Good Will to Men (1955)

What is doubly pleasing about this animation is that it illustrates that despite the successful efforts of mankind to eradicate itself from the face of the globe, those from the animal kingdom have survived to celebrate Christmas and to pass from one generation to another stories of the terrors of the wars of man. The organist is explaining to his choir just what man was, and just how obsessed he became with weapons, war and destruction. Their morals of kindness; their commandments about vengeance and killing; their grand ideas - all compromised by their insatiable need to destroy. The choice of the mice as the choristers - small, timid and expressive-faced creatures is quite inspired as is the time of year in which they congregate to praise their Lord. I’m not remotely religious, but watching this poignantly drawn feature does make you wonder if perhaps this planet would be so much better without us?