Erik Barnouw, right again. If your magic trick is accomplished by means of a cut, then it’s not really that much of a trick. That part of Méliès’ arsenal of tricks will be getting, has already gotten into the realm of diminishing returns. But there’s so much more to it!
This is sweetly genial stuff. Great clown make up, great wigs, really great comic movement. The lady is joyfully utilized, and she’s clearly in on the fun. The double bow at the end is, again, accomplished through a pretty transparent trick. The palpable affection that you sense between these clowns is no trick at all.