Ready, harry?
Sir arthur, I'm so glad
you were able to make it.
Mr. Houdini will be delighted.
He was very much hoping
that you'd be able to come.
Just along here, sir.
Man: 40 seconds.
[Cheering]
Peter pan: who's that?
The redskins are defeated?
And the boys captured
by the pirates.
I'll rescue them.
I'll rescue them.
Oh, that's just my medicine.
Poisoned?
Well, who could have
poisoned it?
[Birds chirping]
Tink...dear tink...
Are you dying?
Her light is fading,
And if it goes out,
that means that she is dead.
She says she thinks
she could get well again
If children
believed in fairies.
Do you believe in fairies?
Children: yes!
Say it quick
if you believe!
Yes!
Yes!
Yes!
Yes!
Yes!
Yes!
If you believe in fairies,
Clap your hands!
Woman: elsie!
Woman: elsie!
Stand by, curtains.
Stand by.
And now, to rescue wendy.
[Applause]
You know
you're not allowed
down by the beck.
How many times
have I told you?
Go wait in your room
till your father
gets back.
[Applause]
Incredible, incredible.
If I hadn't seen it
with my own eyes,
I wouldn't
have believed it.
You believe
everything you see?
Boys.
Darling jean.
A penny
for your thoughts.
It was up your sleeve.
Up my sleeve?
Ladies, gentlemen,
be warned.
Never try
to fool children.
They expect nothing,
And therefore
see everything.
Crowd: ohh.
Elsie: thank you.
More tea,
your royal highness?
Cake?
One for you.
One for you.
Wait your turn,
mr. Bandylegs.
And one for you,
your royal highness.
I'm sorry. I do apologize
for his bad behavior.
Man: fe, fi, fo, fum.
I smell the blood
of an englishman.
Be he alive...
Or be he dead...
I'll grind his bones
To make my bread.
Hello.
Hello.
That dress looks pretty.
Mum says I'm not
allowed to wear colors.
This needs a little work.
Don't you think?
Maybe your cousin frances
will give you a hand.
How would you like
to come with me
to bradford tomorrow?
Pick her up
from the station?
She must be terrified,
Traveling all the way
from africa by herself.
[Train engine rumbling]
[Door opens]
[Overlapping conversations]
Man: aye aye, corp,
your girlfriend's here.
All right.
Keep it down back there.
Sir.
Would you like to help me
with my game?
My god.
On your holidays, eh?
I'm going
to visit my cousin.
Put your finger in here.
Got you.
My daddy's
a soldier like you.
He's in france,
And his name
is sergeant major
griffiths.
Perhaps
you've met him.
Down.
I freed you.
Thanks.
Except you couldn't now.
He's missing, you see.
He's gonna bring me back
Some real french perfume
from france.
Look.
A butterfly.
[Whistle blows]
[Band playing
see the conquering hero comes]
Yes.
Elsie: oh, frances.
Elsie!
[Laughs]
Now come on,
the pair of you.
Let's get you
out of here.
All right, you two.
Here we are.
Show her in, elsie.
Come on.
Elsie: mum, we're back.
On the boat from africa
The captain made me
watch out for pirates.
They don't have pirates
anymore.
Do so.
Everybody had to
watch out for them.
I expect she's right.
Nowadays
they live on battleships
and salute the kaiser.
You're a lucky girl,
frances griffiths.
That's what
my daddy says.
Come on.
Let's get you dry
and into bed.
There are no
pirates here
To frighten
yourself with.
Frances: which room?
Elsie:
top of the stairs.
Elsie: no, frances.
Whose room is this?
Joseph's.
Come on.
[Whispering]
I thought he died.
He did. Come on.
[Owl cries]
What's this?
A crown.
But it's all made
out of keys.
Joseph
gave it to me.
It's beautiful.
How did he die?
Pneumonia.
We both had it.
Then why didn't you die?
I don't know.
I'm glad you didn't.
Why does he have a room
of his own if he's dead?
Do you think
he's gonna come back?
No.
Mother didn't want
anything to be moved,
So me dad built me
this room up here.
He must be very clever.
He knows
about everything.
Don't touch it.
What is it?
A doll's house.
Did your dad make it, too?
No.
Me and joseph.
Mostly joseph.
Who lives in it?
Nobody.
Where are we going?
The beck.
The what?
You'll see.
What is it?
It's an old word
for a stream.
Frances: it's so green.
Didn't they have green
in africa?
I don't think so.
Not like this, anyway.
Look.
Fairy ring.
It can't be.
They appear overnight.
It's where fairies dance.
I know.
What happens
if you step inside one?
They can capture
and take you away
forever.
Everyone knows that.
Well, come on, then.
Let's find them.
Frances, stop.
What's the matter?
There aren't any.
They've gone.
Gone where?
They went away
when joseph died.
But that's their ring,
elsie.
They have to be here.
Frances!
Have you tried cake?
Of course
I've tried cake.
Don't you think
I would have thought of that?
Anyway, what do you know?
Do they have fairies
in africa?
I don't know,
But they have books,
And I've read
everything about them.
I know more about fairies
than anyone else alive.
Then let's call them.
Do you know the chant?
Yes.
Frances: come out
from your fairy bower.
Come upon
this golden hour.
Both: come to us,
we beg you, please,
Fairies dancing
on the breeze.
Come out from
your fairy bower.
Come upon
this golden hour.
Come to us,
we beg you, please,
Fairies dancing
on the breeze.
[Applause]
Magical, isn't it?
Quite magical.
And it's all been
carefully worked out
By mr. Wright here.
Built the model yourself,
didn't you, arthur?
Yes, sir.
Well, go on, explain.
It's the plan
for the electrification
of the cottingley mill.
Gentlemen, do you know
What time
we have to stop work
In the winter months?
Electrification
will transform our
profitability overnight.
I don't know that it's possible
to work a longer day, sir.
Not longer days, arthur.
More shifts. More jobs.
More work.
If you look out
of the window here,
What do you see?
You see a church,
a school and a mill.
There's no one
in this village
That can sit
on their own doorstep
And see a whole life
of prosperity
in front of them
From the cradle
to the grave,
But we have to plan.
We have to look ahead.
We have to modernize.
How old's
your eldest, arthur?
Elsie? She's 12, sir.
She'll be able to start
work at the mill
Safe in the knowledge
that she has a job
for life.
Now, there's not many
who'll be able
to say that
When this w*r's over.
Woman: well, now, children,
Today we have a new member
of our class.
My name
is frances griffiths,
And I come from africa.
Children: mrs. Thornton.
Yes...
Lucy.
Miss griffiths,
if you're from africa,
Why do you sound
so english?
'Cause I was born
in england.
We moved to africa
because my daddy's
a soldier.
Mrs. Thornton.
Mrs. Thornton.
Yes, judith.
About africa.
Is it true all africans
are cannibals?
[Class laughs]
I've never met any.
Any more
stupid questions?
Mrs. Thornton: quiet.
[Bell ringing]
[Children shouting]
Well, they started it.
I know they did,
But if you don't
try to be nice,
You'll never
make any friends.
I don't care.
I have you.
You like me, don't you?
Yes.
And the fairies.
They'll be my friends.
Do you really know
everything about them?
Yes.
What do you call
fairy magic?
Glamour.
What's a fairy's
favorite thing to do?
Dance.
What's their
favorite drink?
Honeysuckle dew.
What's their clothes
made out of?
Spider's silk.
Don't get
your dress wet
Or mum will be
furious.
Look. There are
sort of caves here.
Careful!
Aah!
Elsie: your dress.
Look at you.
You're soaked.
They'll be furious
when we get back.
I saw one, I saw one.
Did you see it?
No.
I can't believe it.
I saw one.
I'm sorry, aunt polly,
About my dress.
I know.
You miss her, too.
Yes, I do.
I miss her
very much.
Even more,
seeing you.
So, you believe
in fairies, do you?
I wouldn't see them
if I didn't.
Like angels.
You saw angels
down the beck as well?
No, that's not what I mean.
You don't see angels.
You just sort of...
Feel them...
Watching us.
Like my mother...
And your joseph.
He believed, didn't he?
You're still young.
When you get older,
People start
to take notice,
And they don't like
if you tell stories
that aren't true.
But they are true.
Frances,
I've been down the beck
a hundred times.
Why haven't I ever seen
any of them?
Grownups don't know
how to believe.
[Drum roll]
[Cymbals crash]
[Cymbals crash]
[Applause]
Thank you.
After the intermission,
I will present for
your entertainment only,
Do the dead return?
An investigation
Into the false claims
of spiritualists
And mediums that have attempted
to deceive houdini.
Thank you.
Thank you.
You're expected
at the beechams'
at 10:30.
Cancel it.
I want collins on the stage
in 5 minutes.
Sir arthur conan doyle
is here to see you
as well.
Arthur.
Harry.
How good to see you. Sit.
No, I shan't stay.
I came to present
an invitation
For you to be my guest
at windlesham next weekend.
I've arranged
one or two friends
Who will, I think,
amuse you.
It would give me
great pleasure.
[Knock on door]
Excuse me, sir.
Mr. Collins is waiting
for you on stage.
Frances?
Frances, what are you doing?
Shh.
If mum knew...
Frances: he did know
the fairies, didn't he?
Better than anyone.
They said he wasn't
to talk about them
anymore.
That it was just
his imagination.
I wish she could see them.
Who?
Your mum.
How can she?
I don't know.
Lancelot, gawain,
sit up, sit up.
Good boys.
Come on, man, come on.
You won't thank me
if it's not perfect,
mr. Briggs.
Sit up, sit up.
Come on, man.
Before they do something
on the seat.
Mordred, stay.
Well, I don't think
it's sensible.
Then let me
be foolish.
Uncle arthur.
Not now, frances.
Polly, be reasonable.
No. You be reasonable.
What difference
does it make to you?
Please,
uncle arthur.
I'm trying to talk
to your aunt, frances.
Wait a moment.
It's just I wanted
to borrow the camera.
You'll have to wait.
I'll be really careful.
It is not a toy. Wait.
Arthur: polly,
you've said it yourself.
You'd be better off
spending more time
with the living.
Polly: meaning?
You know exactly
what I mean.
Your daughter needs you.
Instead, you're sitting
'round, holding on to--
You can't even
say his name, can you?
Well,
I'm coming with you.
No, thank you.
You stay
with the girls.
Elsie: did he say yes?
Frances:
well, almost.
What are we doing?
We're going to show them
the fairies.
They'd never allow it.
I have an idea.
We can't
betray them.
They could put
a curse on us.
They trust us.
It's for mum.
[Bird caws]
[Caw]
Man:
we, of course, do not use
the term "angel," itself.
We refer to the "devas",
The shining ones,
The agents of
that created life force
Which exists all around us.
All things are possessed
of a guiding spirit.
Humans have angels,
But there are other
lower levels of energy.
Salamanders,
the spirits of fire.
Undines or nereids,
the spirits of water.
Elves and gnomes
for the earth
and the forests.
And finally, fairies,
the most famous of all,
The spirits of the air.
Arthur: well,
it's just if you'd waited
I could have helped you.
You never took
a tripod or anything,
So it'll just be a blur.
You won't see
your cousin at all.
We wanted it
to be a surprise.
Well, next time ask.
You understand?
There's something.
Look at all this mess.
Why didn't you tidy up
before you took it?
Frances!
They're there on the plate!
I can see them!
They're really there!
Yes!
Arthur: what's
the matter with you?
Have you gone crazy?
Yes, yes, yes, yes!
Yes, yes, yes, yes!
Yes!
What the...
Ask any child who it is
That tends our gardens,
And they'll answer,
quite correctly,
fairies.
Excuse me, mr. Gardner.
John ferret,
bradford argus.
Have you ever seen
an angel yourself?
No, and I don't see--
Or a fairy?
Sir, I'm not
claiming to--
Apologies
for the interruption,
But the paper goes to bed
in half an hour.
So do i.
Sergeant farmer.
Would you come
forward, please?
Gardner: would you
please tell us what
You and members
of your company witnessed
On the night
of august 28, 1914?
Yes, sir.
I was with my battalion
In the retreat from the town
of mons in belgium.
The german cavalry
were about to make a charge,
And our position was bad,
So we were ordered
to stand as we were
And be prepared to fight
Or, as seemed likely,
to die.
While we were waiting,
An officer approached us
And asked
if we'd seen anything.
Then he led me and some others
a few yards away
And showed us the sky.
Arthur: 5, 4,
Well, let's see
if this one's any better.
Farmer: I could see
a strange sort of light
Quite distinctly outlined.
As the light
became brighter,
I saw 3 shapes.
One in the center
having what looked
like outspread wings.
The 2 others
not quite so large,
But plainly different
from the center one.
They were above
the german line facing us.
All the men with me
saw them,
And other men
from other groups came up
And told us they'd seen
the same things.
The enemy saw them, too,
And began to retreat
in disorder,
And my battalion was able
to move back safely.
I have not
the slightest doubt
That we saw
what I now tell you.
I have a record
of 15 years' good service.
And I should be very sorry
To make a fool of myself
by telling a story
Merely to please anyone.
Frances: this is mab.
Elsie:
she's the queen.
And these
are her friends.
Arthur:
is this another fairy?
Oh, no, that's
mr. Bandylegs.
The gnome.
[Sighs]
All right,
now the game's over.
How'd you do it?
Do what?
Elsie?
We just took
the photographs, dad.
They're for mum.
Would you take a leaflet?
Yes, of course, I shall.
Thank you for coming.
Would you take a leaflet?
No, thank you.
Do you really think
it's possible to see them?
Those who
have passed on?
No. I mean,
angels or...fairies.
Madam, theosophy
is not a religion,
it's a science.
It is possible,
though not,
I'm afraid, easy.
Would you excuse me?
Madam, would you
take a leaflet?
[Door closes]
[Door closes]
[Sobbing]
[Sobbing]
What's the matter?
What happened?
Nothing. I'm just tired.
No, don't go in there.
I'm tidying up.
You go up to bed.
Polly.
What have you got there?
Nothing.
Did you do these?
No, the girls.
They were just--
Polly...it's not
what you think.
They're real...
Aren't they?
Man: come on, then.
Come on, lads, move it.
[Conductor blows whistle]
Conductor: all aboard!
Mr. Gardner!
Mr. Gardner!
Forgive me, madam,
my train.
I was at your lecture.
Ah, well, perhaps when
I'm in bradford again--
No. Please have
a look at these.
I must know what you think.
[Whistle blows]
[Whistle blows]
It's probably nothing.
I'd just like to know what--
Good heavens! Well!
What's that?
The postman.
Afternoon, albert!
Mmm...
Afternoon, ladies.
Albert!
Have you got
anything for me?
I'm expecting a very
important letter
from france.
From my daddy.
For frances griffiths.
That's me.
I'm afraid there's nothing
today, miss griffiths,
But I'll be sure
to keep an eye out.
Good-bye, albert.
Come on.
Good-bye, ladies.
Bye!
[Sighs]
Well?
Mr. Snelling?
Extraordinary.
Quite extraordinary.
The most extraordinary
thing I've ever seen.
Amateurs.
Whoever took those
didn't know the first
thing about photography.
They're fake then?
Photographic fakery
is an art, mr. Gardner.
Not something the amateur
could attempt.
Not exactly
what you might call
a household pursuit.
No, no, no...
What you have here...
Are untouched,
open-air...
Single-exposure shots.
And, um, the fairies?
Personally,
I wouldn't know a fairy
from a firefly.
But I can
tell you this...
You look here.
Look at those wings.
One thing
I'm certain of...
At the time
of exposure...
Those wings were moving.
The...
The photographs...
They're genuine, then?
As the king's beard.
Ha!
Would--would you excuse me?
Yes, of course.
Do you ever think
about us not having
a photograph of joseph?
Nowt 'cept the one they took
at school when he was 6.
I don't need
photographs.
Don't you?
Oh, I do.
I think about him sometimes...
Here in this house...
Out on the street...
And I can't--i can't see him.
I can't see his face.
It becomes anybody's face.
I can't hold it in me mind.
It twists like...
It frightens me.
I think that's why
I bought this camera.
Do you think
they're true?
The photographs?
No, polly.
No, I don't.
I know they can't be.
Do you?
I don't know.
I'm not sure which
frightens me more...
That the children
are lying to us
Or that they're
telling the truth.
It feels cold
suddenly.
Well, a spirit
is present.
[Chalk stops]
May I have the note?
Please read what is
written on the paper.
"Their time will come."
Are those your words,
sir arthur?
Exactly as
I wrote them.
Marvelous!
Bravo!
But let me assure you
that I was not assisted
In this endeavor
by any spirit.
It is a trick,
ladies and gentlemen.
But I hope a very good one.
Frances: [whispering]
what's that?
Elsie: shh!
What are we going to do?
We're going
to make a promise.
Are we? What kind?
The kind that
lasts forever.
Hold out your hand.
This is so exciting.
Shh.
Repeat after me.
I, elsie wright...
I, elsie wright...
Be serious.
Sorry. I,
frances griffiths...
Hereby on this day...
Hereby
on this day...
Swear never again to break
the code of fairy secrecy.
Say it.
Swear never again to break
the code of fairy secrecy.
[Gasps]
[Exhales]
Didn't hurt.
Oooo....
Spirits...
We call to you.
Aah!
Aah!
What happens if
we break our promise?
We won't.
Houdini: where
did you get these?
Edward gardner
brought them to me.
[Laughs]
Theosophists.
Will you never learn?
My friend, there's
a point where learning
teaches you nothing.
Those fairies
aren't real.
These pictures were taken
by 2 children who'd never
used a camera before.
Anything
can be faked.
By 2 little girls?
By anyone.
May I show you
another photograph?
Your son?
He died in london
last year
After being wounded
at the somme.
I'm very sorry.
With the help of
mrs. Annie brittain,
A medium in london,
I made contact with him.
He spoke to me.
I heard his voice.
Have you any idea
what that meant to me?
Do you think I am
such an old fool
That I can be tricked
into believing
That I am speaking
to my own child?
You wouldn't
be the first.
What do you make of these?
Drawings.
They mean nothing.
They could be the work
of a madman.
Hmm.
Perhaps they were.
Certainly,
they were produced
At the montrose
royal lunatic asylum
outside edinburgh...
By my father.
Look at them.
This is what he saw
every day of his life.
He wrote about them,
talked about them,
They devoured him.
You don't have children,
harry, but talk to mine.
Ask jean whether
she believes in fairies.
She'll tell you she saw one
in this very garden
Not 10 yards from where
we're standing now.
Those photographs have been
pronounced genuine
Not by a theosophist,
not by a medium,
Not by a believer,
But by an expert in
photographic trickery--
Mr. H.r. Snelling
of harrow.
Do you have any idea
of the implications
if he is correct?
I'm not sure I do
myself.
When columbus knelt in prayer
upon the edge of america,
What prophetic eye saw all
that a new continent might do
To affect the destiny
of the world?
Cover your a*s.
Cover my what?
You need proof,
backup...
Sworn statements,
more photographs,
whatever.
Believe me, you're gonna
need it if you intend
To stand up and tell
the world you believe
in fairies.
Get up! Go on!
Doyle: dear mr. Wright,
Mr. Edward gardner
was pleased to show me
the fairy photographs
Taken by your daughter
and niece.
As I shall be staying
in the area with friends,
I would be
very grateful to you
If I were allowed to have
half an hour's chat
with the girls.
Is it for me?
It's from
sir arthur conan doyle.
He wants to come visit.
Talk to the girls
about the photographs.
[Silverware rattles]
[Door closes]
No sign.
Perhaps
they've forgotten.
I'll check the girls.
I'm going
to be sick.
No...you're...not.
I am. I always know.
Elsie, frances...
[Sighs]
If there's anything
you want to say to me,
anything at all,
It's not too late.
We'll be down in a minute,
uncle arthur.
Elsie?
We'll be down
in a minute.
What are we
going to do?
Pray for rain?
[Thunder]
[People chatting]
My wife polly.
Mrs. Wright,
arthur conan doyle.
How do you do,
sir arthur?
How do you do, mrs. Wright?
Harry houdini.
Mr. Houdini, please,
let me take your coat.
Arthur: thank you, sir.
Go on through
to the parlor, sir.
Sir arthur, this--
this way, please.
Polly: perhaps you'd
like some refreshment
after your journey.
Please, help yourself
to cakes.
[Door closes]
[Whispering]
come on.
I can't.
Of course you can.
Come on.
[Knock on door]
Doyle:
ahh, les enfants.
Frances, elsie.
This is sir
arthur conan doyle.
How do you do?
[Softly]
how do you do?
What a great pleasure
to meet you both.
Polly: mr. Gardner had
your photographs tested.
Merely as a precaution
of course.
Oh, they're quite real.
They're quite extraordinary.
Andwe brought
something for you.
There's one
for each of you.
Thank you.
Thank you very much.
How does it work?
The operation's
exactly the same
as your midge camera.
I made certain of it.
Sir arthur would like
you to take some more
photographs for him.
Of course.
It'll take us a moment
to get ready.
Are you mad?
What was
I supposed to say?
We made a promise.
Look, the rain's stopped.
I think I'm
going to be sick.
[Rattling]
May I help you?
Harry houdini.
How do.
I'm sorry, but I'm
very interested in
photography myself,
And I was just
curious. Is this--
This is where I do
my exposures, yes.
Using natural light.
And this is
where I developed
elsie's pictures,
If that's what
you're asking.
I see.
Mr. Houdini,
I don't know exactly
what they did,
But 2 things I do know--
There was no trickery
done in this darkroom,
And there are
no fairies at the bottom
of my garden.
Nice.
Good heavens.
I had no idea.
Oh!
Frances: look out,
mr. Gardner!
Never, ever step
inside a fairy ring!
I know! Quite true!
I was foolish.
Um, I was not
paying attention.
Oh, thank you.
You could have
been captured!
Do you know what
they do when
you're captured?
Um, well, uh...
I suppose, um...
Don't eat.
If you eat their food,
you'll never get back,
And you'll
be there forever.
We should leave now.
No, please.
I'll be more careful.
I give you my word.
Come with me.
You stay here
and don't move,
Because if you move, you'll
frighten off the fairies.
All right.
We're going to try
to chase them
back this way,
So you can see them.
Right.
But remember,
don't move.
I'm glued to the spot.
There.
[Chuckles]
Edward tells me that
it was your late son
Who first saw
these creatures.
Yes.
There are
no words to describe
the loss of a child.
My own boy, kingsley,
was taken last year.
I'm so sorry.
Your daughter's
achievement must be
a great comfort to you.
[Sighs]
Oh, I'm so sorry.
I shouldn't have
intruded.
Please accept
my apologies.
No. This is
so stupid of me.
May I ask you something?
Of course you may.
Do you believe them?
Do you think
the pictures are true?
Mrs. Wright, you are
the girl's mother,
And as her mother,
you must know a truth
The rest of us
can only fumble for.
Do you believe
they are true?
Yes.
With all my heart.
Mr. Gardner?
Shh, mr. Wright.
I think we should
keep our voices down
So as not to disturb
the children, do you see?
Where are
the children?
[Softly]
shh! The girls...
Will be herding
the fairies back this way.
I'm certain both girls
are clairvoyant
And perhaps mediums
as well.
Together, they create
an etheric field
Which allows the fairies
to metabolize
Subtle amounts of ectoplasm
into their bodies.
That's how they are able
to capture them on film.
Do you see?
No. Well, um...
Well, I don't expect you
to understand.
Elsie! Frances!
Come here!
Mr. Wright,
we mustn't interfere.
Mr. Gardner, the girls
took a couple of
photographs in the beck.
How they did it,
I don't know,
But I can
guarantee you this.
It won't happen again.
Elsie!
Frances: mr. Gardner!
Mr. Gardner!
We've got one!
We've got one!
We've taken
another photograph.
Doyle: so, you have examined
all 5 photographs?
Man:
we have, sir arthur.
The 2 original pictures
and the 3 new ones
That were taken
with the cameo cameras
That you presented
to the children.
Doyle:
with what result?
Mr. Binley will inform you
of our conclusions.
Morning.
Doyle: morning.
Gentlemen...
Our preliminary
findings suggest that...
The negative plates
may indeed be untouched
single-exposures.
Uh, however...
These findings cannot
be taken as conclusive.
How is that, sir?
Well...
The possibility
still exists
That a clever operator
of c-consummate skill
Might have made them
artificially.
Gardner:
"clever operator"?
Good god, gentlemen!
The girls are
The children of
ordinary working men.
What cleverness
would you afford them?
Really, mr. Gardner.
What you are asking of kodak
Is nothing less than
to verify the existence
of fairies.
Who's next,
father christmas?
Gentlemen...
I accept your decision,
though not your findings.
If these photographs
are true,
And nothing I have seen
this morning persuades me
that they are not,
Then we are facing
the single most important
discovery of our century.
One that must affect
every aspect of our lives.
And our beliefs.
In this regard, I accept
the kodak company's
unwillingness
To bear the burden of proof.
Nonetheless, the photographs
speak for themselves.
And what is,
gentlemen, simply is.
Come on, edward.
Duty demands that we act.
Yes, of course,
we must act. Naturally,
but how exactly?
We publish.
Next month's issue
of the strand.
Yes, of course, we publish,
but what about the children?
Simple.
We change the names.
The innocent
must be protected.
Yes, I see.
But won't we be putting
their photographs
in a national magazine?
We most certainly will!
Thank you, miss.
[Ding]
Paper!
Pretty, ain't they?
Fairies, ha!
Really now,
whatever next?
Who do you think you are,
sherlock holmes?
I'll take 2. Thank you.
"Iris claimed
that she and her cousin,
when they were together,
"Continually saw
fairies in the wood,
And had come to be on
familiar and friendly
terms with them."
Girl:
I want to be alice.
Second girl: no,
I'm alice, you're iris.
No, I'm iris.
And I'm alice.
It was my idea
and it's my fairy.
Luke!
Well, what do you know?
They've discovered fairies
in yorkshire.
Poppycock.
Not according
to sir arthur conan doyle.
See what you can do.
Hmmph.
Where were they taken?
Can you tell?
No idea.
This is terrible.
Do they get this magazine
in france?
France? They get
the damn thing
in the north pole.
Arthur wright,
we agreed.
Besides,
they've changed
all our names.
No one will
ever know it's us.
Mr. Gardner
explained that.
It looks like
the black hills,
Up near
the reservoir.
Several becks
run down from there,
But only 2
that I can recall
What have
waterfalls.
Mytholme
and cottingley.
Thanks, stan.
Frances!
Frances griffiths!
[Bicycle bell
ringing]
[Frances squeals]
Hope this is what
you've been expecting.
Thank you.
What is it?
I don't know.
Perfume.
From france!
God knows how long
it's been in post.
"I always keep
my promises.
Love, daddy."
It's a good thing
it didn't break.
How do I smell?
Tres jolie.
Jolly?
It means pretty.
Very pretty.
Do you want
to try some?
Thank you.
So you definitely
recognize this girl
from your class?
Oh, yes. That's frances,
but, um...
Now, elsie...
Now, she is artistic.
I'll show you.
Thank you.
There.
Oh. May i?
Of course. Yes.
And she lives here
in the village?
Yes.
Mr. Wright?
Yes.
Mr. Arthur wright?
Who wants to know?
John ferret,
bradford argus.
There's no use
slamming the door,
mr. Wright!
I'm not going anywhere
till I get my story!
Ferret:
if you've nothing to hide,
you've nothing to fear!
People have a right
to know the truth!
[Knocking on door]
I'm a patient man!
What are we
going to do?
We promised
we'd never tell.
They'll never
come out now.
We'll never
see them again.
Perhaps we can
give them something.
Like what?
Something to let them
know we're sorry.
Like cake?
That's not big enough.
The doll's house!
We can't.
It was joseph's.
So?
Mum would k*ll me.
Who did he make it for?
The fairies.
Well then.
But it's not finished.
We can fix it.
Do you think
they'll like it?
We'll soon find out.
Come on.
What are we doing?
We're going
to tell them.
Queen mab.
Prince malekin.
Come see
what we've brought you.
It's a palace.
Shellycoat...
Where are you?
Tib...
We have cake.
[Sighs]
Peerifool.
Gull...
You can come out now.
It's no use.
They're here...
But they won't
come out.
Nanny button cap.
Princess florella.
[Twig snaps]
Elsie...
Is that you?
Morning,
little frances.
Who are you?
Someone in search
of the truth.
Truth?
I'm not in the mood
for baby games.
Now...
He put you up to it,
didn't he?
Who did?
Sir arthur conan doyle,
that's who.
No, he did not.
Don't lie to me!
Leave her alone!
If you don't go away
right now,
The fairies
are going to come out
and box your ears.
Sure they are.
[Twig snaps]
Oh, you don't fool me.
The truth now!
Oh!
Oh! Aah!
Corporal!
He's my corporal.
The photographs.
I saw them
in the strandmagazine.
I...
Recognized
young frances' face...
Immediately.
I had to come.
I don't want
to disturb them,
I--i just...
I just need to know...
Are they real?
Yeah?
I knew it.
I bloody knew it.
All my life.
[Whispering]
[Whispering]
Morning.
Finish your drawings now,
everyone.
[Door opens]
Excuse me, mrs. Thornton.
I must take
the girls home.
Elsie, frances, come on.
Run along then, girls.
[Horn honks]
Don't worry.
I've got it.
[Honk honk]
What's this all about,
arthur?
Albert, it's nothing.
Go on inside, you two.
Look, it's all rubbish.
Go on home, all of you.
Girls, do you mind
if we ask a few questions?
You keep back.
Did sir arthur
put you up to it?
Stay out
of our house.
Oh, for...
Get the girls
upstairs.
I'm going to find
constable leigh.
Quick, quick, quick,
quick, quick.
Where are you?
Oh, come on, fairies.
I do so want
to see you.
Please, fairies,
Come and see me.
I've got one!
I've got one!
Is it a fairy?!
[Ribbit]
They'll never
come back now,
will they?
Did you see the way
me dad looked at me?
He's never looked at me
like that before.
[Horn honking]
[Honk honk]
[Coughing]
[g*nsh*t]
Oh!
Oh!
Oh!
Everybody here is
trespassing on my land!
Anybody
still remaining in...
And I'll set my dogs
on the lot of you!
Tell wright
I want to see him
at the manor.
Excuse me, sir.
John ferret,
bradford argus.
Do you believe
you've got fairies
At the bottom
of your garden?
Mr. Ferret,
do I look like someone
who believes in fairies?
Well, if they do exist,
Would you be considering
charging them rent, sir?
Oh!
May i?
Ah, it is beautiful,
isn't it?
I can see
why you children
love it so much.
Joseph?
Why'd you make him stop?
He were nearly 11.
He would have
started half-time
working at mill
When he were 12.
His childhood
were nearly over.
He just...
Wouldn't let go of it.
It was his time
to grow up.
Yours, too, you know?
Polly:
elsie! Arthur!
What is it?
London.
We're going
to london!
Sir arthur's
invited us.
Why?
He's written a book
about the fairies.
He wants us there
for the publication.
Would you mind
just moving out
a moment, madam?
Put your girls
to the right.
Thank you very much.
Lovely. Smile, smile.
And are you going to be
looking for fairies
In kensington gardens
then, girls?
Lovely.
[Flashbulbs popping]
Elsie.
Arthur, what
in heaven's name
is going on?
Family's just making
a brief trip to london.
But...
But...
Sir arthur conan doyle
insisted they travel
first class.
Sir arthur?
Excuse me, sir.
I'll be kind.
I'll let you sit
next to the window.
Thank you.
Are you sure
you won't come?
What use would I be?
I could say please.
What happens if one
of those journalists
asks me what I think?
I'll have to tell them,
won't i? What good's
that gonna do?
Anyway,
I have a match to play,
The manor to attend to
with himself away,
so don't worry about me.
You and the girls
enjoy yourself.
Good luck
with the tournament.
Can we go
and wave good-bye?
Polly: go on then.
[Whistle blows]
[Train whistle blows]
Tell mr. Whitley
I want to see him
in my office.
I see your girls
are to be the toast
of london.
Says here,
"The fairies
are bringing hope
to the empire."
Fakes--whole bloody lot
of them.
Aye.
Nobody's proved that,
have they?
This way.
Come on, let's have
a nice big smile.
Come on.
Child: look,
it's the fairy girls!
Second child: oh, look,
it's the fairy girls!
Photographer:
look this way, everybody.
Off we go.
Bye!
Bye!
Bye!
Bye!
Bye!
Bye!
Come on, dear.
Miss...
Can you please ask
your fairies
To make me feel
better?
I'll try.
There. Let's tuck
that sheet up a bit.
Fairies can't make you
feel better.
You'd have to ask
your guardian angel
for that.
I've got an angel?
Of course.
Everyone has.
Mum.
That was nice.
Oh, I'm so proud of you.
Thank you.
For what?
The photographs.
Gardner: at present,
that is a rare privilege,
A matter of sympathetic
vibration, you see?
I'm hopeful that soon
sightings may become
commonplace.
No more remarkable
than seeing a cuckoo,
for example.
Frances:
mr. Houdini!
Hello, darling.
Frances.
What a beautiful
dress.
Madam.
Mr. Houdini.
Man: yes, but you cannot
look at them directly.
You have to look at them out
of the corner of your eye.
Ah. May I introduce
mr. Houdini?
He was with us
on that original trip
to yorkshire.
Madam. Sir.
Excuse me, please.
In fact, if this
were a fairy party...
Sir arthur,
may I introduce myself?
Harold briggs--
Cottingley.
I must apologize
for inviting meself
like this,
But we share
a few acquaintances,
I believe.
Ahem.
I beg your pardon?
Well, I own the manor.
The fairies in question are,
you might say, my tenants.
Houdini: hiding?
No.
Well, yes.
Me, too.
Come here.
Sit down.
Do you like fruit?
Yes.
Apples or pears?
Pears, please.
Can you manage,
or would you like
a table?
No, thank you.
Can I ask you
a question?
Go ahead.
Do you ever
tell anyone?
Tell them what?
How you do things.
You know...
Just to see the look
on their faces.
Never.
Never ever.
And I never will--
Not even when I'm dead.
And shall I tell you
something?
No one ever
really wants to know
when you do tell them.
Can I ask you
a question?
Yes.
Will you come see
my show?
Yes, of course.
[Applause]
Ladies and gentlemen,
We will match penny
for penny
Any purse
you care to raise!
But I must warn you,
in all fairness,
That mr. Chalker here,
Whom, god preserve,
Was not blessed
by the almighty with
the power of speech,
Is the undisputed champion
of this county
And is revered among
the chess-playing community
In every major town
Within a radius
of 100 miles,
Including sheffield!
Well, our money
is on arthur wright
of cottingley.
[Groaning]
[Glass shatters]
Ahh.
Clear!
Don't worry.
It's just a trick--
Like the circus.
Check.
Checkmate.
Bugger!
[Laughter]
Oh!
[Men shouting]
Ohh...ohh...
Whoa!
Gentlemen,
please give way!
[Reporters shouting]
You all right?
Yes.
I appreciate
this very much.
Thank you.
Hello.
Hello, hello.
Mr. Houdini,
we were terrified.
Can we have you and the girls
together, mr. Houdini?
Why, yes.
Did you like the show?
Very much.
Are you going to ask
how I do it?
No.
Reporter:
mr. Houdini!
[Loud crash]
Ohh, god.
Oh, my god.
Ohh, god.
[Noisy conversations]
Reporter: have you seen
these yorkshire photographs?
I have.
And do you believe
we're looking
at real fairies?
Sir, I've spent
much of my life
Making
the impossible true.
Why would I find it hard
to accept in others?
[Applause]
Well, I've interviewed you
before, mr. Houdini,
And I know
you don't stand for any
superstitious nonsense.
I fought against
those who seek to...
Make a profit
out of the grief...
The pain,
and the loneliness
Of their fellow
human beings.
I stand against fraud,
Against the exploitation
of suffering mothers,
Whose dead children
are puppeteered in front
of their grieving eyes.
But I don't see
any of that here.
I see only joy.
Any chance you'll tell us
how you escaped the tank?
Masters of illusion
never reveal their secrets.
Thank you, gentlemen.
Am I going
to live here forever?
Of course not.
I know
what missing means.
What?
I know what they mean
When they say
my dad's missing.
It means they don't
know where he is.
What does it feel like
when you grow up?
I don't know.
I think...
Perhaps it's different
for everyone.
Do you want
to grow up?
Yes.
I think I do.
Even if it means
never seeing
the fairies again?
It doesn't matter
never seeing them again.
We'll never forget
like everybody else
who grows old
Because we have
the photographs.
That's why
they're important.
Whenever we start
to forget,
To pretend nothing
ever happened,
We can look at them,
And we'll remember.
I think I know how it is
to be grown-up.
Yes?
It's when you feel...
How someone feels...
Who isn't you.
[Whispering]
[Whispering]
[Blowing]
[Whispering]
Frances.
[Mumbles]
Listen.
[Engine idling]
[Shuts door]
Daddy?
Frances: it's my daddy!
It's my daddy!
[Whispering]
Thank you.
[Chuckles]
That perfume
smells good.
I'm not wearing any.
I know.
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FairyTale: A True Story (1997)
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