Directed by Art Scott and produced by Ted Robinson in the mid 1940’s, “Heritage” is an animated short that warns American citizens against anti-civil behavior and the dangers of totalitarianism. The story follows Tom Allman (“all man”), an average citizen who is overcome by contempt for the pressures of the modern world and is jailed after continued unruly and uncivil behavior. Allman is then taught the importance of morals, religion, and civil rights within the context of law and governance, witnessing how the lack of such things can lead to the loss of individualism in totalitarianism. Ultimately, Allman comes to recognize this, reflects on his behavior, and reenters society as a moral and civil citizen.
The short animated film was funded in part by three different religious or religion affiliated organizations, the Anti Defamation League of B’nai B’rith (now referred to as the Anti Defamation League), Catholic Youth Organization Chicago, United Christian Youth Movement. The film was likely a response to the rise of totalitarianism across the globe during the 1900’s, and more specifically, its increased prominence during World War II.
Camera zooms in through space, eventually focusing on an animated Earth (0:58). Scene changes around primitive man in leopard skin outfit (1:20). Animation pans to show various environments and forms of civilization (1:43). Camera zooms in on a quaint neighborhood home and its mailbox (1:54). A man named Tom Allman sits at a table eating cereal and reading the newspaper (2:04). Allman grows increasingly frustrated and expresses outrage at the table (2:16). Allman transforms into an anthropomorphic lion (2:48). Allman, still in his lion form, rushes to work (2:58). Allman speeds in his car, breaking traffic laws and endangering a traffic cop (3:07). Allman pushes past vendors and charity workers on sidewalk (3:30). Allman tries to push his way into crowded elevator but is restrained (3:42). Allman complains about being placed in jail (4:08). Allman wearily transforms back into his old self (4:27). Allman transforms into the leopard skin clad man from before (4:34) Allman fends off leopard at campfire (4:40). Allman befriends other cavemen and builds a community (4:45). Allman prays under spotlight while various “God given rights” scroll on screen (5:06). A book titled “History of Man” is shown, depicting the creation of the Ten Commandments, the Sermon on the Mount, and the signing of the Magna Carta, Declaration of Independence, Bill of Rights, and the “joint statement of Catholics, Jews, and Protestants” (5:36). Allman stands on a diagram depicting the interplay between civil rights, laws, and government (6:05). The diagram then morphs to depict totalitarianism which swallows Allman (6:28). The “state’s” hand points at a baby (6:34). The “state’s” hand points at Allman as he balances on a tightrope (6:38) Various depictions of Allman in a totalitarian state (6:49). Various places of worship are demonstrated to be forbidden (7:00). Allman emerges from the totalitarian diagram on a platform labeled “Human Rights” (7:14). Tom Allman is once again shown at the table, but this time is drinking coffee contently (7:40). Allman happily commutes to work and waves at a traffic officer (7:43). Allman votes in an election (7:52). Allman donates to the hospital fund (7:58). Allman purchases oranges from a vendor (8:15). Allman waits in line at the elevator (8:21). Allman knowingly looks at a poster with a lion on it (8:35). Camera zooms out from Tom Allman’s home and back out to the Earth (8:41).
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This film is part of the Periscope Film LLC archive, one of the largest historic military, transportation, and aviation stock footage collections in the USA. Entirely film backed, this material is available for licensing in 24p HD, 2k and 4k. For more information visit http://www.PeriscopeFilm.com
