Jack Jags and Dum dum (1903)
*** (out of 4)
aka Tom Tight et Dum-Dum
Melies plays a magician who walks on stage to do a trick with a fake woman but another magician jumps on stage and tries to ruin his act. Before getting on with his own trick, Melies must first take care of the intruder. This is a very fast paced and entertaining film from the director who gets to show off his magic tricks but also throws in some nice humor as well. The highlight of the film is when Melies uses a hammer to knock the other magician through the floor. It's also worth noting that Melies appears here wearing a fat suit, which I believe is the first time I've seen him do this. A few nice jokes are made about his stomach getting in the way. The magic tricks involves the fake woman's head and Melies turning it into a bouncing ball.
