Synopsis
The bizarre tale of Fanny Cradock, Britain's famous and maligned TV chef from 50s to the 70s.
Fear of Fanny
2006 Directed by Coky Giedroyc
Language
Releases by Date
Theatrical
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UK
Releases by Country
UK
23 Oct 2006
- Theatrical
Popular reviews
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Why the fuck am I watching the 2006 BBC TV film in which Julia Davis plays Fanny Cradock?
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80 minute, TV-quality re-Mommie Dearest with a slightly different ending, a gender switch for the suffering child, and a far less sympathetic Christina (actually named Christopher).
Julia Davis is okay but I feel the real hand goes to Mark Gatiss as her right hand, buttoned-mouth husband and Jason Watkins as her bitchy beleaguered gay helper.
I wanted to but I just couldn't bring myself to care about most of the people Fanny sank her teeth into. They seemed pretty easily rattled to begin with and we've seen this routine so many times. There's nothing new here. Just the standard. For TV, it's alright.
Funny thing about the casting: a ridiculous number of the principals were born in 1966.
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Had wanted to watch this for ages & have to say I was disappointed. The writing was not subtle (not that Julia Davis needs subtle, but her performance here is not her best) & it all felt a bit like a waste of an amazing cast. That’s not to say it didn’t have its moments- some great one-liners or moments of vulnerability & pathos- but overall it fell a bit flat.
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Julia Davies as Fanny Cradock...... Gonna need some time to process this......😵
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My favourite painted horror! I feel Julia didn't go nasty enough with her though.
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I discovered Fanny Cradock today via a TikTok account that posts clips of vintage cooking shows. I was instantly fascinated by this imposing woman who looked like a drag queen and sounded like she smoked 60-a-day. I’m sure my grandparents probably remember her, I doubt she was beloved, but I’m willing to bet she was notorious.
I woke up at about 1am in a state of extreme hunger, and put this on YouTube. Annoyingly it was in nine parts, but alas, I’ll survive.
Immediately I was wildly disappointed with Julia Davis’ performance. More sweet than scathing, and she didn’t do the voice, at all; Davis’ Cradock sounded more like Mary Berry, practically prim.
I kept watching and it pulled me…
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the loser husband from Benidorm kisses baby Hayley Atwell
Fanny becomes jokerfied several times in this. Surprised they didn't give her an extended laugh sequence
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This biopic of British TV chef Fanny Cradock (credited as the originator of shrimp cocktail) is worth watching for Julia Davis’ wigs and makeup alone. But she’s also a comedic genius, and Cradock is a fascinating, hilarious character.