′s to still be shown regularly on television. Boris Karloff narrates the film and also provides the speaking voice of The Grinch (the opening credits state, “The sounds of the Grinch are by Boris Karloff. And read by Boris Karloff, too!”).
The 26-minute short was originally telecast on CBS on December 18, 1966. CBS repeated it annually during the Christmas season until 1987. It was eventually acquired by Turner Broadcasting System, which now shows it several times between November and January. It has since been broadcast on TNT, Cartoon Network, and The WB Television Network. Most recently, it has been shown on ABC, but with some scenes trimmed down because of time constraints (the show was made at a time when commercial breaks on television were shorter than they are now). In any event, as of the present time, it is the lead-off “classic” special (i.e. the first classic special) that airs on network television each Christmas season.
Yes there was Finaly A movie Made,
Jim Carrey plays the title role in this live-action remake of the holiday classic, adding a modern twist to the rather simple animated version.
As one of the most highly anticipated movies of the Holiday 2000 season, Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas features Jim Carrey as the hairy, green Christmas menace intent on destroying the Yuletide cheer for the people of Whoville. Unlike the animated version, this Grinch is somewhat of a tortured soul, and his hatred for the holiday goes beyond Santa and “roast beast”–this time the Grinch takes it personally, and it’s Cindy-Lou Who (played by Taylor Momsen) who must finally convince the heart-challenged Grinch what Christmas is really all about.
Along for the wild ride is the Grinch’s trusty dog Max, and though he objects to his master’s penchant for wreaking havoc, his loyalty never wavers. Yet Max is much more than just the Grinch’s loyal dog and unwitting accomplice, he’s also his moral compass–Max expressively reprimands the Green One for his wicked ways with those big brown eyes and a few well-meaning barks; his means of transport–that Grinch is such a sleigh-driver!; as well a provider of warmth and affection to a seemingly unlovable creature. In fact, Max may be the true hero of the story, as his humor, devotion, and likeability outshine even the Whos down in Whoville.
