MovieChat Forums > How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (1966) Discussion > Greatest Narration Ever...

Greatest Narration Ever...

posted 14 years ago by rondine
13 replies | jump to latest

I like to think I have a great appreciation of movies in general, but I must say (and was shocked that no one else here really has mentioned it) this is the finest example of narration I've ever heard.

Boris Karloff who is famous for horror movies, does the most masterful job of narration I've ever heard. He is nasty, menacing, wry, funny, tender, joyous and makes me cry every year I watch this. And I mean EVERY year. I was born the same year as this animated feature and I don't know if I've ever missed a year seeing it. Each year I am just more and more amazed at Karloff's abilities in this film.

No one, and nothing can touch this version because of his narration.

(btw, I love Ravenscroft's singing, the music and Jones' animation.)

[–] buxtehude99 14 years ago

Boris Karloff is the narrator of what is still my favorite recording of "Peter and the Wolf". He brings exactly the same warmth and charm to that story.

[–] rondine 14 years ago

YES! I remember that recording from my childhood and he did such a fabulous job of the voice in that. He really was quite extraordinary when it came to his speaking voice and his ability to be so flexible, and dynamic with it.

[–] lastmidnite2 14 years ago

I don't think Karloff gets enough credit for making this film so good. He's the best part for me, and yes, he makes me cry every time.

[–] HarlowMGM 13 years ago

Boris Karloff was a superb choice for this, nobody else could have been better but I think equally great for their Christmas specials were Greer Garson (The Little Drummer Boy) and Burl Ives (Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer). These three legendary stars added so much to these Christmas specials and I don't think any of them get enough credit for their part in making these programs Christmas perennials.

[–] rondine 13 years ago

So VERY, very true!

I have to say you hit on 2 of my other faves. Especially Greer Garson (I remember the first time I heard it I almost thought it was June Anderson, lol!) in The Little Drummer Boy (which, btw, I'd KILL to get that lovely carol that the Vienna Boys Choir sings when he reaches Bethlehem).
I think she is sublime in her narration just as Boris is. They both hit a tender nerve with me as far as their ability to send chills down my spine with words and the sound of their spectacular voices.
I love Burl too- while perhaps not as intense a story, his narration is, nonetheless, fabulous.

¡Feliz navidad!

[–] Hey_Sweden 13 years ago

Agreed. Karloff does a delightful job narrating and voicing The Grinch.

[–] 13 years ago

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[–] rondine 13 years ago

Mille grazie... It's always nice to see people who agree on this classic film! :)

[–] koweja 13 years ago

Indeed. Karloff is one of the reasons why the cartoon is so much better than the book.

[–] rondine 13 years ago

And one of the reasons that lame re-make with Jim Carrey will never be even close to in the vicinity of the greatness of this little cartoon... imho. :)

[–] dustinthewind25 13 years ago

Boris Karloff had quite a career for himself in the 60's narrating audiobooks, on record - you can see alot of them available on ebay these days. He did a number of Jungle Book albums, as well as other fairy tales and fables, and children's stories, and if you ever listen to these recordings, his voicework, just as it is in the Grinch, is perfection. I listen in awe as he hits every syllable just exactly right. The man was a consumate actor and performer, just somebody who was wonderful, and he's really missed today.

[–] rondine 13 years ago

Thanks for the tip! I will check out those recordings! :)
And "ditto" on the actor/performer.

[–] Kawada_Kira 12 years ago

Agreed. His narration was just perfect. It wouldn't be the same without him.

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