The Grinch Grinches the Cat in the Hat (1982 TV Short) User Reviews

Enjoyable

[utgard14 · 6/10 · 10 December 2013]

The story is that the Grinch, out to prove that he still has what it takes to be a Grinch, clashes with the Cat and proceeds to try to make life miserable for him. So the Cat decides the only way he can stop the Grinch is to try to reach his softer side.

I love Dr. Seuss and I'm a huge fan of How the Grinch Stole Christmas! This Emmy-winning cartoon, originally written for television, partners the Grinch with another memorable Seuss character, The Cat in the Hat. The results are uneven but still enjoyable. The animation is adequate and better than average for early '80s television. Veteran voice actor Bob Holt fills the big shoes of Boris Karloff as best he can. The Cat is voiced by Mason Adams ("With a name like Smucker's, it has to be good!"). The songs are OK but not that memorable, except for "The Mother Song," which defies description. Overall, it's a fun little cartoon. Not a classic by any means but it's Seuss and that alone warrants you check it out.

The Grinch meets the Cat in the Hat

[SimonJack · 6/10 · 3 January 2019]

"The Grinch Grinches the Cat in the Hat" is another cartoon special of the Dr. Seuss stories made for TV. This one aired in a half-hour program in 1982 on ABC. In this Dr. Seuss story, the Grinch uses a sound machine to garble the singing of birds and other pleasant sounds of day. He then uses a darkness ray to black out the light of day.

Although Theodor Seuss Geisel puts two of his favorite characters together here, this children's comedy isn't as good or funny as the original stories by themselves. "The Grinch that stole Christmas" of 1966 is something of a classic, and "The Cat in the Hat" is another favorite.

Still, this is animated fun that the whole family should still enjoy - these decades after Dr. Seuss first appeared.

A very inspired and enjoyable pairing of two classic Dr. Seuss characters

[Woodyanders · 8/10 · 2 September 2009]

The usually ill-tempered Grinch (given a deliciously oily voice by Bob Holt) wakes up one morning in an atypically happy mood. But the miserable wretch soon reverts back to his customary sour and grumpy buzz-crushing self and becomes determined to put a damper on the jolly and effervescent the Cat in the Hat (delightfully voiced with lip-smacking exuberance by Mason Adams). The Cat in the Hat does what he can to make the Grinch a contented and cheerful fellow again. The pairing of these two classic Dr. Seuss characters in a single offbeat television special rates as a truly ingenious masterstroke, as the polite, chipper and charming the Cat in the Hat and the rude, hateful and grouchy Grinch make for perfect radically contrasting foils for each other. The Grinch in particular makes for a marvelously wicked joy to watch as he revels in his own snarly psychopathic meanness by distorting sounds into hideous noises and casting a gloomy pallor across the land. One amusing highlight occurs when the Cat in the Hat psychoanalyzes the Grinch to find out what's exactly wrong with him. Add the expected wacky and inventive wordplay, a jaunty and harmonic score by Joe Raposo, nifty and imaginative animation, several witty and catchy songs, a sweet central message, and a genuinely heartwarming conclusion and the net result is yet another fun little winner from the always sharp and creative mind of the singular Dr. Seuss.

GREAT!!

[Bartgirl05 · 14 March 2002]

My favorite Dr. Seuss cartoon! The Grinch woke up happy, but got down to Grinchy business, and crashed into the Cat's happy day. The Grinch took a dislike to the Cat, and tried to ruin his day with the Vac-U-Sound Sweeper and his Darkhouse. But the Cat sets out to un-Grinch the Grinch, softening up even the Grinchiest heart. It's funny, and fun to watch!

Surprising psychedelic non-xmas grinch

[aleksandersochan · 7/10 · 28 December 2021]

Accidentally stumbled upon this after watching the Christmas classic. Cool to see a grinch cartoon that wasn't the Christmas one. Very psychedelic animation. Nice emotional elements that touched me.

Entertaining

[grantss · 7/10 · 30 April 2020]

The Grinch leaves home in a foul mood, looking for trouble. He runs into the Cat in the Hat and decides to make the cat's life unbearable.

An entertaining short film, written by Dr. Seuss. Has the usual Dr. Seuss creativeness and imagination in terms of strange animals, names for things, narration and general wordplay and a reasonably interesting plot. Some decent songs too.

Certainly not in the same league as How The Grinch Stole Christmas but entertaining enough.

Two famous Dr. Seuss characters put into one story!

[Beta_Gallinger · 10/10 · 9 August 2007]

I can't remember the first time I watched this 1982 Dr. Seuss TV special. I have been familiar with it since about as far back as I can remember, back when I used to watch it regularly on a video tape that also featured another Dr. Seuss animated short, "Pontoffel Pock, Where Are You?", and LOVED both of those cartoons! I recently watched them both again, and I obviously wouldn't think the same of them as I did back in the day, but I can't forget how much I used to enjoy them, and how big a part of my early childhood they were!

The story features two of Dr. Seuss' characters that were already famous by the time this was made. They are the Grinch (introduced in "How the Grinch Stole Christmas", and the Cat in the Hat (introduced in the book of the same name). One beautiful morning, the Grinch wakes up whistling, very happily, something which has never happened before! However, when his image in the mirror makes him repeat the Grinch's Oath, he is back to normal. He goes out to prove he's a Grinch, by causing trouble! Meanwhile, the Cat in the Hat sets out for a picnic, and doesn't know that the Grinch will make the day very difficult for him!

I've just commented on "Pontoffel Pock, Where Are You?", and stated, "If I had just seen this Dr. Seuss TV special for the first time, I highly doubt my rating would be 10/10. Usually, I wouldn't rate something based on what I thought of it years ago, but in this case, I loved 'Pontoffel Pock, Where Are You?' so much way back in the day that I feel that what I think of it now shouldn't apply!" I think I can say the same about "The Grinch Grinches the Cat in the Hat". The Grinch and the Cat in the Hat are two very popular characters, and putting them together in a story was an excellent idea! This short also has some catchy songs sung by the characters, good animation, some humour, and a message, which you would normally expect from a Dr. Seuss story! Without a doubt, kids should LOVE it!

It sounds better than it is

[Horst_In_Translation · 4/10 · 24 May 2017]

The small screen production "The Grinch Grinches the Cat in the Hat" is an animated short film from 1982, so this one has its 35th anniversary this year already. It was directed by Bill Perez, but the real star here is of course the beloved Dr. Seuss who wrote it. Anyway, looking at the title I may actually be wrong with the title of my review as it is almost a bit much and on the cringeworthy side, but it still tells us that this short film of slightly under 25 minutes unites two of the most beloved Dr. Seuss characters in one film. Disney did it, Warner Bros. did it and Dr. Seuss does it too, which should be no surprise as his short films are usually way longer than the ones of the other two I just mentioned. Or I could actually say Marvel as this one here (believe it or not) was actually produced by Marvel. Anyway, the Cat in the Hat and the Grinch both got their own animated short films several years before this one here was made and that's also why I believe that by the early 1980s they may have crossed their peaks already for a little while, especially the Grinch as his first and most famous work goes back way into the 1960s. Never been a big fan of the Cat in the Hat to be honest, so I may be slightly biased if I say that this one here did very little for me in both story/plot as well as dialogues as well, which was a bit shocking as this is usually where Seuss makes up for deficits in other areas. At least the voice acting was good I guess, perhaps the best thing about this one here. But it's just not enough to make up for all the flaws and weak aspects linked to this little movie. Also everything before that just isn't involving enough to make up for this big emotional ending. And I have no idea how this mediocre piece won two Emmys, must have been a pretty weak year in terms of animated television. I give it a thumbs-down. Not recommended.

A clever partnership of two classic Dr Seuss characters

[TheLittleSongbird · 10/10 · 29 March 2011]

I love the writing and stories of Dr Seuss, they are funny, witty, colourful and charming with great characters and amusing plots. The Cat in the Hat and How the Grinch Stole Christmas are Dr Seuss at his best. The cartoon versions are timeless classics, and when it comes to the live-action versions Grinch is inferior but not as bad as it is made out to be in my opinion but Cat in the Hat is an abomination and the anti-thesis of the story it is based upon.

So what is this special? Well it is classic Dr Seuss, with not one but two classic Dr Who characters, The Grinch and Cat in the Hat. These two are great and iconic on their own, just imagine them together, for me it was a wonderful treat and so much fun. The story of The Grinch Grinches the Cat in the Hat is simple, but has all the charm and fun of Dr Seuss's work. The dialogue is also very funny and witty.

The animation also impresses, it is very colourful and vibrant and sticks true to the style of the illustrations, while the music is equally energetic and playful. The pace is spot on, brisk and with seldom a dull moment, and both characters are wonderful to watch and exude an entertaining chemistry. The voice work is faultless, of course there will be inevitable comparisons with the original voice actors, but these voice actors are just as worthy and do a terrific job.

In conclusion, clever and entertaining special. 10/10 Bethany Cox

Nope.

[rich-85001 · 1/10 · 25 December 2021]

Grinch doesn't look like the Grinch, Max doesn't look like Max, animation is awful, story is sub par and almost unrecognizable as a Dr. Seuss story, and the ending is out of the 1940's instead of 1982. If you feel that you need to see it, especially don't watch it at the same time you watch the Wonderful animated Grinch Stole Christmas - it will suck the joy and happiness from your soul. Yes, it's that horrible.

there's a reason why Dr. Seuss named the Grinch his favorite of all his characters

[lee_eisenberg · 10/10 · 22 December 2015]

Dr. Seuss introduced the world to the authority-defying Cat in the Hat in the book of the same name, and the happiness-hating Grinch in "How the Grinch Stole Christmas", both of which got turned into TV specials. It was inevitable that these classic characters should co-star. My favorite scene in "The Grinch Grinches the Cat in the Hat" was always the scene where the green-faced grouch uses his Vacusound Sweeper to mess with the cat's surroundings, turning everything into a wacky mix of colors. Around the time that Dr. Seuss died, I saw an interview with him from some years earlier, and he said that the Grinch was his favorite of all his characters. It's easy to see why the Grinch was his favorite, and you're sure to enjoy this short just as much as "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" (the 1966 TV special, not the 2000 feature film; I heard only negative things about that movie).

Two Great Characters in One Good Movie

[Michael_Elliott · 24 December 2011]

Grinch Grinches the Cat in the Hat, The (1982)

*** (out of 4)

This fun tale from Dr. Seuss takes two of his most loved characters and throws them into one film. The Grinch wakes up one morning smiling and singing but the "Grinch in the mirror" makes his take the Grinch's oath so he must then go out and be mean. The first person he runs into is the Cat in the Hat and soon the two are going at it. This film falls well short of the two movies where are heroes were first introduced but this is still a very enjoyable film that manages to be beautiful to look at and we get many funny gags as well. The entire opening sequence with the Grinch being happy was very delightful but so were the scenes where he turns into his old self. The majority of the running time has the Grinch trying to drive the cat crazy by doing a wide range of things like using a certain ray to make the cat sound like a cow. The animation is at the top of the game with the same beautiful colors that you've come to expect from a Seuss movie. Just check out how wonderful the actual look is during a sequence where the cat is driving in circles to get to his castle. Another funny bit happens right at the very end but I won't spoil it for those unfamiliar with the film. If you're a fan of the characters then the 25-minute running time flies by with one good moment after another.

The Grinch Grinches the Cat in the Hat (1982) Review:

[w_bignell513 · 1/10 · 27 December 2021]

"The Grinch Grinches the Cat in the Hat" is an animated short film from 1982.

Directed by Bill Perez,

It sounds better than it is, trust me.

The real star here is of course the beloved Dr. Seuss who wrote it.

It's pretty boring and cringeworthy.

The film unites famous Dr. Seuss characters The Cat in the Hat, and The Grinch.

Crossover's have happened so many times it was a clique at this point, even by 1982.

Disney did it, Warner Bros. Did it, so of course Dr. Seuss had to jump aboard the bandwagon as well.

Unlike the 1967 film, "How The Grinch Stole Christmas.", this film feel's like an eternity to sit through. Even though they both run at 25 minutes each.

The Cat in the Hat and the Grinch both got animated shorts several years before this one was made, so by the early 1980s they had already reach their peak in popularity, especially the Grinch, as his first and most famous work was in the 1960's.

Never been a big fan of the Cat in the Hat to be honest, so I may be slightly biased in saying that his character did very little for me in terms of the story/plot. Plus the dialogue is some the worst of any of these animated shorts, which is surprising as this is usually the strongest aspect of Seuss's story-telling/writing.

Even with some interesting visual's, it's not enough to make up for the fact that this movie goes nowhere, and it's a pretty mediocre musical at that.

Definitely pandering to the lowest - common - denominator.

I have no idea how this won two Emmys, must have been a pretty slow year for TV.

Anyway,

I'm giving this one a 1/10.

(F)

Stunning

[foreverdisneyfan · 9/10 · 28 May 2018]

With an perky character like the Cat In The Hat, and a sluggish, grouchy character like Mr. Grinch himself, who KNOWS what crazy hijinks could unfold! But in this short special, the creators bring some new things to the table. For example, there are several mentions to "Mama" (from the Grinch). There's even a song at the end ABOUT his mother, which as we see, moves the Mean One himself to tears, which proves that there's still humanity in that two sizes too small heart.

I love this movie!!!

[Spongebob9933 · 10/10 · 9 December 2001]

I have always loved dr.seuss movies but this 1 is my favorite the long lost movie I saw when I was little and found it again and bought it!!! I like the part when the Cat calls the grinch Mr. Green face!!! I have watched this movie about 5 times since my dad bought it yesterday 4 me! and will watch it again 2-night after dinner!!! I also got Grinch Night the Halloween special of the Grinch and love them both! but The Grinch Grinches the Cat in the Hat is the best because I have been looking for that movie ever since last year!!!!

Underrated

[mitsubishizero · 9/10 · 8 September 2019]

It may not be a classic but it's still enjoyable. As far as crossovers go this one's ok. It's interesting to see how the Cat and the Grinch react to each other. The Grinch gets offended when the Cat calls him "Green face" while apologizing. From that point on, the Grinch basically stalks and trolls him throughout the rest of the movie. The animation's pretty good and the voice acting is solid. There's even a trippy sequence that involves the Cat being at a restaurant being served by waiters. There's not much to say other than if you're curious go ahead and check it out.

The Cat In The Hat gets Grinches

[Terryfan · 8/10 · 29 January 2023]

Dr. Seuss two famous characters The Cat In The Hat and The Grinch meet for the first time in this crossover tv special.

The Grinch (voiced by Mason Adams) starts his day in a good mood until his reflection gets him to repeat the Grinch's oath.

" A Grinch is unhelpful, unfriendly, unkind, with ungracious thoughts, in an unhealthy mind. A Grinch is uncheerful, uncouth, and unclean. Now say this together: I'M FRIGHTFULLY MEAN! My eyes are both shifty, my fingers are thrifty. My mouth will not smile, not half of an inch! I'm a Grinch! I am a Grinch. I'M A GRINCH! "

Then the Grinch makes his dog Max (voiced by Frank Welker) help in his plot to make the day of The Cat In The Hat (voiced by Bob Holt) as awful as possible.

The voice acting is very good as both Mason and Bob give their best to give different voices for Grinch and Cat in the Hat which helps make the characters stick out. Bob also works as the Narrator both Frank and Mason voice other characters to even out the playing field for the special.

The music matches the style of Dr. Seuss cartoons and each piece of music helps the story as it progresses. Along with original songs for the cartoon that the Grinch and the Cat in the Hat sing. With my favorite song being "Master of Everyone's Ears" as the Grinch being a threat to the Cat in the Hat my second favorite song in the special is "Did You"? The song the Cat in the Hat sings as he questions why the Grinch is the Grinch.

The animation is superb with some of the smoothest animations in any cartoon as the characters could be believable like they came out of the books along with the background look like the books. The team really took their time to bring the special to life. Especially with the efforts that went into the effects that were use in the special.

Overall for a crossover special it is a good attempt for fans of the characters it definitely is something not to be missed

I give The Grinch grinches The Cat In The Hat an 8 out of 10.

The Greatest Dr. Seuss Crossover

[matthewsoares · 10/10 · 22 July 2020]

This must be a sequel to "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" and "The Cat in the Hat Comes Back".