Tall traces the experiments of the early skyscraper architects, especially Louis Sullivan, the Chicago architect who pioneered a new skyscraper form. Fierce rivals, led by Daniel Burnham, builder of the Flatiron Building, competed with him for favor, money, and power. The progressive designs of the 1880s and 90s once again reverted to historical styles, culminating in the 'Cathedral of Commerce', the gothic Woolworth Tower of 1912. Tall pits the struggle for artistic integrity against the demands of fashion and the client's bottom line.

This film tells the story of the unstoppable rise of the skyscrapers. Starting in 1869, in New York and Chicago, elavators, steel, and electricity combined to create a frenzy of tall and taller buildins. "Tall" traces the experiments of the early skyscraper architects, especially Louis Sullivan, the Chifaco architect ( and mentor of Frank Lloyd Wright) who pioneered a new skyscrapper form. His credi was that " form ever follows functions." His elegent buildings, some still standing and featured in the film, bear out his reputation as the father of the skyscraper. Fierce rivals, led by Daniel burnham, builder of the flatron building, competed with him fof favor, money, and power. the progressive designs of the 1880s and 90s once again reverted to historical styles, culminating in the "cathedral of commerce,: the gothic woolworth Tower of 1912. "Tall" pits the struggle for artistic integrity against the demands of fashion and the clients bottom line. It documents ahte showdown btween Loius Sullivan and daniel Burnham. The outcome changed the furture shaping the modern skyline throughout the world.