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The Film Reel of a Georges Méliès Film Found in an Attic in the United States

From Le Figaro · (2d ago) French Positive tone

Translated from French, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • A lost 45-second film by French cinema pioneer Georges Méliès, titled "Gugusse et l'automate" (1897), has been discovered in a barn in the United States.
  • The film reel was found by retired professor Bill McFarland, who inherited it from his grandfather, a projectionist.
  • After restoration by the Library of Congress, the film is now accessible, offering a rare glimpse into Méliès' early work and his innovative use of special effects.

A remarkable discovery has brought a piece of early cinematic history back to light: a lost film by the visionary French director Georges Méliès has been unearthed in the United States. The 45-second silent film, "Gugusse et l'automate," made in 1897, was found by Bill McFarland, a retired professor, tucked away in a century-old wooden chest in a barn.

seemed too precious to throw away

— Bill McFarlandDescribing his initial impression of the old film reels he found.

McFarland, whose grandfather was a film projectionist, inherited the chest and its contents without realizing the historical significance of the old film reels. He initially considered selling them but was deterred by the hazardous nature of nitrate film. Fortunately, his decision to take them to the Library of Congress's National Audiovisual Conservation Center in Culpeper, Virginia, led to the identification of this precious Méliès work.

had no idea what they represented

— Bill McFarlandExpressing his lack of knowledge about the film reels' content and value.

This discovery is particularly significant as it predates Méliès' more famous works, such as "A Trip to the Moon" (1902). "Gugusse et l'automate" showcases Méliès' early experimentation with cinematic techniques and special effects, a hallmark of his innovative career. The film depicts a magician interacting with a growing automaton, a testament to Méliès' imaginative storytelling.

one of the first film directors

— George WillemanHead of the nitrate film collection at the Library of Congress, describing Méliès' pioneering role.

George Willeman, head of the Library of Congress's nitrate film collection, noted that the recovered film is likely a third-generation copy, hinting at the widespread distribution and even early instances of piracy that Méliès' films faced. This find not only enriches our understanding of Méliès' prolific output but also serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by early filmmakers in protecting their work. The restored film is now available for viewing, allowing audiences to experience a forgotten gem from the dawn of cinema.

one of the first filmmakers confronted with piracy

— George WillemanHighlighting the issue of film piracy faced by Méliès.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Le Figaro in French. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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