FairyTale: A True Story (1997) with Michael Valvo

"Masters of illusion never reveal their secrets."

The scandalous story of the Cottingley Fairies hoax that captivated Britain in the early 20th century is magically transformed into a prestige fantasy drama - one of two major motion pictures adapting these events. We chat with the delightful actor and memorabilia collector Michael Valvo about this hidden gem.

Skydancers, spiritualism, Harvey Keitel as Harry Houdini with a noticeable prosthetic nose, Radical Faeries, Doctor Who connections, high end production design, grief and growing up await.

We share our thoughts on the movie and its themes, some behind the scenes gossip, delve into the nightmarish moments and dream up some ridiculous merch.

Are there fairies at the bottom of the garden, or are we faking it in the campest way possible with hat pins and Princess Mary's Gift Book? Listen and find out!

Art by Ashleigh Jane Cosgrove. Music by Karl Casey at White Bat Audio.

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• Boxset - reviewing 80s and 90s fantasy TV (including Jim Henson's The Storyteller)
• Rewind - looking back at fantasy films from before 1980 (including Star Wars)
• Fast Forward - our thoughts on fantasy movies from 2000 onwards (including The Lord of the Rings)

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