My first reaction is that this is nothing spectacular for Melies: ordinary stage conjuring, done with plenty of verve and pleasure in his presentation, and just enough under-cranking to add special vivacity to his presentation. However, the print that is preserved is beautifully hand-tinted and still, after ninety years, preserves lot of color. So it's good to look at.
But what a thing to do to Santa Claus!
This is one of the many previously lost or infrequently seen Melies pictures that have been made available by Serge Bromberg, David Shepherd and a myriad of other hands in the newly issued DVD set GEORGES MELIES: FIRST WIZARD OF CINEMA. Required viewing for anyone interested in the history of movies ..... and a lot of fun.
But what a thing to do to Santa Claus!
This is one of the many previously lost or infrequently seen Melies pictures that have been made available by Serge Bromberg, David Shepherd and a myriad of other hands in the newly issued DVD set GEORGES MELIES: FIRST WIZARD OF CINEMA. Required viewing for anyone interested in the history of movies ..... and a lot of fun.