How the Grinch Stole Christmas is based on the Dr. Seuss book by the same name. Seuss published the book in 1957. According to Seuss biographers “It was the easiest book of his career to write, except for its conclusion.”
The animated feature was made in 1966, featuring Boris Karloff as the Grinch. The song You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch was written for the feature.
A live action movie, starring Jim Carey, followed in 2000. Other adaptations have been made including a Broadway musical, 3D movie and audio recordings.
Thanks to Dr. Seuss the word Grinch has become a popular “lexicon” which is defined as “It was the easiest book of his career to write, except for its conclusion.”