In the characteristic narrative structure of a spectacular féerie or fairy play, the great fantasy filmmaker,
Georges Méliès, artfully amalgamates elements of religion, supernatural beings, and mighty guardians of man with the ever-present dark forces, depicting the archetypal conflict between good and evil. Portrayed by Méliès himself, the withered and notoriously fiendish Fairy Carabosse, capable of doing both good or evil on a whim, concocts a mystical witches' brew in her decrepit castle's lab--when suddenly--a graceful but penniless wandering troubadour appears, desirous of learning his fate and finding his soulmate. As the crooked-nosed hag obeys, the spectral vision of an innocent damsel in distress is revealed--a clear sign of the love-smitten youth's immediate quest--however, only gold or a devious trick can provide the powerful talisman needed for the perilous venture into the grim Tower of Doom. But, is it wise to deceive evil personified?
—Nick Riganas