The Library of Congress has restored a long-lost silent film by famed French filmmaker Georges Méliès. Titled “Gugusse et l’Automate” (Gugusse and the Automaton), the 1897 short film depicts a robot attacking a human clown, who ultimately defeats it. Considered possibly the first depiction of a robot on film, it was discovered in a box of reels donated by Bill McFarland, whose great-grandfather, William Frisbee, had shared these films in the late 19th century.
The discovery occurred after McFarland dropped off 10 rusty reels at the Library’s National Audio-Visual Conservation Center. The films had been stored in challenging conditions over the years, necessitating careful preservation efforts. George Willeman of the Library’s nitrate film vault led the inspection and identification process. The collection also included another Méliès film and parts of an early Thomas Edison work.
Despite being made nearly 130 years ago, the film’s theme remains relevant today. It highlights early cinematic explorations of technology and robotics, a topic still topical in discussions about AI. The film’s restoration offers significant insights into the origins of science fiction cinema. Archivist Rick Prelinger emphasized the importance of such discoveries, noting their impact on understanding early film history and Méliès’ pioneering contributions.