Monday, February 6, 2012

Forgotten Television: In Search of Dr. Seuss

“Open a book, open up your imagination.” –Dr. Seuss

When one journalist (Kathy Najimy) goes searching for the “true story” behind beloved children’s author Dr. Seuss, she stumbles into an unforgettable adventure through both his life and works—guided by none other than the infamous Cat in the Hat. Combining heartfelt retellings of tales such as “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas” and “Hunches-in-Bunches” with wistful commentary on what inspired Dr. Seuss to create each one, this special in no way resembles the average solemn biography on an influential figure in American literary history.

Instead, in traditional Dr. Seuss style, it fills every step with laughs and charming characters portrayed by familiar faces like Robin Williams, Billy Crystal, Patrick Stewart, and Christopher Lloyd. There are also several tasteful remixes of these classics put to music, including a gospel choir rendition of “Yurtle the Turtle” and a Broadway duet of “Oh The Places You’ll Go.”

By the finish viewers will not only have learned valuable lessons Dr. Seuss wished to give to children and adults alike with his writings, but a lot about one person who was a philanthropist to his very core and deserves to have his own story remembered by all.

Thanks to this film, that is very easy to do.

It is a shame this particular special received so little publicity, since the unconventional or (as Dr. Seuss might have called it) Sledgehammer approach to this biography makes learning about history fun and exciting. This film can turn adults into children, have kids singing, and imbue newfound wisdom and hope into anyone (regardless of his or her age).

Looking for a fun experience that just happens to be educational? Check out In Search of Dr. Seuss.

“From there to here, from here to there, funny things are everywhere.”—Dr. Seuss

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