The magician at work. I love how he moves and presents. Also love the fish and the rabbits. The mermaid part is a little less interesting. We’ve established how sometimes Méliès’ dramatic sense lets him down a bit. Similarly, his reverent self is occasionally, even generally less effective than his antic self. Laudable though—while watching this one I felt to point out to one of our boys that this is how gentlemen treat ladies. Less effective in reverential mode? Hold on! Get a load of this transformation into the holy pagan family, with Méliès transformed and enshrined as Poseidon. Such a pretty stage picture at the end!