FairyTale: A True Story Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Two girls with a camera accidentally invent Photoshop 80 years early and convince Sherlock Holmes’ dad that fairies are real, angering a magician who probably could have escaped from the fairy realm if he’d just focused.

🍿 FairyTale: A True Story: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Arrival of Frances and Early Grief

In 1917, young Frances Griffiths arrives in Cottingley, England, to stay with her aunt, uncle, and cousin Elsie Wright. Frances’ father is missing in action during World War I, causing her considerable anxiety. Elsie is also dealing with grief, having recently lost her brother Joseph.

Photographing the Fairies

Elsie and Frances claim to see fairies in the nearby woods. Using Elsie’s father’s camera, they take photographs that appear to show them with these mythical creatures. The photographs are initially intended as a comforting gift for Elsie’s grieving mother.

International Sensation

The photographs gain international attention, sparking a debate about their authenticity. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the author of Sherlock Holmes and a spiritualist, becomes a prominent advocate for the photographs’ validity. Meanwhile, magician Harry Houdini, known for debunking fraudulent claims, expresses skepticism.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Elsie Wright (Florence Hoath): A young girl who, along with her cousin, claims to have photographed fairies, sparking a media sensation.
• Frances Griffiths (Elizabeth Earl): Elsie’s cousin who collaborates with her in taking the fairy photographs and navigating the resulting publicity.
• Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (Peter O’Toole): The famed author who passionately believes in the authenticity of the fairy photographs, lending them credibility.
• Harry Houdini (Harvey Keitel): The renowned magician and skeptic who investigates the fairy photographs, offering a counterpoint to Doyle’s belief.
• Arthur Wright (Paul McGann): Elsie’s father and Frances’ uncle, who owns the camera used to take the photographs and deals with the fallout.
• Polly Wright (Phoebe Nicholls): Elsie’s mother and Frances’ aunt, who supports the girls and is open to the possibility of the photographs being genuine.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Harry Houdini: “Masters of illusion never reveal their secrets.” – Houdini explains to Elsie that revealing the truth behind magic ruins the wonder and belief for others.
• Harry Houdini: “Never try to fool children. They expect nothing and therefore see everything.” – Houdini warns about underestimating children’s perceptive abilities and honesty.
• Sir Arthur Conan Doyle: “The fairies have come when we needed them most.” – Doyle expresses his belief that the fairies’ appearance provides hope and solace during the difficult time of World War I.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $23,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $14,059,077
• Worldwide Gross: $14,059,077

💥 FairyTale: A True Story Reviews

Personal Review

I remember watching this movie as a kid and being completely mesmerized. The whole idea of fairies being real was so captivating. The scenes in the woods felt so magical and ethereal. Even though I know the photographs were a hoax, the movie still makes me wonder, what if? It’s such a heartwarming story about hope and believing in something extraordinary, especially during dark times. I find myself wanting to return and re-experience the magic of this film.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of historical dramas”
  • “Viewers interested in stories about faith and imagination”
  • “Families looking for a thought-provoking movie”
  • “Those fascinated by the Cottingley Fairies story”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Brief mentions of war and loss”
  • “Some scenes may be slightly intense for very young children”

Professional Reviews

• MovieWeb: “FairyTale: A True Story is an enchanting film with beautiful cinematography. The performances, especially from the child actors, are heartwarming. The film explores themes of belief, loss, and the power of imagination in a world grappling with war. While the special effects may seem dated, the overall experience is magical and thought-provoking.
• The Wrap: “The film presents a charming, whimsical tale based on the Cottingley Fairies hoax. While the narrative occasionally meanders, the strong performances of Peter O’Toole and Harvey Keitel ground the story. The movie delicately balances skepticism and wonder, leaving audiences to ponder the existence of magic in everyday life. It’s a gentle film for a family audience

Audience Reactions

The whimsical visuals and magical atmosphere made the movie a delightful experience for the whole family.: Viewers appreciated the film’s ability to evoke a sense of wonder and nostalgia, reminding them of the importance of believing in something extraordinary.

The strong performances by the cast, particularly the child actors, brought depth and emotional resonance to the story.: Many viewers were impressed by the acting, noting that it made the characters relatable and believable, even within a fantastical context.

Overall Consensus: FairyTale: A True Story is a heartwarming and visually enchanting film that explores themes of belief and imagination. While it takes liberties with historical accuracy, it offers a charming and thought-provoking experience for viewers of all ages.

Awards

1. BAFTA Children’s Award (Best Children’s Film)- 1998

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film is based on the real-life Cottingley Fairies hoax of 1917, where two young cousins claimed to have photographed fairies in their garden.”
• “Harvey Keitel’s role as Harry Houdini was included to add a skeptical counterpoint to Peter O’Toole’s portrayal of Arthur Conan Doyle, who was a firm believer in spiritualism and the fairies.”
• “While the film presents the possibility of the fairies being real, the actual photographs were later admitted to be fakes by the girls themselves.”

🖥️ How to Watch FairyTale: A True Story?

As of October 2024, ‘FairyTale: A True Story’ is available for purchase or rental on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check your local listings for cable and streaming options.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed FairyTale: A True Story, you might like these similar films:

• Photographing Fairies (1997): Deals with the same Cottingley Fairies story and themes of belief vs. skepticism in early 20th-century England.
• Finding Neverland (2004): Explores the power of imagination, storytelling, and the blurring of reality and fantasy.
• Pan’s Labyrinth (2006): Focuses on a young girl who escapes into a fantastical world to cope with the harsh realities of war, blending fantasy with dark historical events.

🛒 FairyTale: A True Story Related Products

• The Coming of the Fairies: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s original exploration of the Cottingley Fairies phenomenon. A great read for anyone fascinated by the mystery and ready to dive deeper into the real-life events that inspired the film.
• Fairy Garden Kit: Create your own miniature fairy garden! This kit includes everything you need to attract fairies to your backyard, just like Elsie and Frances. Perfect for sparking imagination and bringing a touch of magic to your everyday life.
• Vintage Style Camera: Capture your own “fairy” photos with a vintage-style camera. Whether you’re staging a scene or just embracing the aesthetic, this camera will add a touch of nostalgia to your photography adventures.
• Collectible Fairy Figurines: Display your love for fairies with a set of meticulously crafted fairy figurines. These enchanting collectibles bring a touch of magic to any space and make for a delightful addition to any fan’s collection.

🎧 Soundtrack

FairyTale: A True Story features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “See the Conquering Hero Comes” – performed by George Frideric Handel
• “Fairytale A True Story: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack” – performed by Zbigniew Preisner

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

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