MovieChat Forums > How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (1966) Discussion > The Best Moments In The Story...

The Best Moments In The Story...

posted 12 years ago by NoShirtNoShoesNoService
15 replies | jump to latest

Just thought I'd start a list thread of favorite short scenes, voice-over (or character) lines spoken, or actions that are particularly memorable or interesting, whether from a child's memory or an adult's retrospective viewpoint.

I'll start: one of my favorite moments is when, after taking away all that every single Who in Whoville has, and just before he takes the last crumb of food before a mouse can get to it, the Grinch opens a freezer of the last house to be robbed... and STEALS THEIR ICE CUBES RIGHT OUT OF THEIR TRAYS!!! When I first saw that as a child, I at once repelled at the sheer spitefullness of the act, and almost fell on the floor in laughter at the absurdity of being that petty... one of many great scenes in that cartoon.

Anybody have moments of their own to share?

[–] jasonnoury4 11 years ago

I was always a fan of the scenes where:
1. Grinch knocks the ornaments off the tree like he was playing pool
2. Grinch crosses like clothes line using wreaths, like monkey bars
3. Grinch makes the wind-up toys walk into his bag

[–] doug65oh 11 years ago

I enjoyed the scenes where the Grinch tied the deer antler to Max's head and ended up having to cut it down. The look on Max's face, he seemed to be thinking, "Why am I here?" Max was such a great little character.

[–] [email protected] 11 years ago

I do love that scene when the Grinch whistles for Max - then is surprised at Max's quick, joyous leap past him. As Max excitedly looks down at the town, his eyes twinkling, the Grinch gives us a quiet, sidewise 'I may throw up' take.

[–] doug65oh 11 years ago

Oh yes, that one too. And the scene where the Grinch suddenly discovers that Max is riding in the sleigh rather than pulling it.

[–] griffin84 11 years ago

I'm a big animation nut, so the scene I always loved was when the Grinch had that "wonderful awful idea" and gave us that MASSIVELY evil grin! Still one of my favorite moments in animation history! I'd love to know which animator was in charge of creating that (originally thought it was Ben Washam, since he specialized in facial expressions in earlier Jones cartoons, but he didn't work on this special).

[–] doug65oh 11 years ago

Ben Washam? Actually he did work on this show, if the credits are correct. He and Chuck shared directorial duties apparently. I notice at least three familiar inmates of "The Termite Terrace" also, if I recall correctly.

[–] griffin84 11 years ago

Good eye, I just watched the ending credits that mentioned the animation team; guess Washam DID make the Grinch face.

[–] rosemei 8 years ago

And Max tries to hide by burrowing into the snow.

[–] [email protected] 11 years ago

One moment that neatly defines the Grinch is his first appearance - as he leans on the entry of his cave, he's picking his teeth with a toothpick, then matter-of-factly chews it up and swallows it. When I first saw it i unconsciously picked up on Ebenezer Scrooge, who tells Marley's ghost that he has 'but to swallow' a toothpick to be tormented by imaginary ghosts. Don't know if they meant to make that connection, but I'll say they did.

[–] MarisCrane 9 years ago

I always loved the scene where the red ball Christmas ornament falls off of Cindy Lou Who's tree and rolls to her. The music is so light and tinkly. Such a sweet little scene.

[–] JosephASpadaro 9 years ago

I liked the scene where the little girl (Cindy Lou Who) interrupts the Grinch as he is robbing her blind.

She asks "why are you taking our things?"

The Grinch is (uncharacteristically) uncomfortable. He is sweating. And he is grasping for a way to get out of the situation gracefully.

He makes up the lie that one of the Christmas lights was broken and that he needed to take it to his shop to repair it. After repaired, he would return it to the home.

That was a brilliant answer. So, he really delivered under pressure.

And, of course, it placated Cindy. It shut her up and it put her mind at ease so as to get to sleep again.

The Grinch was brilliant in that scene. Cruel, but brilliant.

[–] 9 years ago

[deleted]

[–] JosephASpadaro 8 years ago

Yes, lots of good scenes to pick from.

Especially considering the fact that it is such a short film (26 minutes)!

[–] cygnusxjg 8 years ago

"And what happened next, well in Whoville they say, the Grinch's small heart grew three sizes that day."

OAM!

[–] Scarecrow-88 8 years ago

Taking the log from the fireplace and crumb from the mouse!