The Story Of Mankind (1957)

The Story Of Mankind - 1957

The subject of our next film is "The Story Of Mankind" released in 1957.  The movie features a self-proclaimed cast of 25 stars in a story that revolves around a heavenly court ruling on the deservedness of man to continue living or let themselves be destroyed by a new bomb.

The cast list is impressive, combining a large number of well known actors with a few who are not as commonly known.  They include Ronald Colman, Vincent Price, Cedric Hardwicke, Hedy Lamarr, Groucho Marx, Harpo Marx, Chico Marx, Virginia Mayo, Agnes Moorhead, Peter Lorre, Charles Coburn, Cesar Romero, John Carradine, Dennis Hopper, Marie Wilson, Helmut Dantine, Edward Everett Horton, Reginald Gardiner, Franklin Pangborn, Marie Windsor, Jim Ameche, Melville Cooper, and Abraham Sofaer.

The film begins with a High Tribunal convened in outer space.  Man has discovered the Super H bomb.  The purpose of the tribunal is to decide if they should prevent the bomb from going off or let man obliterate himself.

The Spirit of Man (Colman), who is the embodiment of all men who have ever lived, makes the case for man.  Mr. Scratch, the devil (Price), makes the case for the annihilation of the human race.  The two are allowed to visit any moment in history and call as witnesses anyone they wish.  When they are on Earth during their chosen moments of history, the tribunal will be able to see and hear all their movements.

Mr. Scratch opens the proceedings by taking the court to ancient Egypt and the excesses of Pharaoh Khufu and his lust for immortality, offering the devil the souls of a million men.

The Spirit of Man counters by examining the life of Moses, who was also from the land of Egypt as Pharaoh Khufu was but whose life was set on a very different fate.

Mr. Scratch tells us of the treachery of humanity, offering as an example Marc Antony and Cleopatra and the way they double-crossed each other.

We are shown man's desire for spirituality by the Spirit of Man, who shows us a scene of early Christians in hiding from the despot Nero.

The history of man moves on and we are brought to the court of Queen Elizabeth I.  Through her leadership, the Spanish no longer had control of the seas and a path to the New World was opened.

The Spirit of Man tells of scientific discovers, such as what goes up, must come down, as discovered by Sir Isaac Newton.  (Side note: we are treated to a harp performance by Harpo Marx)

But then Mr. Scratch brings us to the court of Marie Antoinette and the excesses of the French Revolution that brought violence, bloodshed, and anger.

We are taken through time and shown all the wondrous things man has achieved with scientific knowledge, including flight.

Mr. Scratch counters with the devastating effects of the two World Wars and the wars in between, as well as the atomic bombs, as proof that man is hell bent on destroying each other.

The High Judge reminds the tribunal that the Super H bomb is set to go off at 11:00, and that they must reach a decision as to whether to allow it to go off before that time.

In his closing arguments, the Spirit of Man asks that the Bible be entered as evidence to the court.  Mr. Scratch, of course, objects to this.  The Spirit of Man opens the Bible to Proverbs 11:18, "The wicked worketh a deceitful work: but to him that soweth righteousness shall be a sure reward."  The High Judge ponders this sentence carefully.

Finally, the High Judge and colleagues come to a decision.  He finds that the goodness of man and his evil balance each other, and more time is needed.  "Take heed and listen well.  Time runs swiftly.  The fate of man is now laid at the doorstep of man, himself.  By the villains you encourage, by the heroes you create, you shall soon achieve eternal life or oblivion."

Then the High Judge looks directly into the camera and says, "Therefore, it is the decision of the High Tribunal of Outer Space, this court shall soon convene again to determine, finally, whether mankind shall continue or be destroyed by the Super H bomb.  This choice is entirely up to you."

Cast rundown:

   Ronald Colman..........................................The Spirit of Man

   Vincent Price.............................................Mr. Scratch

   Cedric Hardwicke.......................................High Judge

   Hedy Lamarr.............................................Joan of Arc

   Groucho Marx...........................................Peter Minuit

   Harpo Marx...............................................Sir Isaac Newton

   Chico Marx...............................................Monk

   Virginia Mayo............................................Cleopatra

   Agnes Moorhead........................................Queen Elizabeth I

   Peter Lorre...............................................Nero

   Charles Coburn.........................................Hippocrates

   Cesar Romero...........................................Spanish Envoy

   John Carradine.........................................Pharaoh Khufu

   Dennis Hopper..........................................Napoleon Bonaparte

   Marie Wilson.............................................Queen Marie Antoinette

   Helmut Dantine.........................................Marc Antony

   Edward Everett Horton...............................Sir Walter Raleigh

   Reginald Gardiner......................................William Shakespeare

   Franklin Pangborn.....................................Marques de Varennes

   Marie Windsor...........................................Josephine Bonaparte

   Jim Ameche..............................................Alexander Graham Bell

   Melville Cooper..........................................Majordomo

   Abraham Sofaer.........................................Indian Chief

And that does it for The Story Of Mankind.  This film marked the last time all three Marx Brothers were in the same movie.  It was also Ronald Colman's final film.  Jim Ameche (brother of Don Ameche) plays Alexander Graham Bell, whom his brother famously portrayed in 1939's "The Story of Alexander Graham Bell".  Jim Ameche was a perfect casting choice, looking and sounding just like his more famous brother.

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