You're Still a Mean One, Mr. Grinch: "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" Turns 50!

He's a curmudgeon, he steals presents, he squelches Christmas cheer ... and then his heart grows three sizes and we all hold him dear! "The Grinch" has become an integral part of the holiday season, for How the Grinch Stole Christmas is now the lead-off holiday special on network television, signaling the annual broadcasting of the animated Christmas classics. The 26-minute short, an adaptation of Dr. Seuss' children's book of the same title, first debuted on CBS on December 18, 1966 and tells the tale of a grouchy, green, Grinch, who with the help of some residents of Whoville, learns the true meaning of Christmas. The program was directed by veteran animator Chuck Jones, features Boris Karloff as the narrator and voice of "The Grinch," and June Foray as the voice of the adorable "Cindy Lou Who."

In their respective Archive interviews, Chuck Jones, June Foray, and animator Phil Roman each spoke in depth about their involvement with the holiday classic.

Chuck Jones on taking How the Grinch Stole Christmas from book to TV movie:

Phil Roman on animating the film:

And June Foray on voicing "Cindy Lou Who:"

Learn more about How the Grinch Stole Christmas at our show page.

- Adrienne Faillace