A group of astronomers go on an expedition to the Moon.A group of astronomers go on an expedition to the Moon.A group of astronomers go on an expedition to the Moon.
After finishing work on the film, Georges Méliès intended to release it in America and thereby make lots of money. Unfortunately, Thomas A. Edison's film technicians had already secretly made copies of it, which were shown across the US within weeks. Melies never made any money from the film's American showings, and went broke several years later. Edison made a fortune from it.
When the umbrella is growing in the mushroom garden, the edge of the first Selenite, off camera to the right, can be seen waiting for his cue to enter. He may not be visible in all versions of the film.
Turner Classic Movies (TCM) showed a 12-minute, narrated version of this film, with a musical score. The narration was in English with a French accent, but easily understood.
"A Trip to the Moon" has had a powerful impact on storytelling and filmmaking. The premise is still one we still see today: There is a grand idea, a team is assembled, they embark on a quest, encounter conflict, they overcome the conflict, and they return home heroes. It is to this film that Hollywood will be indebted to forever.