Product Details

• Actors: Paul McGann, Florence Hoath, Elizabeth Earl, Harvey Keitel, Jason Salkey
• Directors: Charles Sturridge
• Writers: Albert Ash, Ernie Contreras, Tom McLoughlin
• Producers: Albert Ash, Bruce Davey, Margaret French-Issac, Paul Tucker
• Format: Closed-captioned, Color, Dolby, NTSC
• Language: English
• Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: Paramount
• VHS Release Date: October 6, 1998
• Run Time: 99 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (90 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 6304834039
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #834 in Video (See Bestsellers in Video)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #2 in	Video > Kids & Family > Drama
  #8 in	Video > Military & War > World War I
  #14 in	Video > Kids & Family > Adapted from Books > Fairy Tales

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

When her father is declared missing in action during World War I, Elsie Wrigth (Florence Hoath) goes to live in England with her cousin Frances Griffiths (Elizabeth Earl) for whom the topic of fairies is forbidden. Immediately, the girls discover the winged creatures in the garden and photograph them for Frances's startled parents. This leads to another kind of adventure for the girls. They become the toasts of London as Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (Peter O'Toole) and Harry Houdini (Harvey Keitel), who have seen the photographs, escort them around town. Mildly villainous reporters chase the girls and curious spectators invade their garden after the pictures are printed publicly.

Although fairies are the visible subjects, the enchanting video is really about faith. Frances's parents (Phoebe Nicholls and Paul McGann) recently lost their son, Joseph, who had originally discovered the fairies and would like to think he may be an angel. Sir Arthur also lost his son and is courted by clairvoyants who claim they can talk to the boy. Elsie waits patiently for her father to come home, although it appears hopeless that he will. Harry Houdini is an illusionist but acts against the fraudulent claims of greedy mediums and the like. They are all touched by a need to truly believe in what remains hidden. The story is very loosely based on an early 20th-century controversy involving the real Frances and Elsie who faked pictures of fairies similar to the ones in the video. The real girls never confessed, but the video suggests the manner in which the real life photos may have been produced. --Margaret Griffis

From Parents' Choice®

Believers, young and old, will revel in this magical film. Two young British girls take photos of fairies in the garden and the World War I-torn country is bewitched by the possibility. Well-done script, acting and special effects turn this into a family treasure worth repeated viewings! A 1999 Parents' Choice® Gold Award.

Reviewed by Yvonne Coleman, Parents' Choice® 1999

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

65 of 65 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "If You Believe in Fairies...Clap Your Hands!", November 18, 2003

By	Kenneth M. Gelwasser (Hollywood, Fl USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Fairy Tale - A True Story (DVD)

I saw "Fairy Tale - A True Story", when it had it's theatrical release and I was utterly charmed and moved by this wonderful movie. I am so glad that it has finally been released to the DVD format.The story is based upon the true life events surrounding the famous and sensational 'Cottingly fairies photographs'.The film takes place during the dark days of WWI Britain. A young Elsie Wright (Florence Hoath) is sent off to live with relatives, because her father is 'missing in action'.Elsie becomes fast friends with her twelve year old, cousin, Frances (Elizebeth Earl) both of whom seem to have a playful fascination with the subject of fairies. One day the girls borrow an old camera and go off to a local brook to take pictures. When the photographs are later developed, they show images of what seem to be real, live fairies!Through a series of events the photographs fall into the famous hands of Sherlock Holmes Writer, Sir Author Conan Doyle (Pete O'Toole) and Magician & Escape Artist, Harry Houdini (Harvey Keitel). Doyle publishes the photographs in a national magazine and causes a sensation throughout the country.Are the pictures real or did these two young girls pull off the hoax of the century? The movie puts it's own twist on the facts and attempts to come up with some very interesting answers.Director, Charles Sturridge and Screen Writer, Ernie Contreras have created a magical and moving film about the subject of faith. Sometimes if you believe in something hard enough, maby it can come true. This is found throughout the film. It applies to everything from the belief in the unseen (such as fairies, spirits of love ones), the return of a father, or even the faith needed to win a brutal war.The acting in this movie is splendid.I especially like the casting of the two girls (Florence Hoath & Elizebeth Earl). Even in the unusual situations, that occur, they both act like normal, everyday, children. Not a false note in their performances.The film's special effects are also great. They are well done and realistic (flying miniature fairies), yet do not overwhelm the story.This is greatly aided by cinematographer , Michael Coulter's beautiful photography, which highlights both the colors found in nature (the woods and brook) and the light and darkness of urban, Victorian England. All these elements come together to make a wonderful fantasy film, which I highly recommend!

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "Fairytale:A True Story" absolutely wonderful-A MUST SEE!, March 4, 2003

By	Michael Slater (Massapequa Park, NY United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

For young and old alike,this delightful film has it all! Based on the true story of two young girls who claim to have seen fairies in England during WW1,"Fairytale:A True Story" features superb acting throughout,especially Elizabeth Earl and Florence Hoath as Francis Griffiths and Elsie Wright, whose fairy sightings stir up quite a bit of controversy throughout wartime England. Among the people caught up in the excitement are Sir Arthur Conan Doyle,brilliantly portrayed by Peter O"Toole and Harry Houdini,featuring Harvey Keitel in one of his finest performances. Paul McGann and Phobe Nicols are also wonderful as Elsie's parents. I really can't say enough about this film. Brilliantly cast and beautifully photographed,it is enchanting entertainment from beginning to end. The film score is even well worth the price if you can still find the CD! This film is not your average children's movie and I have read alot of reviews that ask weather this film was aimed at children or adults.This could very well be why it was not more of a commercial success.A pity, because I believe this film offers something for all ages.I also regret that I have not seen Florence Hoath in many other roles,save for "The Governess" and I haven't seen Elizabeth Earl at all-they deserve more recognition!

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Utterly delightful for children and adults alike, March 21, 2005

By	Maudeen Wachsmith "BeachReader" (Port Townsend, WA) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Fairy Tale - A True Story (DVD)

Don't be fooled by thinking this delightful film is just for children. I just happened on the movie on TV yesterday and was absolutely captivated and I am middle-aged. I already knew the background story about the Cottingley fairies and was curious as to how this would be dealt with on film. The movie did not disappoint in the least. Although the account is, of course, fictionalized a bit, that fact does not deter from its charm. In fact, I would imagine those unfamiliar with the true events might even more interested -- and even compelled to read even more of the story. Do yourself a favor, watch this movie, I am sure you will be as captivated by this charming story as much as I was. HIGHLY recommended.