The Black Imp (1905)
"Le diable noir" (original title)

A traveler at an inn is harassed by a mischievous devil in his room.

Director:

Georges Méliès

Stars:

Georges Méliès

Cast

Credited cast:
Georges Méliès

Storyline

An imp cavorts in the empty bedroom of an inn. It hides in the bureau as the innkeeper and his family escort an important guest into the room. As the guest places his coat in the bureau, the imp pops out and begins to chase the man around the room. Bedlam ensues, with the room soon in disarray. By the time the innkeeper comes to investigate, the imp is again hidden, and the blame falls on the guest. Soon, the imp has the room to itself again.

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Plot Keywords:

imp | hotel room | table | special effects | mischief

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Genres:

Short | Comedy | Fantasy

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Details

Country:

France

Also Known As:

The Black Imp

Company Credits

Production Co:

Star-Film

Technical Specs

Runtime:

4 min

Sound Mix:

Silent

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

User Reviews

The Black Imp (Melies)

Black Imp, The (1905)

*** (out of 4)

aka Le Diable noir

Also known as THE BLACK DEVIL, this here is another high point for director Melies. In the film a man checks into a hotel for some rest not knowing that he's about to be haunted by a demon living in the room. It starts off simple as the man can't seem to be able to hang his coat up but quickly turns to a chair disappearing below him and eventually the demon pops out for a quick scare. This is yet another film that Melies is best remembered for and it's funny to see how many times he actually did this story. There's no question he was a fan of checking in somewhere only to be haunted as it's a subject he'd use many times throughout his long career. The special effects with all the chairs and furniture are easy to spot but that really doesn't take away anything from the film because it's just so charming. You can't help but have a smile on your face as one item disappears after another and the man grows crazier and crazier.