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Poster for FairyTale: A True Story

FairyTale: A True Story

Seen it?

1997 | 99 min | Fantasy, Drama, Mystery, Family

Weeknight Watchearly rating

Why it’s a Weeknight Watch

With middling reviews (56% on Rotten Tomatoes) and soft box office, it's a mixed bag. Fine if it's on; don't plan your night around it.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for anyone who likes to be kept guessing, fantasy fans and families. If you loved Big Fish, start here.
The mood
Tense, feel-good.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 39 min.
What might put you off
Rated PG. Worth a look first if you have very young kids.

In 1917, two children take a photograph, which is soon believed by some to be the first scientific evidence of the existence of fairies. Based on the true story of the Cottingley Fairies.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsBelow par

    56% on Rotten Tomatoes

  • AudiencesSolid

    6.4 out of 10

  • AwardsNot counted

    No major awards or nominations

  • Box office & staying powerBelow par

    $14 million worldwide; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactBelow par

    About 47K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Charles Sturridge

  • Florence HoathElsie Wright
  • Elizabeth EarlFrances Griffiths
  • Paul McGannArthur Wright
  • Peter O'TooleSir Arthur Conan Doyle
  • Harvey KeitelHarry Houdini
  • Phoebe NichollsPolly Wright
  • Bill NighyEdward Gardner
  • Tim McInnernyJohn Ferret, a Reporter
  • Joseph MayHoudini's Assistant
  • Peter MullanSergeant Farmer