Georges Melies' releases on behalf of the American-based Motion Pictures Trust were nowhere near as inspired as his turn-of-the-century classics. Unable to care for all her children at the same time, a widow sends her two youngest children -- a 5-year-old and his infant brother -- into the streets for a brief walk. Soon thereafter, the older boy trades his baby brother for a wagonload of toys. The woman who entered into this bargain realizes that, once he is made aware that human beings shouldn't be bought or sold, the 5-year-old will demand his brother back. A generous soul, the woman gives back the baby and also allows the boy to keep his toys -- which delights his older siblings and brings the film to a happy denouement. Like Melies' other 1909 releases, For Sale, a Baby apparently no longer exists.
by Hal Erickson
synopsis
