The Hypnotist 1921
In this charming 1921 silent short from animation pioneer Otto Messmer, Felix the Cat takes center stage as his mischievous antics reach new heights of surrealism.
Director: Otto Messmer
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Hypnotist (1921) about?
This 1921 silent short follows Felix the Cat as he attempts hypnotism after being hypnotized himself. His experiments go awry when he tries to put his wife under his spell, leading to a series of comedic mishaps. The film blends silent-era humor with early animation's surreal charm.
Who directed The Hypnotist?
The Hypnotist was directed by Otto Messmer, the legendary animator best known for creating Felix the Cat.
Who stars in The Hypnotist?
The main star of The Hypnotist is Felix the Cat, with other characters including his wife and various hypnotized victims.
Is The Hypnotist (1921) worth watching?
While The Hypnotist is a brief silent short, its clever humor and historical significance make it a fun watch for animation enthusiasts. The film's surreal gags and Felix's iconic personality shine despite its short runtime. It's a charming slice of early cinema history.
How long is The Hypnotist?
The Hypnotist runs for approximately 4 minutes.
🎥 Trailer
About The Hypnotist (1921) — A Silent-Era Felix the Cat Comedy with a Hypnotic Twist
In this charming 1921 silent short from animation pioneer Otto Messmer, Felix the Cat takes center stage as his mischievous antics reach new heights of surrealism. After falling under the spell of a hypnotist, Felix decides to turn the tables by mastering the art of mind control himself. With a few quick passes of his paws, he puts several unsuspecting victims under his influence—until his overconfidence leads him to attempt hypnotizing his own wife. What follows is a delightfully chaotic sequence of domestic disaster and comedic comeuppance, all delivered in under four minutes of silent-era whimsy.
The Hypnotist (1921) captures the playful, experimental spirit of early animation, blending physical comedy with the absurd possibilities of hypnotism. Otto Messmer's direction infuses the film with a lighthearted, almost dreamlike atmosphere, where logic takes a backseat to Felix's unpredictable antics. Though simple in premise, the short's clever visual gags and Felix's signature charm make it a standout artifact of silent animation history, preserved by the Academy Film Archive in 2010.