On Monday night, ABC will air How The Grinch Stole Christmas. On Tuesday night, ABC will air A Charlie Brown Christmas.
So even though Thanksgiving is barely past, it’s time to stake a claim:
I think Grinch is a superior cartoon showcase for its characters than Charlie Brown is for its pint-sized protagonists. Here are my reasons.
A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965) was produced and directed by Bill Melendez, based, of course, on Charles Schulz’s beloved characters in the comic strip Peanuts. It featured a voice-cast of mostly “real” (i.e., not professional) children. It had a jazzy music score by Vince Gueraldi. By all reports, Schulz himself liked the half-hour.
But to me, A Charlie Brown Christmas sentimentalized Schulz’s characters in a way that Schulz himself rarely did in his comic strip — at least, during the first half of his comic strip’s run. I admire the fact that the TV cartoon includes quotations from the Bible (and specifically the King James Version, the way to go in Bible translations, by my standards), making it one of the few cartoons that actually acknowledges the religious tradition behind the holiday. (CBS was freaked out about this element, but such was Schulz’s power then, that he prevailed.) However, A Charlie Brown Christmas over-simplified Charlie’s character — he’s just a sap, a victim, a whiner. Beyond this, I also dislike the music. The pop-jazz score is indeed unusual, but it’s also intrusive and irritating. Who, before this cartoon aired, ever read a Peanuts comic-strip collection and heard jazz in his or her head? Classical music, maybe — that’s what Schroeder was there for. But more likely, blissful silence would have been better. And I think the silly dance in Christmas, with many of the characters wiggling around, is just a foolish time-waster. A Charlie Brown Christmas is sincere and well-meaning, but it doesn’t come close to equalling that Charles Schulz pulled off regularly in his comic strip: funny melancholy.
By contrast, How The Grinch Stole Christmas (1966), co-directed by Chuck Jones and Ben Washam, is both faithful to the Dr. Seuss source-material and opens up new avenues of pleasure. The narration by Boris Karloff is superb, a great example of a marvelous voice enhancing Seuss’ impeccable rhymes. And the music score by Albert Hague, including songs such as “You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch,” adds to my pleasure, unlike Charlie’s score, which for me is a distraction. I also think the work of Jones, the veteran Warner Bros. animator and creator of classic Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, and Road Runner cartoons, is more finely detailed than the stiffer animation overseen by Charlie Brown co-producers Melendez and Lee Mendelson.
Don’t get me wrong. I think A Charlie Brown Christmas is a perfectly fine entertainment. I’m not trying to set up one of those “Charlie Brown sucks, Grinch rules!” pseudo-”controversial” posts. I’m just putting it out there: When it comes to choosing between these two works of popular art, I prefer Grinch as the superior work.
What do you think?
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I don’t get it. What is about EW that publishes these silly ‘which is better, you MUST make a choice’ articles? BOTH of these specials are works of art. BOTH teach great messages to kids. BOTH should be watched every holiday season.
Agreed.
Agreed, I refuse to choose! They are both brilliant! I might agree with some of Ken’s observations (except for the dancing being silly…it’s supposed to be silly, that’s the point) but I still don’t want to choose!
Agreed. I own both on DVD, so I will never have to make a silly choice.
Relax PJ. They’re not saying you HAVE to choose; it’s all in fun!
Agreed, both are holiday treasures for me I love and watch ‘em during the christmas season whenever I have a chance count me in in the ” I refuse to choose” train
I agree with you 100% Merry Chritmas everyone.
I agree.
Agreed! Both are excellent! If anything here is a waste of time, it’s Ken Tucker’s article. Who is he to even comment on which show is better? How is his opinion even relevant?
Well said. And the music score to CB Christmas makes the show even that much more special. That it is unique but now traditional christmas music – a must play at the holidays. I always thought it set the tone for the show so very well.
You hit it spot on, PJ. I love both for different reasons(totally apples & oranges). I will say this is my FAVE of the Peanuts specials. Snoopy & Sally really shined in this one! Tucker is a humbug.
Agreed. Both are brilliant. The best Christmas special, however, is still The Year Without a Santa Claus. Sorry.
Sorry Ken… sounds like your heart is three sizes too small.
While I agree that The Grinch is a classic and a timeless favorite, A Charlie Brown Christmas is also timeless for many of the reasons you criticize. I for one prefer the “pop-jazz” soundtrack of Charlie during the holiday season. Who doesn’t hear the instrumental version of “Christmastime is Here” and not think of snow falling and starry winter nights. The animation in Grinch is far superior, but the choppy, looping animation is what makes Charlie Brown wonderful. It’s “rough around the edges” animation gives me such a simple pleasure that today’s glossy, high def animation just can’t provoke. Both cartoons are classics, and both have a special place in Christmas nostalgia. Why must we pit everything against each other? Is that really what Christmas is all about?
I do not think of snow and starts when I hear that song. I think of how much I hated this cartoon as a kid.
“Perfectly fine”? Every single reason you list for A Charlie Brown Christmas being the lesser of the two are the exact reason that this special is not only the better of the two but the single-best holiday cartoon EVER. The bravery to quote the New Testament of the bible, the unskilled voices, the music (oh that great ICONIC music), and especially that silly dance are all so beyond perfect I don’t know how to say you are wrong.
And to top it all off, who ever has NOT had a experience with a “Charlie Brown tree”??? (which you didn’t even mention). One year all my needles fell off BEFORE Christmas day, with only the ornaments clinging to the sad bare branches.
I will certainly not knock the Grinch, because that is an excellent piece of American culture and pop culture, but for me, nothing ever beats CBX.
Yes! Yes! Yes! Agree 100%
Agree! I like both cartoons very much, but there is something so special about Charlie Brown’s Christmas. Everything from the silly dancing to the childish voices. And I cannot disagree with Ken more on the music. That music is classic and, I think, so perfect for the tone of the cartoon. And, being the one of the few Christmas specials that actually recognizes the holiday for what it is, it, by default, trumps all others.
I love the Grinch, but if forced to choose, it’s Charlie all the way!
Agree. The music is a star, if not the star, of the show. I am amazed ACBC can be watched by anyone who doesn’t like it. I would choose it over ‘how the grinch stole christmas’, if only for it being so singularly great/original that no one has thought to turn it into a full length movie with real people, and then acted on that thought.(Sorry Ron Howard, but what you did was just wrong)
After reading all of these posts, I now feel we were all set up by Ken. Think about it, his intention was secretly to get everyone to talk about all the ways in which “A Charlie Brown Christmas” is the singular best holiday special ever made. His feeble arguments against it were meant to drive us all into a tizzy so we could all share what we think is so special about this, well, special.
You are right on. “Silly Dance”? not only is that one of my favorite parts of any cartoon ever, but it always brings to mind that great scene in Buffy where Xander does the Snoopy dance.
Also the one thing that can always put me in the Christmas spirit is the soundtrack.
Ken I think you are WAY off on this one.
ITA with all of the above (plus, no dogs get mistreated in Charlie Brown. I always felt so sorry for the Grinch’s dog.)
I felt sorry for the Grinch’s dog too, and the Whos always freaked me out a bit – I always thought the Grinch was a strange and creepy cartoon. I think Charlie Brown is much better – it always makes me feel good and it’s one of my xmas must-sees.
AGREE!!!!!!!!!
‘Don’t get me wrong. I think A Charlie Brown Christmas is a perfectly fine entertainment. I’m not trying to set up one of those “Charlie Brown sucks, Grinch rules!” pseudo-”controversial” posts.’
Oh please, Ken, that’s EXACTLY what you’re trying to do.
Comparing the Grinch to Peanuts based on their origins is pretty short-sighted. As a child I had no reference for either when I first saw these specials and to this day I have never been a fan of the Peanuts comic strip but rate the Christmas Special as the best ever made.
Both the Grinch and Peanuts have lasted the test of time and while I adore Dr. Seuss I identify more with Charlie Brown and his existential Crisis about the holidays. If anything the Peanuts XMas is more relevant to me as an adult.
Whenever I am anywhere and here the Vince Gueraldi music I cannot help but smile and feel like a kid again sitting in front of the TV.
Only a true Grinch would compare the two specials against each other, when both bring such joy to millions.
I’d have to say I find the Grinch more enjoyable. Both have classic characters with great messages, but if given the choice I’d watch the Grinch
Wow Ken Tucker proves once again how horrible of a reviewer he is…
you said it all AcaseofGeo!
Both are great classics, but your reasons for dissing CHarlie Brown are, frankly, wrong. Charlie Brown is not a sap; he wants what we all want, which is to find the true meaning of Christmas that often gets buried in the commercialism (and I speak as an atheist, here). The Linus recitation always chokes me up, told with such simple and straightforward clarity, stripped of everything mut a spotlight and the sweet voice of a young actor. By the end, Charlie has brought around all his friends to what Christmas truly means, which is an incredibly influential act for a “victim”. The music is, as was stated above, iconic. It’s on my iPod to this day and is about the only music played in stores that I don’t get absolutely sick to death of. And don’t get me started on the genius of the Snoopy dance.
The Grinch covers many of the same themes, with the religious message more implied visually than stated overtly. The swelling of the Grinch’s heart is the parallel to the growth of the Charlie Brown tree. Both are shiveled and neglected; both grow through the generosty and love of others inspired by the season. The reason they are often shown back to back is because they work so well together, from theme, to score, to the true spirit that they embody. Christmas isn’t Christmas without either one.
Thanks Lisa, what a great reply to Ken Tucker, Mr. Grinch himself.
Bang on. Great comment.
Exactly, exactly, exactly. Linus’s speech always chokes me up too…and I am also not a religious person. The jazz music is an integral part of the experience. I too listen to the soundtrack before most other Christmas CDs.
both are stories of redemption.
The music is my ringtone!
I like the Peanuts better than the cartoon Grinch, but I like the Taylor Momsen-Jim Carrey-Live Action version better than both cartoons!
Blasphemy! The horrid Jim Carrey Grinch undercut completely Suess’s message and was an apalling, overdone, crass mess.
Agreed, I thought Jim Carrey’s version was definitely not for children! It was scary and grossly overdone! No comparison to the cartoon version.
Jim carrey deserved an Oscar for his performance of the Grinch. It is a lovely movie and not nearly as dark or scary as you make it out to be. Open your mind and you may be surprised to see what flies in there.
ew sick. That is probably one of the worst movie’s ever made. I refuse to ever watch it again. Terrible adaptation
I’ve never watched the Grinch Movie with Jim Carrey, and probably never will. Blasphemy, much like Ken Tucker’s dismissive attitude of A Charlie Brown Christmas.
…shuuuuudder.that movie was horrendous. I loathe that movie. it destroyed everything that was fantastic about the cartoon version. I refuse to watch it ever again.
Charlie Brown is not a sap, a victim, or a whiner in this Christmas classic. He is reflective, hopeful, and going against the grain with his little tree when it seems YOU might have been one of the masses yelling at him to get the pink aluminum tree.
To call Vince Guaraldi’s moving and joyous music as distracting is probably what you say as you walk muttering past the Salvation Army bell ringers.
The dance scene clearly illustrates the unfettered joy and exuberance all children feel at Christmastime, and it is obvious you need a little more of this in your life.
Grinch is great, but you are simply SEARCHING for negatives regarding Charlie Brown simply for the sake of a ridiculous debate.
There is no debate. There are no negatives.
Both are cherished classics. Lighten up, Scrooge.
Nicely put, JaneK. As for the dance scene and wonderful music in a Charlie Brown Christmas, seeing my niece and nephews unabashedly dance along with Snoopy and the other Peanuts characters is one of my all-time favorite sentimental Christmas memories.
I own the soundtrack and it’s my favorite Christmas CD!!!
I agree. Charlie Brown was NOT a sap. He was simply trying to find the true meaning of the holiday. I prefer that anyday over the creepy Whos and the Grinch whipping his dog.
Ken Ken Ken my friend, typically I agree with you on this I wholeheartedly disagree. Don’t get me wrong I LOVE this, the only version of the Grinch, Carey and Howard be damned. But Charlie Brown is THE Christmas special. It typifies the children who think like adults verve of the comic strip. It actually acknowledges why we celebrate the holiday, it is sweet without being saccharine and funny without being pandering. Gueraldi’s music is perfect in my opinion, accenting the offbeat humor and edge of early Charlie Brown. I admit that the nostalgia factor for me is astronomical with Gueraldi’s score but I think it is smooth and warm and evocative and enhances the overall feel of the half hour. While as I adore the Grinch and it’s visual panache and authentic heart, if I had to chose only one to watch every Christmas for the rest of my life it would definitely be Charlie Brown. No question.
Yeah, a pointless debate, but also an easy one: “Grinch” is probably the best Christmas-themed movie ever made, and certainly the best animated one. It’s a brilliant collection of fabulous writing, (voice) acting and directing. There’s not a single flaw in it.
See this is the sort of article that just brings out one’s inner grinch. Please leave Charlie Brown alone. There is a reason this special has remained popular longer than I have been alive.
Good for everyone in the thread (so far) for not trying to bad-mouth either of these TV gems. Personally I’ve always admired Dr. Seuss for telling a heart-warming tale completely within the human realm – most people don’t notice there’s no Santa Claus in the world of this story. So technically I’m with Ken, but he said the wrongest thing you can possibly say along the way. No cartoon has ever received a sound as perfect as the music Vince Guaraldi wrote for Charlie Brown. Nobody who loves the Charlie Brown cartoons would ever wish the music away – except Ken, I guess.
While, I agree that there’s no need for anyone to bad-mouth either of these classics, The Grinch does have Santa in its world, implied through the Grinchy Claus outfit. However, there’s no real Santa to come and save the day, just the true spirit of the Whos. (The same in Charlie Brown, where Santa sort of represents commercialism in Sally’s letter, but it’s again Charlie’s deep-felt desires, Linus’s humanity, and the spirit of the Peanuts gang that eventually saves Christmas.)
And it bears mentioning what a great dog Max is. I love how he jumps onto the sled, tail wagging and tongue hanging out, only to have his hopes for a fun sleigh ride dashed.
Agreed, the belief in Santa is represented, and Dr. Seuss doesn’t ridicule it, it’s part of the gentle world of the Whos. But a lesser storyteller would have had Santa defeat the Grinch – the Frosty the Snowman special goes down this cheesy road – and Dr. Seuss was too cool to do that. It’s part of the timeless beauty of the tale, what makes it relevant to everybody.
Yes, a lesser writer would – and many have – gone down that road. Suess knew what his message was, and was a brilliant enough storyteller to tell his story with complete trust in his readers/audience. Too many writers don’t trust their audience, yet trusting their readers is why Suess and Schulz (especially in the early years) resonate with so many generations and appeal to all ages. Kyle’s comment above about being “sweet without being saccharine and funny without being pandering” aptly and concisely describes why both shows are the definitive Christmas classics.