Fairy Tale - A True Story
by Charles Sturridge
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DVD details
Actor: Adam Franks, Harvey Keitel, Jason Salkey, Lara Morgan, Peter O'TooleDirector: Charles Sturridge
Brand: O'TOOLE/KEITEL
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Original Language), Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround; French (Original Language), Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround; English (Subtitled)
Format: Anamorphic, Closed-captioned, Color, Dolby, DVD-Video, NTSC, Widescreen
Running Time: 97 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2003-11-11
Audience Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Paramount
DVD Reviews of Fairy Tale - A True Story
DVD Review: Fairy Tale - A True Story
Summary: 5 Stars
This has been one of my favorite movies for several years. I just bought a copy for each set of grandchildren. It would not keep the attention of very young children, but is perfect for 6 year olds and above. Look for the uncredited appearance of Mel Gibson at the end of the movie. DVD Review: An Extraordinary Charmer
Summary: 5 Stars
A five-year old girl was to be my guest for dinner (along with her parents), and I wanted to have something she could entertain herself with while the adults talked. With the advice of a store clerk, I rented five or six different titles suitable for young children. Without a moment's hesitation, my young guest selected this film from my pile. She was right on. We all watched it together, entranced. It is the most tasteful, convincing, and interesting piece of fantasy I have ever seen on film. With a rich subtext of questions about faith, illusion, and a society in crisis, a marvellous cast (Harvey Keitel as Harry Houdini! Peter O'Toole as Arthur Conan Doyle!), and special effects that seem as natural as the fine actors in their Yorkshire settings, this is a gem. No, I don't believe in fairies. But I can allow myself to be transported into a world of illusion, beauty, hope, and magic.DVD Review: "Fairy Tale: A True Story" Is About BELIEF! And A Delight For All Ages With Fine Performances--Including A Mel Gibson Cameo!
Summary: 5 Stars
As a Peter O'Toole fan I ran across this film and held it in my basket for close to a year, until I finally purchased it--and I am very pleased with my choice. My decision was based primarily on the Wikipedia introduction:
"Fairy Tale: A True Story" is a 1997 film from Paramount Pictures, very loosely based on the legend of the Cottingley Fairies [See Wikipedia for the "real" story]. It was directed by Charles Sturridge and starred Peter O'Toole and Harvey Keitel, with Florence Hoath and Elizabeth Earl as the girls, Elsie and Francis, Phoebe Nicholls and Paul McGann as the parents, Polly and Arthur Wright, and a brief cameo at the end of the film by Mel Gibson. Much of it was shot on location in the Cottingley area. The cinematography is by Michael Coulter the art direction is by Sam Riley."
I am always interested in movies based on "real" stories, and having O'Toole, Keitel, and Gibson in it was a clincher for me to go ahead and buy the movie (it is not available for rent in Helena; and on-line rentals get damaged by the USPS).
While my children are grown and I had to watch the film by myself, I was fully engaged in the film the entire time. My only complaint--as I have with so many movies--is that the sound track is too loud for me to distinctly hear the voices; especially with the "English" accents. While O'Toole's performance, as Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, was his up to his usual excellence, at times he seemed like he was not always "into" the role--almost distant. On the other hand, Harvey Keitel, as the audacious Harry Houdini, was an absolute joy to watch--he was no "heavy" in this film. The special effects were nicely integrated, and added to the story of Elsie Wrigth (Florence Hoath) and her cousin Frances Griffiths (Elizabeth Earl), whose faith in "guardian angels," "fairies," and such "children's" fancies restores hope to Frances' grieving parents over the death of her brother, to a war torn England, and to the young Elsie that her father will return. The real surprise performance was the brief cameo at the end of the film by Mel Gibson, as Elsie's returning father. Gibson is spectacular at "bring home" or delivering the perfect tone to such roles. It was like: "Can this get any better?"
Update--1 July 2008: If this review was not helpful to you, I would appreciate learning the reason(s) so I can improve my reviews. My goal is to provide help to potential buyers, not get into any arguments. So, if you only disagree with my opinion, could you please say so in the comments and not indicate that the review was not helpful. Thanks.
DVD Review: Very enjoyable way to spend some time
Summary: 4 Stars
While not a cinematic masterpiece, this was a very enjoyable way to spend some time and to depart from the cares of the day. It was a nice fantasy with a bigger message. I would recommend this for adults and children alike. Especially for those who are capable from departing from reality for a bit.DVD Review: Movie: Fairy Tale a True Story
Summary: 5 Stars
I ordered the movie,Fairy Tale a True Story, to use in my classroom. When it arrived (much faster than expected) my grandchildren wanted to watch it. I was not sure it would hold their interest; they are only 3 and 5 years old. Well we watched it two nights in a row before I could "STEAL" it away for school. Thanks for the great service!
Lee Parrish
Description of Fairy Tale - A True Story
In the midst of World War I, two little English girls breathe some mystery, magic and belief into people's lives when they take pictures of fairies.No Track Information Available
Media Type: DVD
Artist: O'TOOLE/KEITEL
Title: FAIRYTALE-TRUE STORY
Street Release Date: 11/11/2003
Genre: FAMILY
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
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