A Brahmin, playing the flute in a rainforest, lures a large caterpillar toward him. The caterpillar is placed in a cocoon, from which it emerges as a woman-butterfly. Infatuated, the Brahmin tries to capture her with a blanket; when she reappears from inside the blanket, she has turned into a princess. When the Brahmin attempts to kiss her, the princess transforms him into the caterpillar.

Source: Wikipedia, 2024.07.21

A Brahmin is walking in a tropical forest, playing a melody upon a flute, when a gigantic caterpillar emerges from the undergrowth. The Brahmin seizes this and places it in a cocoon, which he hangs in the air. A beautiful butterfly emerges, and after fluttering about, becomes a lovely damsel, who puts her foot on his head and changes him into a caterpillar. A most amazing succession of transformations. One of the best subjects yet produced.

Source: Méliès Catalog

Based on a 19th-century stage trick by Buatier de Kolta, a brahmin conjures a magnificent butterfly from a golden chrystals who overpowers her oppressor.

Source: Fashion in Film