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OPEN CLASSIC CINEMA · 1323

The Mysterious Retort

19063 minFrance

Synopsis

An alchemist falls asleep beside his apparatus and encounters a succession of disturbing transformations. A serpent, a mocking figure and monstrous visions turn the laboratory into a place where his experiments escape his control.

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Video edition: Wikimedia Commons
Original language: No spoken dialogue. Intertitles: not identified.
This copy runs: 2:14
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 Mélies · Public domain

This copy runs shorter than the reference runtime. Editing and playback speed can differ between editions.

DirectorsGeorges Méliès

Behind the scenes

Méliès plays the alchemist and reuses costumes and props from earlier films. The character's defeat gives this magical experiment a darker conclusion than many of his other screen performances.

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 reference Wikidata — 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 16, 2026.

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