OTHER AIRINGS: DEC. 10 AT
7:30 P.M. ON TBS; DEC. 14 AT
8 P.M. & 8:30 P.M. ON TNT
As for that “mean one, Mr. Grinch,” the popular Dr. Seuss story made its 1966
television debut on CBS, with horror-movie icon Boris Karloff supplying the voice of
the title character. Since then, it has made the television rounds, going to TNT and
TBS, then to what was The WB Network, then to ABC … and having landed there
in 2015, NBC remains its home for at least this year and next, per a deal with Warner
Bros. Television (which has the rights to most of the library of MGM, the studio that
originated the special).
Directed by celebrated animator Chuck Jones, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”–
which director Ron Howard would turn into a live-action, Jim Carrey-starring 2000
movie – tells of the Grinch’s plan to steal the holiday and its inherent joy from the
residents of Whoville, including young Cindy Lou (voiced by another cartoon veteran,
June Foray), until they show him it’s not material gifts but the spirit of Christmas that
matters most.
One “Grinch” aspect cherished by those in the television know involves one of its
composers: Albert Hague, who later would gain fame as an actor as music teacher Mr.
Shorofsky in the movie and series versions of … well, “Fame.” Thanks to his efforts and
those of his fellow “Grinch” talents, the program endures a half-century later, and the
same goes for those who first gave the world a “Wonderful Life” seven decades ago.
Green
with envy
The Grinch
isn’t so scary ...
The classic song
“You’re a Mean
One, Mr. Grinch,”
was sung by Thurl
Ravenscroft, though
his name wasn’t
mentioned in the
credits. He was also
the well-known voice
of Tony the Tiger in
the Frosted Flakes
commercials.
Grr-r-reat job!
Before narrating this great classic,
Boris Karloff played the role
of Frankenstein’s monster in
“Frankenstein” (1931) and reprised
his role in “Bride of Frankenstein”
(1935) and “Son of Frankenstein”
(1939). He was considered one of
the top horror film stars of his time,
next to Bela Lugosi (“Dracula”).
After “The Grinch” story was
released as a record, Karloff received
a Grammy for best recording for
children. Oh, the irony!
GRACENOTE - 2016 HOLIDAY PREVIEW pg 5