This short, animated movie is based on the book by Dr. Seuss, and it's about a grumpy green monster named the Grinch who lives on top of the highest mountain, near a peaceful little town called Whoville, where the Whos live. The Grinch hates these friendly people, especially on Christmas, because of all the noise they make and their ridiculous customs. He's been dealing with this nonsense for over 50 years, and he's finally grown tired of it; he concocts a scheme to stop Christmas from coming so that the Whos will be miserable.
His plan involves dressing himself up like Santa Claus and his loyal dog Max like a reindeer, riding down to Whoville on a sleigh, and stealing EVERYTHING that has to do with Christmas--presents, toys, decorations, and even the food for the Christmas feast. When he's done all that, he prepares to dump everything off the side of the mountain, but not before he wants to hear the Whos waking up and crying in misery when they see all of their Christmas things have been taken.
Instead, the Whos wake up, join hands, and begin to sing with happiness, despite the fact that they don't have anything to celebrate Christmas with. The Grinch is puzzled by this, until he realizes that you don't need "stuff" to celebrate Christmas--Christmas is about family, love, and peace on Earth. When the Grinch realizes the error of his ways, his heart fills with happiness, and he gives the Whos back their Christmas things. He even joins them in their celebration, carving up the roast beast.
The animation, courtesy of Chuck Jones, embodies Dr. Seuss's sense of vibrant wackiness. The music is excellent too, from the deviously hilarious "Mr. Grinch" song to the uplifting "Welcome Christmas" song of the Whos.
This is a heart-warming, classic tale, expertly narrated by Boris Karloff (who also voices the Grinch), with a simple message that children and adults alike can enjoy and understand.
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