La Fête au père Mathieu

Directed by Georges Méliès

It is the birthday of Uncle Rube, a foxy old peasant who has gathered at his table his family and his help, among whom is a sleepy farmhand, a boy just suited for being made fun of by his comrades. The dinner over, Uncle Rube proposes to finish up the day at a cabaret, singing and drinking. The farmhand, already intoxicated quite enough, takes to bed. Stretching himself out as he falls asleep. Uncle Rube and his companions, seeing him asleep, propose to have a little fun at his expense. They balance the bed upon a stool, with a vessel of water at the head as a counterweight. The farmer takes a trumpet and makes some shrill noises which awaken the unfortunate boy, who, breaking the equilibrium, falls head first into the water while his comrades dance around him. Uncle Rube who has taken possession of the clock executes a breakdown. Frightened, amazed, the farmhand falls into a bucket of water from which he is unable to extricate himself.