I haven’t seen in since say…1978 (at latest) so we know it was made before then. Based on the tone/style, I’d guess it was made between 1965 and 1975 (maybe as early as 1960, but I’d be surprised if it was earlier.)
It was something like “The History Of Mankind” or “Inventions of Man” or something of that general nature–there was rapid building of stuff–it started with fire, worked its way through the pyramids, the Romans, IIRC, during the Dark Ages, they showed a black screen for a few seconds. There was no main character or plot. It was just sort of a condensed history of the world in 20 minutes?
I’m sure it was no longer than 1 hour long, maybe as short as 10-15 minutes.
It was either animated (in a very sketchy style–this was no Pinocchio) or stop-motion/claymated.
I saw it a couple years running in school, and I’m pretty sure it won an award.
It is NOT “Allegro Non Troppo” (which has a scene very similar to the short I’m describing here -again, this isn’t it, but IIRC it’s kinda sorta similar. Or I’m conflating them.)
I’d love to show it to my nephew if available. Anyone recognize it?
One day, a question like this will be posted, and I shall pounce on it, being the first to provide a definitive answer. Sadly, today is not that day. I will, however, be watching to learn the answer to this question.
Or you could just watch the opening sequence to Big Bang Theory for free, which condenses the entire history of the universe into 30 seconds with a nifty themesong!
This is actually just the first sequence of Why Man Creates, entitled “The Edifice.” The complete film is around half an hour long and contains seven additional vignettes.
