The Apple - George Dunning & Richard Williams (1963)

This British short film was produced in London and has the distinction of being animator, Richard Williams' [The Little Island, (1958) Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988)] second project. Williams is an interesting figure. His work is inspired and inspiring, but, like Charles James, the famous couturier, he's found it difficult to complete and let go of projects, most notably his masterpiece, The Thief and the Cobbler, which was seized from his control by the completion bond company two years after it was funded and 24 years after it was begun.

This short is rare and hard to find. It can be seen only online as far as I've been able to surmise. Above is the entire film, uploaded to YouTube by TheThiefArchive.

Obscurity factor: 9 (not on DVD, difficult to find, on YouTube)

Richard Williams' The Little Island (1958)

This short by legendary animator Richard Williams (Who Framed Roger Rabbit [1988]) examines the nature of man through three symbolic figures alone on a tiny island. The figures represent truth, beauty and goodness and the film wordlessly tells the story of their self absorption, potential and conflict. Williams uses striking graphics and amusing, and at times compelling music to make his points. This was his first film and he is the auteur in the literal sense of the word. He did everything on the film except the music.

Though not available on DVD, it can be found in full on YouTube. Above is part one, uploaded by TheThiefArchive.

Obscurity factor: 8 (not on DVD, available on YouTube, known to film buffs, but otherwise forgotten)