Woodyanders Review of Dr. Seuss on the Loose

Dr. Seuss on the Loose (1973 TV Movie)

Yes, I like this show a lot/I like it, like it/It hits the spot

[9/10 · 10 September 2009]

This choice Dr. Seuss TV special offers three excellent and immensely entertaining stories in a tight 25-minute format. First and most profound segment, "The Sneetches" - Star-bellied sneetches shun their fellow sneetches with no stars on their stomachs in this breezy and charming, yet still relevant parable about prejudice and discrimination. Second nifty yarn, "The Zax" - Amusing vignette on stubbornness about a north-going zax and a south-going zax who obdurately refuse to get out of each other's way. Third and most delightfully madcap outing, "Green Eggs and Ham" - Persistent little Sam-I-Am (voiced with disarming sweetness by Paul Winchell) tries to convince a sour and recalcitrant grouch to sample his favorite dish of green eggs and ham. This particular tale rates as the program's definite hilarious apex, with Dr. Seuss' trademark clever rhymes and infectiously gonzo sense of the absurd operating at their gloriously goofy peak. As usual, it's an absolute joy to see Dr. Seuss' fertile and (over)active imagination at work. The stories all have a pertinent message, but fortunately never become too preachy or heavy-handed. The Cat in the Hat (marvelously voiced with lip-smacking hearty aplomb by Allan Sherman) makes for an extremely jovial and appealing host. The animation is quite vivid and impressive. Dean Elliott's groovy and lively score is likewise right-on funky and effective. A complete treat.