The Spider and the Butterfly (Le Papillon Fantastique)

This archival footage presents "The Spider and the Butterfly," originally titled "Le Papillon Fantastique," a 1909 French silent short directed by Georges Méliès. In this fantastical fragment, a sinister spider transforms into a woman, ensnaring a butterfly that becomes a man, weaving a surreal tale of metamorphosis and entrapment. Known for Méliès’ signature trick photography and imaginative storytelling, this rare surviving piece offers a haunting glimpse into early cinema’s creative heights. A captivating find for film historians and enthusiasts of Méliès’ whimsical yet eerie artistry.