THE BRAHMIN AND THE BUTTERFLY / Silent Short - 1901

Here's a little fun for a Friday from 121 years ago, it was produced and written by the amazing Georges Méliès, who also stars as the Brahmin. A Brahmin is a member of the highest caste in Hinduism, and are responsible for teaching and maintaining sacred knowledge. It starts with the Brahmin showing us a large empty container...

He hangs the container and uses his flute to entice a giant caterpillar into the scene.

The caterpillar raises its head up to the Brahmin and he gives it a big kiss on the nose!

Then he lifts and puts the caterpillar into the container, and we realize that he has put the thing into a giant cocoon! I know, it's a little challenging to distinguish things in such a busy background but that's just the way it is. 

And behold, a beautiful butterfly babe flies out of the cocoon and the Brahmin holds her with his hand as she stretches her wings.

Then she flutters around, butterfly style, this short is nothing but surreal. Love that inventive master Georges Méliès!

After she lands, the Brahmin covers her with a blanket, when, two women approach.

The women remove the blanket, revealing a beautiful babe. The Brahmin wants to court the butterfly lady, but...

She declines his advances.

He bows to her and she places her foot on his head...

And he changes into a caterpillar himself!

All the women exit the scene, stage left even!

And the worm follows... Wow, what you can do with one set when you're an artistic wizard!! Have a decent weekend, y'all.