The Scheming Gambler's Paradise (1905)
"Le tripot clandestin" (original title)

A combination gambling den and bawdy house is set up so that croupiers, patrons, prostitutes, and the owner can quickly change it all into a mercantile establishment when the cops stage a ... See full summary »

Director:

Georges Méliès

Storyline

A combination gambling den and bawdy house is set up so that croupiers, patrons, prostitutes, and the owner can quickly change it all into a mercantile establishment when the cops stage a raid. The women become shop girls and customers, the men become clerks and shoppers. The craps table becomes a long counter. The police do raid the joint, and the nearly-instantaneous conversion into a dry goods store covers all the evidence. The police leave in dismay and disgust. But will they be back? What is their real motive?

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Plot Keywords:

gambling | gambling house | police raid

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Genres:

Short

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Details

Country:

France

Also Known As:

The Scheming Gambler's Paradise

Company Credits

Technical Specs

Runtime:

3 min

Sound Mix:

Silent

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

User Reviews

Exceptionally clever short

This is a short film by the French director Méliès and it deserves to be remembered for its clever gags. The film begins in a gambling house that is full of men and prostitutes. However, when the cops come to investigate, the men hide and the walls, furniture, etc. all are quickly transformed into a respectable clothing store (millinary shop). The ways the sets quickly flip over is really cute. Unfortunately, the gag only works so long and eventually all the party animals run away--leaving the gambling accessories behind. And, in a nice twist, the final scene shows all the police gambling away in the place of the previous patrons. For 1905, this is a very clever and watchable film.

If you want to see this film online, go to Google and type in "Méliès" and then click the video button for a long list of his films that are viewable without special software.