The Story of Mankind (1957)

In the shadow of man's ominous creation, the 'Super H-Bomb', a celestial court of other-worldly elders convenes in the vast reaches of outer space, grappling with a haunting question: should mankind be saved from their own destructive potential or should they be left to their own demise? The fate of humanity hangs in the balance, represented by two opposing forces: the cunning Mr. Scratch, the Devil himself, advocating for mankind's downfall, and the Spirit of Man, championing the cause of human survival. Their trial takes them on a riveting journey through the annals of human history, with Mr. Scratch expertly unearthing mankind's dark past, from the tyranny of Pharaoh Khufu and the extravagances of Nero and Cleopatra to the blood-soaked Crusades, the turmoil of the French Revolution, and the chilling reign of Adolf Hitler. These episodes serve as an indictment of the inherent evil lying within the human spirit. In response, the Spirit of Man parries with a vibrant tapestry of humanity's triumphs. Highlighting luminaries such as Moses, the healer Hippocrates, the innovative Sir Isaac Newton, the literary genius William Shakespeare, and the visionary Alexander Graham Bell, he paints a compelling portrait of mankind's capacity for greatness, kindness, and progress. As the cosmic gavel hangs suspended, ready to seal the fate of mankind, the court must sift through this rich mosaic of human history, weighing the scales of good and evil. Will mankind be deemed innocent and allowed to continue its journey, or will the verdict pronounce them guilty, leaving them to a self-inflicted end? This intriguing exploration of our past and future will leave viewers pondering the very essence of humanity.

The Story of Mankind is a drama movie featuring Ronald Colman and directed by Irwin Allen.

The Story of Mankind is currently streaming on TCM.