Open ClassicCINEMA
Back to the collection

OPEN CLASSIC CINEMA · 999

The Astronomer's Dream

18983 minFrance
FantasyComedy

Synopsis

An astronomer's study becomes a place of unruly fantasy when the Moon approaches close enough to swallow his telescope. Clowns, celestial figures and disappearing objects frustrate his attempts to understand or control the spectacle. Scientific observation gives way to a dream governed by theatrical magic.

Watch the film ↓
Video edition
Wikimedia Commons
Original language
No spoken dialogue. Intertitles: not identified.
This copy runs
3:13
Subtitles
No subtitle track in this language

No spoken dialogue. Intertitles: not identified. No subtitle track in this language.

Languages and subtitles

No subtitle track in this language

Wikimedia Commons · Georges Méliès · Public domain

Cast

DirectorsGeorges Méliès

Behind the scenes

Méliès adapted a routine he had presented at the Théâtre Robert-Houdin. A giant Moon face, stage machinery and substitution edits connect the film's effects to his earlier work as a theatrical illusionist.

Sources and availability

General references identify the work and its copy. A reference beside an editorial section is linked to the claims checked in that section.

Wikipedia — film referenceWikidata — film identity and credits

Work catalogued as public domain in the United States.

The public-domain references concern the original films in the United States. Rights can differ for other countries, editions, restorations, music or translations. Sources are listed on each film page.

Availability checked on September 15, 2026.

Photograph credit

Photographs cropped, resized and optimized as WebP, displayed in monochrome.

  • Georges Méliès — Georges Méliès; Publicity materials for an exhibition at La Caixa Foundation: http://press.lacaixa.es/socialprojects/exhibiton-georges-melies-magic-of-cinema-caixaforum-barcelona-eng__816-c-17952__.html · Public domain

Audience rating

Loading ratings…

Keep exploring

Collection