Lost melies film found: automaton short resurfaces after 100+ years
Lost melies film found: automaton short resurfaces after 100+ years
A remarkable discovery has emerged from a box of aged film reels donated to the Library of Congress. A previously unknown 19th-century film by the pioneering French filmmaker Georges Méliès, titled "Gugusse and the Automaton," has been unearthed. The 45-second short, estimated to have been made around 1897, was likely lost for over a century, offering a fascinating glimpse into the early days of cinema and potentially the earliest known depiction of robotics on film.
The discovery: a glimpse into early cinema
The film was donated by Bill McFarland of Grand Rapids, Michigan. The collection originated from his great-grandfather, William Delisle Frisbee, a traveling showman who exhibited films at night. The reels were in deteriorated condition, having been stored in various environments – basements, barns, and garages – leading to significant damage. Library technicians meticulously examined the reels, painstakingly piecing together the fragmented footage, and were astonished by their find.
Méliès and the dawn of cinematic innovation
Georges Méliès (1861-1938) was a pivotal figure in the early development of cinema. A seasoned stage magician before turning to filmmaking, Méliès pioneered techniques such as double exposure, black screens, and forced perspective. His influence on fantasy filmmaking is undeniable, with directors like Martin Scorsese acknowledging his impact in films like "Hugo." "Gugusse and the Automaton" exemplifies Méliès's inventive spirit and his commitment to pushing the boundaries of what was possible on screen.
"Gugusse and the automaton": a short but significant film
The film features a single camera setup, typical of the era, and portrays a magician who animates a clown Pierrot dressed as an automaton. The automaton engages in slapstick violence with the magician, ultimately shrinking until it becomes a doll before being smashed. This short, while brief, is of significant historical importance. Researchers believe it represents a previously unknown work by Méliès, adding to the richness of his cinematic legacy.
Preservation efforts and digitization
The donated print of "Gugusse" is a duplicate, at least three generations removed from the original, and in fragile condition. The Library of Congress spent over a week scanning and stabilizing the film, making it available online in 4K resolution. This digitization effort ensures the preservation of this rare historical artifact for future generations of researchers and film enthusiasts.
A treasure trove of early film history
McFarland’s collection also included Méliès’s 1900 short "The Fat and Lean Wrestling Match" and fragments of an early Thomas Edison film, "The Burning Stable." The discovery highlights the importance of preserving these early cinematic artifacts. "The moment we set our eyes on this box of film, we knew it was something special," stated George Willeman, the Library's nitrate film vault leader. McFarland recounted his great-grandfather’s touring of films and Edison phonographs, a testament to the public’s fascination with early moving images.