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As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales from the Making of The Princess Bride
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Memoir & Autobiography (2014)Storm the castle once more
Standing on the stage for the twenty-fifth anniversary of The Princess Bride, I felt an almost overwhelming sense of gratitude and nostalgia. It was a remarkable night and it brought back vivid memories of being part of what appears to have become a cult classic film about pirates and princesses, giants and jesters, cliffs of insanity, and of course rodents of unusual size.
It truly was as fun to make the movie as it is to watch it, from getting to work on William Goldman's brilliant screenplay to being directed by the inimitable Rob Reiner. It is not an exaggeration to say that most days on set were exhilarating, from wrestling André the Giant, to the impossibility of playing mostly dead with Billy Crystal cracking jokes above me, to choreographing the Greatest Sword Fight in Modern Times with Mandy Patinkin, to being part of the Kiss That Left All the Others Behind with Robin Wright.
In this book I've gathered many more behind-the-scenes stories and hopefully answers to many of the questions we've all received over the years from fans. Additionally, Robin, Billy, Rob, and Mandy, as well as Christopher Guest, Wallace Shawn, Fred Savage, Chris Sarandon, Carol Kane, Norman Lear, and William Goldman graciously share their own memories and stories from making this treasured film.
If you'd like to know a little more about the making of The Princess Bride as seen through the eyes of a young actor who got much more than he bargained for, along with the rest of this brilliant cast, then all I can say is...as you wish.
Standing on the stage for the twenty-fifth anniversary of The Princess Bride, I felt an almost overwhelming sense of gratitude and nostalgia. It was a remarkable night and it brought back vivid memories of being part of what appears to have become a cult classic film about pirates and princesses, giants and jesters, cliffs of insanity, and of course rodents of unusual size.
It truly was as fun to make the movie as it is to watch it, from getting to work on William Goldman's brilliant screenplay to being directed by the inimitable Rob Reiner. It is not an exaggeration to say that most days on set were exhilarating, from wrestling André the Giant, to the impossibility of playing mostly dead with Billy Crystal cracking jokes above me, to choreographing the Greatest Sword Fight in Modern Times with Mandy Patinkin, to being part of the Kiss That Left All the Others Behind with Robin Wright.
In this book I've gathered many more behind-the-scenes stories and hopefully answers to many of the questions we've all received over the years from fans. Additionally, Robin, Billy, Rob, and Mandy, as well as Christopher Guest, Wallace Shawn, Fred Savage, Chris Sarandon, Carol Kane, Norman Lear, and William Goldman graciously share their own memories and stories from making this treasured film.
If you'd like to know a little more about the making of The Princess Bride as seen through the eyes of a young actor who got much more than he bargained for, along with the rest of this brilliant cast, then all I can say is...as you wish.
259 pages, Hardcover
First published October 14, 2014
About the author
Cary Elwes
3 books330 followersCary Elwes is a celebrated English actor who starred in The Princess Bride before moving on to roles in Robin Hood: Men in Tights, Glory, Days of Thunder, Twister, and Saw, among many other acclaimed performances. He will always be indebted to The Princess Bride, he says, for changing his life and giving him a career that has spanned decades. He lives in Hollywood, California, with his family.
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January 13, 2017
Three stars? Inconceivable!
--I do not think that word means what you think it means--
It's true; it is barely conceivable that one could not adore "As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales from the Making of the Princess Bride." But despite a deep and lasting fondness for the movie (of course I own a copy), this was a mixed adventure, much like a stroll through the Fire Swamp. Despite containing fencing, giants, and the miracle of a sleeper hit, I found it lacking in fighting, revenge and true love.
I spent an accidental Audible credit on the audio version (I didn't cancel quite soon enough), noting it was read by Elwes. It was delightfully read; though somewhat stilted at the beginning, he soon finds his pace and story-telling voice, and it stops sounding quite so much as reading, and more like telling. His voice is charming, soothing, measured, resonant; clearly the voice of someone trained in theater. It also appears that Elwes is a surprisingly accomplished mimic, as he reads certain sections in voices of the involved people. There are also guest appearances recounting their own roles in that particular section, including the director Rob Reiner, his friend and co-producer Andrew Scheinman, author William Goldman, actors Robin Wright, Christopher Guest, Mandy Patinkin, Wallace Shawn, Billy Crystal, Carol Kane and Fred Savage (basically, all the actors with speaking parts who were still alive).
The trouble for me was that so much of what Elwes was saying was--forgive me--dull. Elwes seems a genuinely nice guy, as evidenced by his effusive praise for absolutely everyone involved with the project. Everyone has a body of work he admires. Everyone is enormously talented. Everyone is incredibly kind to someone virtually naive to a Hollywood style production. The first chapter sounded more like someone reading an Imdb page than storytelling. "Of course, his work in Spinal Tap..." "I was a big fan of... "etc.
I'm not a film buff and much I didn't recognize nor did I particularly care as it was basically resume-listing. It isn't that I wanted scandal, but I was looking for personal and character details that couldn't be found in a filmography. I suspect a three-fold effect was in operation: first, that Elwes is genuinely nice; second, his recount is through the golden glass of nostalgia; and three, that he doesn't want to burn any professional bridges. I actually tried speeding up the read at one point, something I have never done, because it was so tedious. I wouldn't recommend it. While it did indeed go faster, I found I missed Elwes' speaking cadence almost immediately.
The overall content was intermittently interesting. Here are the specific insights:
--Robin Wright is gorgeous. At the time was locked into a contract for the soap Santa Barbara. They set her free long enough for the movie, but demanded an additional year commitment.
--Andre the Giant was a huge person, an alcoholic, sweet, and incredibly generous. He was troubled by back pain. Note Elwes never used the word 'alcoholic,' but instead described the vast amounts he would drink. And his farts were epic. Hearing Elwes say the word 'fart' totally made my inner ten-year-old giggle.
--I have a suspicion that Elwes and Mandy Patinkin were very competitive on set, although most of the detail about this was left out. Practice for the swordfight took weeks.
--The actor that played the ROUS fighting The Man in Black caused a delay in shooting when he was picked up the night before for operating under the influence.
--Wallace Shawn (Vizzini) was dreadfully afraid he was inadequate after hearing the part was first offered to Danny DeVito. No official word if this was true. Personally, I think DeVito couldn't have played it straight enough and would have failed my one of my favorite lines: "You fell victim to one of the classic blunders! The most famous of which is 'never get involved in a land war in Asia.'"
--Elwes was a total dolt and broke his toe on Andre's four-wheeler. That scene where he says, "life is pain, Highness" --totally real. He also genuinely fell unconscious when Christopher Guest (Count Rugen) knocked him on the head. No acting needed!
--That scene in the Fire Swamp when Robin is set on fire? Also totally real. Fire-retardant dress. William Goldman ruined the first take because he forgot the scene and over-reacted.
--Rob Reiner gives a lot of hugs.
Most of the content is the recounting of various emotional states before, during and after filming with details that are too hazy for people who weren't there. Let me 'splain: twenty plus years ago, I was the waterfront director at a rustic girl scout camp. I remember it as absolutely glorious, and I can recount a few specific instances of when we laughed so much it hurt and a couple moments of unspeakable beauty, but on the whole, I wouldn't expect anyone to want to listen to me recount details. I could only give enough specifics for ten minutes of good story-telling; the rest of the time, the listener would just be listening to my interpretation of my emotional state.
Overall, not sad I listened to it--it is The Princess Bride, after all--and I'm sure the details will add another layer of appreciation to the movie, and another reason for haters to be annoyed by my movie love. But I'd suggest borrowing this one.
"No more rhymes now, I mean it!"
"Anybody want a peanut?"
November 24, 2014
I was the perfect audience for this memoir. I have probably seen the movie "The Princess Bride" 100 times, and I've read William Goldman's book so often that the cover is torn, the binding is broken and some pages are falling out.
Oh, and the song "Storybook Love" played at my wedding. So yes, I am a fan.
"As You Wish" is the story of how the movie "The Princess Bride" got made. Cary's perspective is the main one, but other cast and crew members shared anecdotes and behind-the-scenes stories about the production. Director Rob Reiner's sections were especially interesting, since he had to jump through a lot of hoops to get the movie made.
Some of my favorite stories were about André the Giant, who had a voracious appetite for both food and drink, and everyone praised his loveability and generosity. It was also sweet to hear that Robin Wright had a crush on Cary — she said she was "smitten" with him. Both Cary and Wallace Shawn were nervous about their performances; apparently Wallace was convinced that the director was going to replace him in the movie (which Reiner denied). Cary wrote that he was insecure because so much of the movie was riding on his performance as Westley and the Man in Black.
Another good story was the time Cary broke his toe because he had been trying to ride an ATV, after being egged on by André. They were in a remote location and Cary didn't want to delay filming, so he hobbled around a bit in the scene. I had never noticed it before, but when I rewatched the film, I could spot when he was limping.
The stories that Cary and Mandy Patinkin shared about their training for the famous sword fight between the Man in Black and Inigo Montoya made me appreciate that movie scene so much more. The actors spent months working with professional swordsmen, and it really shows on screen. Everyone, including the director, was proud that Cary and Mandy became proficient enough that they didn't need any stunt doubles to do the sword fighting. (The stuntman was used only for the acrobatics in that scene.) Cary even said there was some competition between him and Mandy while they were training, and that it pushed them to work even harder.
Overall this is a glowing, nostalgic look back at the movie that has become a beloved favorite. This is not one of those Hollywood memoirs that gets ugly and smears other celebrities — I do not think there is a harsh word in the entire book, other than some pointed comments about the studio marketing department that didn't know how to promote the movie. But luckily, the VHS market was about to boom, and the cast and crew credit that development with giving the movie the large fan base it has today.
I listened to "As You Wish" on audio, and it was a delight. Hearing Cary Elwes read reminded me of why I had such a crush on him.* He is a charming narrator, and the audiobook also features readings by Rob Reiner, Robin Wright, Chris Sarandon, Wallace Shawn, Carol Kane, Christopher Guest, Norman Lear and Andy Scheinman. If you like audiobooks and are a fan of this movie, I would highly recommend listening to it.
I enjoyed reading this memoir so much that I watched the movie again (for perhaps the 101st time) and I want to reread Goldman's book. Is there such a thing as too much of The Princess Bride? Inconceivable!
*I am still upset that I missed a chance to meet Cary when I was in college. He was in Iowa filming the movie "Twister," and he and some other cast members attended a party at a nearby house. As the Man in Black says, "Get used to disappointment."
Oh, and the song "Storybook Love" played at my wedding. So yes, I am a fan.
"As You Wish" is the story of how the movie "The Princess Bride" got made. Cary's perspective is the main one, but other cast and crew members shared anecdotes and behind-the-scenes stories about the production. Director Rob Reiner's sections were especially interesting, since he had to jump through a lot of hoops to get the movie made.
Some of my favorite stories were about André the Giant, who had a voracious appetite for both food and drink, and everyone praised his loveability and generosity. It was also sweet to hear that Robin Wright had a crush on Cary — she said she was "smitten" with him. Both Cary and Wallace Shawn were nervous about their performances; apparently Wallace was convinced that the director was going to replace him in the movie (which Reiner denied). Cary wrote that he was insecure because so much of the movie was riding on his performance as Westley and the Man in Black.
Another good story was the time Cary broke his toe because he had been trying to ride an ATV, after being egged on by André. They were in a remote location and Cary didn't want to delay filming, so he hobbled around a bit in the scene. I had never noticed it before, but when I rewatched the film, I could spot when he was limping.
The stories that Cary and Mandy Patinkin shared about their training for the famous sword fight between the Man in Black and Inigo Montoya made me appreciate that movie scene so much more. The actors spent months working with professional swordsmen, and it really shows on screen. Everyone, including the director, was proud that Cary and Mandy became proficient enough that they didn't need any stunt doubles to do the sword fighting. (The stuntman was used only for the acrobatics in that scene.) Cary even said there was some competition between him and Mandy while they were training, and that it pushed them to work even harder.
Overall this is a glowing, nostalgic look back at the movie that has become a beloved favorite. This is not one of those Hollywood memoirs that gets ugly and smears other celebrities — I do not think there is a harsh word in the entire book, other than some pointed comments about the studio marketing department that didn't know how to promote the movie. But luckily, the VHS market was about to boom, and the cast and crew credit that development with giving the movie the large fan base it has today.
I listened to "As You Wish" on audio, and it was a delight. Hearing Cary Elwes read reminded me of why I had such a crush on him.* He is a charming narrator, and the audiobook also features readings by Rob Reiner, Robin Wright, Chris Sarandon, Wallace Shawn, Carol Kane, Christopher Guest, Norman Lear and Andy Scheinman. If you like audiobooks and are a fan of this movie, I would highly recommend listening to it.
I enjoyed reading this memoir so much that I watched the movie again (for perhaps the 101st time) and I want to reread Goldman's book. Is there such a thing as too much of The Princess Bride? Inconceivable!
*I am still upset that I missed a chance to meet Cary when I was in college. He was in Iowa filming the movie "Twister," and he and some other cast members attended a party at a nearby house. As the Man in Black says, "Get used to disappointment."
July 3, 2024
A lot of your enjoyment will hinge on how much you want to hear a behind-the-scenes account of the making of The Princess Bride.
I don't normally read books on pop culture. In fact, this may be the first time. But it had been recommended to me several times over the years as an especially good read, so I decided to go for it.
I would suggest the audiobook simply because so much of the charm (for me) was hearing all of the various people involved in the movie tell their part of the story with their own voices.
Not to mention Elwes himself is a fantastic narrator and quite good with impressions!
Did you know that god-awful little ponytail on Wesley was actually a weave? Now I feel sorry for blaming Elwes for his poor fashion choices all these years when it was someone else who affixed that rat tail to his head.
I do love both the book and the movie, so I think that helped. Just so you know, I'm one of those people who can go their whole life without knowing about the actors' experiences on the set.
That's not to say I'm impervious to celebrity gossip. Or that I don't get judgmental and nosey and start digging around on the internet like I'm getting paid for it when I see some stunning actress standing next to an uggo troll on the red carpet.
But I do that with everyone I meet. And stop lying - you do it too!
Anyway. This was unexpectedly endearing.
And it turns out there were quite a few cool stories that actually do make the movie experience a bit more fun.
Elwes broke his toe on Andre The Giant's ATV while trying to impress him, and as a result, he hops in some of the running scenes. It is also the reason for the way he sat on the log with one leg out in front of him.
Another fun fact is that he's not faking it, and actually did get accidentally knocked out by Christopher Guest in the Fire Swamp scene. On the upside, he didn't have to do the take again.
I'm not sure how much I trust all of the lovely remembrances of everyone, but then again, I think it's pretty sweet that Elwes seems to try to show every single person involved in a good light. I'm sure there were assholes or people he didn't get along with, but I respect that this is a book that is seemingly just there to make fans of the movie happy.
Recommended for fans of the movie.
I don't normally read books on pop culture. In fact, this may be the first time. But it had been recommended to me several times over the years as an especially good read, so I decided to go for it.
I would suggest the audiobook simply because so much of the charm (for me) was hearing all of the various people involved in the movie tell their part of the story with their own voices.
Not to mention Elwes himself is a fantastic narrator and quite good with impressions!
Did you know that god-awful little ponytail on Wesley was actually a weave? Now I feel sorry for blaming Elwes for his poor fashion choices all these years when it was someone else who affixed that rat tail to his head.
I do love both the book and the movie, so I think that helped. Just so you know, I'm one of those people who can go their whole life without knowing about the actors' experiences on the set.
That's not to say I'm impervious to celebrity gossip. Or that I don't get judgmental and nosey and start digging around on the internet like I'm getting paid for it when I see some stunning actress standing next to an uggo troll on the red carpet.
But I do that with everyone I meet. And stop lying - you do it too!
Anyway. This was unexpectedly endearing.
And it turns out there were quite a few cool stories that actually do make the movie experience a bit more fun.
Elwes broke his toe on Andre The Giant's ATV while trying to impress him, and as a result, he hops in some of the running scenes. It is also the reason for the way he sat on the log with one leg out in front of him.
Another fun fact is that he's not faking it, and actually did get accidentally knocked out by Christopher Guest in the Fire Swamp scene. On the upside, he didn't have to do the take again.
I'm not sure how much I trust all of the lovely remembrances of everyone, but then again, I think it's pretty sweet that Elwes seems to try to show every single person involved in a good light. I'm sure there were assholes or people he didn't get along with, but I respect that this is a book that is seemingly just there to make fans of the movie happy.
Recommended for fans of the movie.
April 19, 2019
This is a deeply affectionate, engaging story of the making of the film The Princess Bride, as told by Wesley Cary Elwes. It includes frequent sidebar comments from many of the other actors, the director, Rob Reiner, and others involved in creating this classic tale of pirates and princesses, wizards and giants, swordfighters and devious Sicilians. True love. And fights to the death.
As You Wish is told in a chatty, anecdotal style, and is unremittingly positive in tone (no dirty laundry being aired here). This memoir probably won't appeal much to people who aren't Princess Bride fans, but those will find a lot to enjoy in the pages of this book. The most poignant parts are the stories and tributes to Andre the Giant, who passed away about five years after the movie was released in 1987, and this quote from Mandy Patinkin:
I will say that I think it's the kind of book I'd recommend getting from the library rather than buying it as a keeper, unless you're a truly rabid fan. I don't think I'll ever be particularly interested in rereading it, as much as I enjoyed it the first time. So it's a soft 4 stars.
I can't think of a better way to end this review than with some of the classic quotes from the film (most of which are also in the original novel -- which, by the way, is one of my all-time favorite books and I recommend it highly):
"Inconceivable!"
"You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means."
"Life is pain, Highness. Anyone who says differently is selling something."
"Get used to disappointment."
"I'm not a witch! I'm your wife!"
"You seem a decent fellow. I hate to kill you." "You seem a decent fellow. I hate to die."
"Mawidge. That bwessed awwangement, that dweam wifin a dweam ... Twue wuv!"
"Death cannot stop true love. All it can do is delay it for a while."
"Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die."
"Have fun storming the castle!"
"As you wish."
As You Wish is told in a chatty, anecdotal style, and is unremittingly positive in tone (no dirty laundry being aired here). This memoir probably won't appeal much to people who aren't Princess Bride fans, but those will find a lot to enjoy in the pages of this book. The most poignant parts are the stories and tributes to Andre the Giant, who passed away about five years after the movie was released in 1987, and this quote from Mandy Patinkin:
It was 1986. My father died in 1972. I read that script and I wanted to play Inigo because my mind immediately want, If I can get that six-fingered man, then I'll have my father back, in my imaginary world. He'll be alive in my imagination. So that was it for me. It was like, I'll become the greatest sword fighter, and my reward will not be to be in this movie that ended up being what it's become to all these people; my reward will be that my father will come back.The book also touches upon what happened after the movie came out, including a 25th anniversary party/reunion:
I will say that I think it's the kind of book I'd recommend getting from the library rather than buying it as a keeper, unless you're a truly rabid fan. I don't think I'll ever be particularly interested in rereading it, as much as I enjoyed it the first time. So it's a soft 4 stars.
I can't think of a better way to end this review than with some of the classic quotes from the film (most of which are also in the original novel -- which, by the way, is one of my all-time favorite books and I recommend it highly):
"Inconceivable!"
"You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means."
"Life is pain, Highness. Anyone who says differently is selling something."
"Get used to disappointment."
"I'm not a witch! I'm your wife!"
"You seem a decent fellow. I hate to kill you." "You seem a decent fellow. I hate to die."
"Mawidge. That bwessed awwangement, that dweam wifin a dweam ... Twue wuv!"
"Death cannot stop true love. All it can do is delay it for a while."
"Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die."
"Have fun storming the castle!"
"As you wish."
August 18, 2015
I am so tempted to give it 5 stars just for how much I love learning any new tidbit about this movie. I am such a Princess Bride fan girl. This is me when I found out the book existed.
THIS movie cover is my favorite -- see how the title is the same upside down?
The book covers how the different actors came together to be part of movie. Cary talks about his nervousness and how sweet he was on Robin.
Cary talks about how grueling learning the swordplay was.
Just for fun, here is a link to the famous swordfight BUT WITH LIGHTSABERS!!!! HERE
You'll hear about the little people inside the R.O.U.S. costumes and how one came to be arrested just before he was needed for filming the scene.
Billy Crystal and Carol Kane were so great together even behind the scenes. They came together before filming and created some backstory and generally worked their chemistry out beforehand. Billy is always great at improv and ad libbing. Apparently some of these scenes were too risque to be put in the final film, including these little gems:
“Don’t bother me, sonny. I had a bad day — I found my nephew with a sheep.” “True love is the greatest thing in the world — except for a good BM.”
Cary, who was supposed to be "mostly dead", couldn't hold it together during this scene. They had to use a dummy on the slab. Rob Reiner wouldn't even stay in the room, but watched from a soundbooth so he could guffaw away. Mandy Patinkin actually sustained his ONLY injury on the set by holding in his laughter - he actually bruised his ribs.
Cary violently broke his toe by agreeing to drive/ride Andre's only mode of transportation while on set. Andre was too large for any other vehicle.
Three things in the book really touched me. The first was Andre, who was the gentlest guy ever. We hear more about his childhood and younger days,
how much he could drink at one sitting (here is his hand with a normal size beer),
and a rip-roaring fart for the ages while on set. We hear how he calmed an acrophobic cast-mate and how he kept Robin warm on the cold days by placing his huge hand gently on her head (apparently the man generated an amazing amount of heat).
The second thing that touched me was hearing more of Mandy Patinkin's inspiration for his part as Inigo Montoya. His father had recently died from cancer. He took all that pent up anger and decided in his mind's eye that he would be defeating his father's cancer, if only in his imagination. So when he says, I want my father back, you son of a bitch! He was really honestly feeling those emotions about his father and the anger he had toward the cancer that claimed his life.
He is also very gracious to everyone who every asks him to say his iconic line. He says he always does it. I wonder if it is because he sort of relives that moment whenever he says it. That line just means so much to him.
The last thing that touched me had to do with Cary's visit to his grandfather during the filming (he also died while before the movie wrapped). Very touching thoughts.
I'm just happy to know these random things about the movie. One more happy dance for the road...
March 31, 2017
This is, by far and away, one of the warmest "let's get together and talk about the making of my favorite movie" books I've ever read, but I really need to remember that it's really nothing more than that. :)
I've already heard, from what seems like millions of sources, that Princess Bride touched them deeply and how it always seems to be a personal favorite film for each of us.
Hell, I find myself being one of those people. I LOVED the film. It has fantastic writing, great pacing, great acting, and even a three-act structure as if it was a Shakespearian play! :)
But mostly what I get from this book is an utter fan-service, and that's just fine if we love nostalgia, and we do. Don't we? Oh yes, we do. :)
I particularly love the tidbits about where Cary and Robin kept kissing and when Cary worked through a broken toe and, of course, just how much effort went into learning the swordplay. :) That was brilliant.
I've already heard, from what seems like millions of sources, that Princess Bride touched them deeply and how it always seems to be a personal favorite film for each of us.
Hell, I find myself being one of those people. I LOVED the film. It has fantastic writing, great pacing, great acting, and even a three-act structure as if it was a Shakespearian play! :)
But mostly what I get from this book is an utter fan-service, and that's just fine if we love nostalgia, and we do. Don't we? Oh yes, we do. :)
I particularly love the tidbits about where Cary and Robin kept kissing and when Cary worked through a broken toe and, of course, just how much effort went into learning the swordplay. :) That was brilliant.
Read
February 8, 2022Entertaining memoir of the making of The Princess Bride. Very sunny and happy read, nothing hugely deep, makes you want to watch the film again.
February 4, 2020
I loved this warm-hearted, nostalgic valentine for fans of this fairytale cult classic!
From its swashbuckling appeal to its humor and memorable lines, this film’s journey is inconceivable to me. It languished in development hell, was then mishandled promotionally leading to a box office flop only to become a generational, cultural phenomenon due to of all things, video. Yet throughout this memoir, Elwes makes it clear that only Reiner could have hit upon this magical formula of adventure, satire, inanity and romance. Just as unimaginable? Any other actors playing each of these beloved characters.
Elwes pulls back the curtain on the making of the movie, shares mishaps, anecdotes and fond memories of everyone in this talented cast. Most poignant are the remembrances of Andre the Giant, a gentle soul whom everyone seems to have loved beyond measure.
As a devoted fan I wanted to read this when it was first published--this surpasses even Love Actually on the family’s all time favorite movies roster--but I waited for the audio version and I’m so glad I did. The book includes side bars from the creators and actors, but the audio brings these to life and hearing it in their own voices makes the trip down memory lane so much sweeter still.
I recommend this for fans of the movie, but strongly urge you to listen to it and then watch the movie. And as Miracle Max would tell you…have fun storming the castle!
From its swashbuckling appeal to its humor and memorable lines, this film’s journey is inconceivable to me. It languished in development hell, was then mishandled promotionally leading to a box office flop only to become a generational, cultural phenomenon due to of all things, video. Yet throughout this memoir, Elwes makes it clear that only Reiner could have hit upon this magical formula of adventure, satire, inanity and romance. Just as unimaginable? Any other actors playing each of these beloved characters.
Elwes pulls back the curtain on the making of the movie, shares mishaps, anecdotes and fond memories of everyone in this talented cast. Most poignant are the remembrances of Andre the Giant, a gentle soul whom everyone seems to have loved beyond measure.
As a devoted fan I wanted to read this when it was first published--this surpasses even Love Actually on the family’s all time favorite movies roster--but I waited for the audio version and I’m so glad I did. The book includes side bars from the creators and actors, but the audio brings these to life and hearing it in their own voices makes the trip down memory lane so much sweeter still.
I recommend this for fans of the movie, but strongly urge you to listen to it and then watch the movie. And as Miracle Max would tell you…have fun storming the castle!
January 22, 2015
I have to say, first of all, that I love the Princess Bride. It's one of the few stories where I love the movie as much as I love the book. I can't remember the first time I watched it, whether it was on tv, or I rented it by chance from our local movie place. My sister, who is not a fantasy fan, loves this movie. Her best friend from high school loves this movie. When my sister had to give a speech at said best friend's wedding it was from the Princess Bride, and how they used the movie in the process of screening boyfriends. It was this speech that robbed me of the opportunity to use it at my sister's wedding, but I did get one of my favorite quotes, on the quilt my mother had guests sign instead of a album. So, when I give this book five stars, I'm more than a bit biased, but that's okay.
I really loved how the book took you through the entire process of making the movie. I liked finding out how hard it was to even get the movie made at all, and how many of the people involved had first fallen in love with the book. I have to admit I saw the movie first, and only found the book years later, when I was in high school I believe. I liked knowing how much so many of the people involved loved the book.
The information on all the people involved was interesting. I liked that he didn't just tell us about the big actors, but the crew as well. It was interesting knowing what they had worked on, and how many of them had worked closely together before this movie. All the information on sword fighting was fascinating. The respect that the author had for the sword masters that taught him was nice, and I never knew that both the actors did all the sword fighting in the movie. That they worked really hard so that they could make it look good. My sister fenced in high school, and her fencing instructor, talked bout how good the fencing in the movie looked.
Most of all I love how much of a loving tribute this was to the movie, and the process of making it. I loved the respect, and admiration the cast had for each other. I liked what they had to say about each other, and I liked how different people opened up about their fears, and insecurities. It was refreshing to read a book like this that didn't trash anyone. It was a heart warming read without feeling too cloying. How could I not love such a gracious ode to one of my favorite stories of all times.
PS - I have extra respect for Wally Shawn now. I had no idea exactly how smart he is.
PPS RIP:
I really loved how the book took you through the entire process of making the movie. I liked finding out how hard it was to even get the movie made at all, and how many of the people involved had first fallen in love with the book. I have to admit I saw the movie first, and only found the book years later, when I was in high school I believe. I liked knowing how much so many of the people involved loved the book.
The information on all the people involved was interesting. I liked that he didn't just tell us about the big actors, but the crew as well. It was interesting knowing what they had worked on, and how many of them had worked closely together before this movie. All the information on sword fighting was fascinating. The respect that the author had for the sword masters that taught him was nice, and I never knew that both the actors did all the sword fighting in the movie. That they worked really hard so that they could make it look good. My sister fenced in high school, and her fencing instructor, talked bout how good the fencing in the movie looked.
Most of all I love how much of a loving tribute this was to the movie, and the process of making it. I loved the respect, and admiration the cast had for each other. I liked what they had to say about each other, and I liked how different people opened up about their fears, and insecurities. It was refreshing to read a book like this that didn't trash anyone. It was a heart warming read without feeling too cloying. How could I not love such a gracious ode to one of my favorite stories of all times.
PS - I have extra respect for Wally Shawn now. I had no idea exactly how smart he is.
PPS RIP:
July 9, 2014
I remember seeing "the Princess Bride" at the dollar movie at the end of 1987. I loved it completely and wondered why I'd never heard of it. Of course, I was smitten by Westley. I bought the book at the campus bookstore before I graduated the following year. The movie has since become a classic and my children quote it better than I ever did.
The actor playing Westley grew up and wrote a memoir on the making of this epic movie. I do not use epic lightly. Cary Elwes a little known actor who was just getting some solid experience in the business when he was approached by Rob Reiner to play Westley. He was ecstatic. Turns out, this was a very special and exact movie, a screenplay written by the author of the novel, years earlier for his daughters. How do you make a perfect movie for the perfect book? The right director, the right cast, and best supporting staff, and some magic thrown in by Miracle Max.
The movie is an anomaly; the perfect balance of satire and fairy tale. Every character given perfect lines (some ad libbed), yet a perfectly clean, seamless adventure, love story, fairy tale emerges. So, it seems, the making of this movie was also. A few wonderful secrets are given away like how they climbed The Cliffs of Insanity and the story of the broken toe, the secrets of the swamps, the fire, and best of all, the sword fights. Big spoiler here, the sword fights were real and hard earned.
This is really the story of what can happen on the set of a movie when there is mutual love and respect for one another and a true passion about the art.
The actor playing Westley grew up and wrote a memoir on the making of this epic movie. I do not use epic lightly. Cary Elwes a little known actor who was just getting some solid experience in the business when he was approached by Rob Reiner to play Westley. He was ecstatic. Turns out, this was a very special and exact movie, a screenplay written by the author of the novel, years earlier for his daughters. How do you make a perfect movie for the perfect book? The right director, the right cast, and best supporting staff, and some magic thrown in by Miracle Max.
The movie is an anomaly; the perfect balance of satire and fairy tale. Every character given perfect lines (some ad libbed), yet a perfectly clean, seamless adventure, love story, fairy tale emerges. So, it seems, the making of this movie was also. A few wonderful secrets are given away like how they climbed The Cliffs of Insanity and the story of the broken toe, the secrets of the swamps, the fire, and best of all, the sword fights. Big spoiler here, the sword fights were real and hard earned.
This is really the story of what can happen on the set of a movie when there is mutual love and respect for one another and a true passion about the art.
March 21, 2023
Chris swung the heavy sword down toward my head. However, as fate would have it, it landed just a touch harder than either of us anticipated. And that, folks, was the last thing I remember from that day’s shoot. In the script Bill’s stage directions from the end of this scene state: The screen goes black. In the darkness, frightening sounds. Which is precisely what happened.
…
The film is indeed magical. It makes you feel many different things upon every viewing. As Billy Crystal has said, it makes you feel good. It makes you miss your childhood. It makes you want to have someone read stories to you again. It makes you want to kiss your sweetheart, fight a duel, or ride a white horse into the sunset ... all in the name of love. In short, it’s the perfect fairy tale.
The Princess Bride is a great book. If you’ve never read it, please do yourself a favor and correct that oversight asap. And yet, despite its greatness, it is also on that very short list of books where the movie is even better. If you’ve somehow never seen the movie,* seriously, stop reading this review and watch it. Right now. More than 35 years later, with the movie regarded as a timeless classic, it’s hard to appreciate that the screenplay—written by William Goldman himself—had floated around Hollywood for over a decade and was considered impossible to film. That is until Director Rob Reiner, fresh off three straight box office successes, was given free rein by his studio to pick his next project, and he chose The Princess Bride.
As You Wish is the behind-the-scenes story of the making of The Princess Bride. It is primarily written by the movie’s lead actor, Cary Elwes, though it features additional bits from a number of the people involved. As a history of this beloved movie, it’s a great deal of fun. Mr. Elwes is clearly eternally grateful that he was cast in this movie that changed the arc of his career, and he writes of the entire production with a plain spoken, endearing earnestness and fondness. The book is full of entertaining stories: casting what-ifs, essentially everyone having a crush on Robin Wright, Billy Crystal being so funny as Miracle Max that people had to leave the set because they could not stop laughing, and nearly every story involving the absolute one-of-a-kind André the Giant (RIP).
But As You Wish also works as a more general explanation about how movies are made. There’s getting or developing the screenplay, the casting process, and the inherent tension between the director and screenwriter (mercifully absent here). Then there’s all the location scouting, set design, costumes, and makeup (which took 9 hours a day for Carol Kane). The book talks about how movies are shot out of sequence, which was vital here because Mr. Elwes and Mandy Patinkin needed the entire four months to learn the choreography for “the Greatest Sword Fight in Modern Times.” There are discussions of how special effects and stunt work are meticulously planned, and how injuries are handled, including how André almost wrecked the entire movie by convincing Mr. Elwes to try out his ATV. And the book explains how the studio’s marketing department was so confused by the movie that it underperformed in theaters, only to be rescued by the emerging home video market (ah, the 1980s).
As You Wish is a love letter to the The Princess Bride. It will put a smile on your face, and make you want to rewatch the movie. Recommended.
*I promised myself that I would not wedge a bunch of the best lines from the movie into this review. And I succeeded, so please allow me this one: Not having seen the movie of The Princess Bride? Inconceivable!
April 24, 2021
People have been asking if I've read this from the moment it came out. Princess Bride is my all-time favorite movie. Where other kids would watch the Disney movie du jour over and over until their cassette broke, this was mine. We watch it almost every year as our first outdoor movie of the summer. I've been to screenings of it with cast Q&A, my spouse and I arranged our wedding vows so that instead of "I do" we said "as you wish," and my sister got $100 from my uncle for starting her wedding ceremony with "Mawwage is wot bwings uf togeva today." I think it's safe to say that this movie is sincerely part of what brings my family together.
So, you can imagine my delight at listening to so many members of the cast and crew (and cast and crew doing impressions of other cast and crew) talking about the making of this movie with the same childlike joy I experience when I watch it. What a treasure to re-live this in a new way, and find new things to appreciate about my favorite film after over 30 years of fandom.
A perfectly pitched love letter to the movie and book that captured all our hearts, and the first book I've listened to at regular speed since the invention of the mp3 format. Just lovely.
So, you can imagine my delight at listening to so many members of the cast and crew (and cast and crew doing impressions of other cast and crew) talking about the making of this movie with the same childlike joy I experience when I watch it. What a treasure to re-live this in a new way, and find new things to appreciate about my favorite film after over 30 years of fandom.
A perfectly pitched love letter to the movie and book that captured all our hearts, and the first book I've listened to at regular speed since the invention of the mp3 format. Just lovely.
November 10, 2021
As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales from the Making of The Princess Bride
by Cary Elwes, Joe Layden
Who doesn't love the movie The Princess Bride? This is the behind the scenes book that brings it to life and really makes it even more touching! I will never watch the movie the same way again! I will think of certain things from the book as I watch different scenes now! I love all the actors and actresses and the hilarious satire in the movie. Will miss the lovable Andre the Giant.
Going to watch it right now since the book gave me the urge to see the movie again.
by Cary Elwes, Joe Layden
Who doesn't love the movie The Princess Bride? This is the behind the scenes book that brings it to life and really makes it even more touching! I will never watch the movie the same way again! I will think of certain things from the book as I watch different scenes now! I love all the actors and actresses and the hilarious satire in the movie. Will miss the lovable Andre the Giant.
Going to watch it right now since the book gave me the urge to see the movie again.
March 31, 2017
As with a few things in life, I discovered The Princess Bride late in life, this past week to be exact. However, from the first scene onwards I was enthralled and in love. Therefore, and because Ginger said it would be immensely funny and insightful, I had to read this book (I'm usually too sceptical about memoirs or making-of books). It tells the story of how Rob Reiner made the movie adaptation of William Goldman's The Princess Bride as told by "Wesley" aka Cary Elwes, with the kind "help" of his fellow cast members of which several interview snippets are thrown in.
Though the print edition has cool production pictures and even some private ones from the cast and crew, this audio version was the best because it made it even funnier and lovelier.
We start with the horrendous ordeal almost any movie has to go through to get approval (Hollywood is just stupid), followed by Rob Reiner meeting the author and convincing him to grant them the rights (after the Hollywood disaster the author had bought the rights back). Then comes casting and, finally, the actual production and reception (which wasn't too good at first). But this description sounds dull. This book, however, is anything but.
The way Cary Elwes lovingly retells his experiences, the fact that all the cast members contributed, the humbleness and heart of all involved, the genius of Rob Reiner, ... a truly magical and exceptional story that leaves no doubt about why the movie is still so important to people all around the world.
Also, some experiences are almost unbelievable. Like when Elwes meets a fan who tells him how the movie saved his life:
My favourite story about this involves a man and his son whom I met while I was filming a movie in Rochester, New York. The father told me how the movie actually saved him from going insane.
I always have time for fans but this guy definitely piqued my interest.
"How, if you don't mind my asking?"
He proceeded to explain that he had been on active duty in the military and had recently returned from a long deployment in Iraq. His base had been located in a highly dangerous area. There were lots of snipers, IEDs, and mortar fire, he told me. After losing a lot of his comrades, morale amongst the unit had sunk to an all-time low. So every night from that point on, before the soldiers went out in their Humvees to secure the perimeter or go on patrol, their commanding officer would give them their orders and send them on their way with these words: "Have fun storming the castle!"
"Thanks to your movie we were all able to complete our mission on that base, as our CO was able to always make us smile before heading out. And that did a lot for morale."
That is profoundly powerful and underlines the importance of humour that the creators and cast definitely appreciate(d) too.
But, of course, there were some incredibly funny moments too, like the toe story (especially that Rob Reiner and Andy Scheinman thought he had just found a wonderfully elegant way of sitting down - bwahahahahaha).
Then there were the impressive parts, most notably the fencing.
Cary and Mandy had to learn to fence both left-handed and right-handed, and we wanted to make sure that they could design a really cool fencing sequence. So when we finally got to it, I was so proud of the fact that the two of them - I mean, Mandy had started working on it even before we went over to London; he was working on it I think for about four months, and Cary worked for only about two months - I'm very proud of the fact that every single frame of actual sword fighting is both of them. There are no doubles except for the acrobatics when they flip off the bar. The actual swordplay, every single frame, is just the two of them. Left-handed and right-handed. I put it up against any swordfight in movie history."
And Rob Reiner is right! That IS impressive. It is also said at one point that the swordmasters made them train with their left hands first and that, in the end, "Inigo" was actually better with his left, despite being right-handed (which explains why I thought his fight sequence right at the beginning of the iconic swordfight was better than when he had switched to his supposed strong hand).
What struck me was how many people of the movie business back then I actually know without actively knowing them. Like the two swordmasters Peter Diamond and Bob Anderson (both dead in the meantime, sadly). I've been a fangirl of theirs ever since I saw my first swordfight on television!
Or André the Giant (I know him from The Fall Guy and The Six Million Dollar Man mostly).
Let me tell you that Elwes' story of his fellow cast members were at least as intriguing as the production details themselves. Especially André stood out though, for he must have been one of those rare, truly gentle people.
André knew he wasn't going to live to a ripe old age and even told Billy Crystal at one point during the shoot, "We don't get such a good break, the little guys and the big guys. We don't live so long."
I think that is why Anré carried himself in life with that beatific smile of his. He never took a single day for granted, not knowing if it might be his last. He wanted to share how beautiful life was with everyone he came into contact with. He was as generous-hearted and sweet a person as I ever hope to meet. The kind of guy who would give you the shirt off his back, a shirt big enough for four or five people. He never let anyone pay for a meal or drink as he wanted to be the one to give instead of receiving.
Just to show anyone not knowing who I am talking about just HOW BIG this guy was (it was genetic by the way and, yes, caused his death before he ever turned even only 50):
This is him in the movie with Princess Buttercup aka Robin Wright.
The famous beer can picture, also mentioned in this book. And yes, it's regular sized and has not been tampered with.
This is him with "Conan" aka Arnie.
So it shouldn't come as a surprise that (back injuries aside), André could lift an Aston Martin with his bare hands (yep, he did it once). He sometimes made fun of his friends by moving their parked cars while they were in a building. *lol*
This book, then, is a nostalgic read even for me. It makes you relive the movie and get a deep insight into life back then and it gives you the impression of truly knowing all the people involved (there were some surprising and personal revelations from all involved in here). However, it also makes you miss your childhood while still making you feel cozy - just like the movie itself. I hope the movie will continue to be ageless and beloved and yes, I'm gonna rewatch it tonight.
Though the print edition has cool production pictures and even some private ones from the cast and crew, this audio version was the best because it made it even funnier and lovelier.
We start with the horrendous ordeal almost any movie has to go through to get approval (Hollywood is just stupid), followed by Rob Reiner meeting the author and convincing him to grant them the rights (after the Hollywood disaster the author had bought the rights back). Then comes casting and, finally, the actual production and reception (which wasn't too good at first). But this description sounds dull. This book, however, is anything but.
The way Cary Elwes lovingly retells his experiences, the fact that all the cast members contributed, the humbleness and heart of all involved, the genius of Rob Reiner, ... a truly magical and exceptional story that leaves no doubt about why the movie is still so important to people all around the world.
Also, some experiences are almost unbelievable. Like when Elwes meets a fan who tells him how the movie saved his life:
My favourite story about this involves a man and his son whom I met while I was filming a movie in Rochester, New York. The father told me how the movie actually saved him from going insane.
I always have time for fans but this guy definitely piqued my interest.
"How, if you don't mind my asking?"
He proceeded to explain that he had been on active duty in the military and had recently returned from a long deployment in Iraq. His base had been located in a highly dangerous area. There were lots of snipers, IEDs, and mortar fire, he told me. After losing a lot of his comrades, morale amongst the unit had sunk to an all-time low. So every night from that point on, before the soldiers went out in their Humvees to secure the perimeter or go on patrol, their commanding officer would give them their orders and send them on their way with these words: "Have fun storming the castle!"
"Thanks to your movie we were all able to complete our mission on that base, as our CO was able to always make us smile before heading out. And that did a lot for morale."
That is profoundly powerful and underlines the importance of humour that the creators and cast definitely appreciate(d) too.
But, of course, there were some incredibly funny moments too, like the toe story (especially that Rob Reiner and Andy Scheinman thought he had just found a wonderfully elegant way of sitting down - bwahahahahaha).
Then there were the impressive parts, most notably the fencing.
Cary and Mandy had to learn to fence both left-handed and right-handed, and we wanted to make sure that they could design a really cool fencing sequence. So when we finally got to it, I was so proud of the fact that the two of them - I mean, Mandy had started working on it even before we went over to London; he was working on it I think for about four months, and Cary worked for only about two months - I'm very proud of the fact that every single frame of actual sword fighting is both of them. There are no doubles except for the acrobatics when they flip off the bar. The actual swordplay, every single frame, is just the two of them. Left-handed and right-handed. I put it up against any swordfight in movie history."
And Rob Reiner is right! That IS impressive. It is also said at one point that the swordmasters made them train with their left hands first and that, in the end, "Inigo" was actually better with his left, despite being right-handed (which explains why I thought his fight sequence right at the beginning of the iconic swordfight was better than when he had switched to his supposed strong hand).
What struck me was how many people of the movie business back then I actually know without actively knowing them. Like the two swordmasters Peter Diamond and Bob Anderson (both dead in the meantime, sadly). I've been a fangirl of theirs ever since I saw my first swordfight on television!
Or André the Giant (I know him from The Fall Guy and The Six Million Dollar Man mostly).
Let me tell you that Elwes' story of his fellow cast members were at least as intriguing as the production details themselves. Especially André stood out though, for he must have been one of those rare, truly gentle people.
André knew he wasn't going to live to a ripe old age and even told Billy Crystal at one point during the shoot, "We don't get such a good break, the little guys and the big guys. We don't live so long."
I think that is why Anré carried himself in life with that beatific smile of his. He never took a single day for granted, not knowing if it might be his last. He wanted to share how beautiful life was with everyone he came into contact with. He was as generous-hearted and sweet a person as I ever hope to meet. The kind of guy who would give you the shirt off his back, a shirt big enough for four or five people. He never let anyone pay for a meal or drink as he wanted to be the one to give instead of receiving.
Just to show anyone not knowing who I am talking about just HOW BIG this guy was (it was genetic by the way and, yes, caused his death before he ever turned even only 50):
This is him in the movie with Princess Buttercup aka Robin Wright.
The famous beer can picture, also mentioned in this book. And yes, it's regular sized and has not been tampered with.
This is him with "Conan" aka Arnie.
So it shouldn't come as a surprise that (back injuries aside), André could lift an Aston Martin with his bare hands (yep, he did it once). He sometimes made fun of his friends by moving their parked cars while they were in a building. *lol*
This book, then, is a nostalgic read even for me. It makes you relive the movie and get a deep insight into life back then and it gives you the impression of truly knowing all the people involved (there were some surprising and personal revelations from all involved in here). However, it also makes you miss your childhood while still making you feel cozy - just like the movie itself. I hope the movie will continue to be ageless and beloved and yes, I'm gonna rewatch it tonight.
December 8, 2014
First things first. If you're not a fan of The Princess Bride, (inconceivable!), then I wouldn't bother reading this book. Even if you're a big film buff or really enjoy entertainment memoirs, I'd say skip it. This isn't some Hollywood tell-all or insightful exploration of the movie business. There aren't juicy anecdotes about celebrity misbehavior. There aren't big technical explanations about filmmaking. Instead, this is a big, gushy, enthusiastically nostalgic love letter to The Princess Bride and everyone involved in making it. It's sweet and sentimental and affectionate. It also happens to be an incredibly fast read. I finished in two sittings.
If you are a fan of what is arguably the most quotable movie ever made (and one of my perennial favorites), then this is really worth reading. I was touched by how genuinely every one of the actors and crew members involved in the movie seem to care for it. They love it, they loved making it, and they love that we, the audience, love it. So we get little anecdotes about the making of the movie: how hard everyone worked, how nice everyone was, how funny everyone was. How special the experience was. It's all very faraway, Vaseline-on-the-lens nostalgic. But that's ok, because fans of this movie don't want to have their affection tainted by stories of bad behavior and arguments and sullenness. This movie is magical to the people who love it, and hearing that the people who made it feel that way too is exactly appropriate.
Now, please excuse me. I have to go rewatch the movie.
If you are a fan of what is arguably the most quotable movie ever made (and one of my perennial favorites), then this is really worth reading. I was touched by how genuinely every one of the actors and crew members involved in the movie seem to care for it. They love it, they loved making it, and they love that we, the audience, love it. So we get little anecdotes about the making of the movie: how hard everyone worked, how nice everyone was, how funny everyone was. How special the experience was. It's all very faraway, Vaseline-on-the-lens nostalgic. But that's ok, because fans of this movie don't want to have their affection tainted by stories of bad behavior and arguments and sullenness. This movie is magical to the people who love it, and hearing that the people who made it feel that way too is exactly appropriate.
Now, please excuse me. I have to go rewatch the movie.
November 14, 2015
★★★★★ (This is a review of the audiobook.) Wonderfully narrated by many of the stars from the movie, reading their contributions. I did miss Billy Crystal and Mandy Patinkin’s voices, but it is still a wonderful listen.
Even if you only liked The Princess Bride, and didn’t love it like I did, you'll enjoy this book. CE said he wrote it from his heart, and that comes through on every page.
Sorry... can’t write more, I’m off to re-watch the movie.
December 11, 2014
4 stars for the book itself, and 1 additional star for the wonderful narration.
It was just lovely, heart warming and funny. I listened to the whole thing with a big smile on my face and sometimes tears in my eyes.
If you're a fan of the movie, you HAVE to listen to the audiobook. Just make sure you've got the dvd ready once you're done!
It was just lovely, heart warming and funny. I listened to the whole thing with a big smile on my face and sometimes tears in my eyes.
If you're a fan of the movie, you HAVE to listen to the audiobook. Just make sure you've got the dvd ready once you're done!
October 17, 2014
Finished this one on the day I bought it. I'm thinking about buying it again, this time on audible so I can hear the author read it. For some reason, nearly everyone of the Andre stories – – of which there are many – – kept making my eyes fill with tears.
December 4, 2016
If you're a die-hard Princess Bride fan, you'll eat this up with a spoon. This is a light-hearted, charming account of the making of the movie from Cary Elwes' (Westley's) point of view. It's a definite love-fest between and about the cast members--no dirt dished here! That's okay, because we don't really want to think about our beloved PB characters being nasty to each other. There's plenty of awed admiration for everyone from the young, star-struck Cary, who was only 23 at the time of the filming. There are some genuinely funny stories, and some behind the scenes info that makes me impatient to watch the movie again. My favorite is the story behind Westley's first encounter with Count Rugen. I've definitely got to watch that again!
Anyway, if you're a PB fan, I suggest checking it out. The audio version is especially enjoyable, since you get to hear the entire story in Elwes's smooth British accent, along with inserted remarks from actual cast members. In this book, the PB world remains a fairy tale!
Anyway, if you're a PB fan, I suggest checking it out. The audio version is especially enjoyable, since you get to hear the entire story in Elwes's smooth British accent, along with inserted remarks from actual cast members. In this book, the PB world remains a fairy tale!
January 30, 2020
Unlike many of you, I am one of those who remembers life before The Princess Bride. In fact, I remember where I was the first time I saw it on VHS somewhere in the first few years of the VHS becoming popular--most likely 1989, but definitely before the fall of 1990 because it was before I was dating that cellist which was before I dated my now husband. But, and this may come as a shock to some of you fans, I've only seen the movie twice. But that has been enough that there wasn't one scene discussed in this audiobook that I didn't remember, so that's saying something.
What's more, I was never one to stay up late watching SNL and I really didn't know who most of the actors were--Peter Falk, of course, since he played Columbo--but no doubt I'd seen some of them without knowing their names. This was made before Google was born, and certainly before IMDB.
Yes, a solid four stars and I recommend this if you like well narrated audiobooks and have seen this film--even if you aren't one of those people who can quote very line. If you've never seen this film and you live in the western hemisphere or down under, then I suggest you do, since even the Pope and the US president at that time were huge fans, I kid you not. I am sure there are people who don't like this film, since there is no such thing as a film that everybody likes, but it definitely has a wide appeal to people of multiple generations.
What's more, I was never one to stay up late watching SNL and I really didn't know who most of the actors were--Peter Falk, of course, since he played Columbo--but no doubt I'd seen some of them without knowing their names. This was made before Google was born, and certainly before IMDB.
Yes, a solid four stars and I recommend this if you like well narrated audiobooks and have seen this film--even if you aren't one of those people who can quote very line. If you've never seen this film and you live in the western hemisphere or down under, then I suggest you do, since even the Pope and the US president at that time were huge fans, I kid you not. I am sure there are people who don't like this film, since there is no such thing as a film that everybody likes, but it definitely has a wide appeal to people of multiple generations.
February 27, 2018
A happy, cute, sweet (insert sugary words here) non-fiction story about the making of the classing movie, The Princess Bride.
Honestly, I don't what I was expecting. There is no juicy dish here, nothing out of the ordinary. Just a great group of actors who genuinely seemed to love each other talking about the rather mundane aspects of filming said movie. The most exciting part of the story was when Cary Elwes broke his toe.
A must read for The Princess Bride superfans, but just a mildly pleasant way to pass the time for everyone else.
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August 29, 2020
Last year, Disney (I think) floated out the idea of remaking The Princess Bride. In a world of stupid politicians, racist violence, an unsteady economy and now Covid, apparently the one thing people agree on is DO NOT REMAKE THE PRINCESS BRIDE!!!!!!
Charming, sweet and engaging. Words that describe both The Princess Bride and As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales from the Making of The Princess Bride and make this a great book to either read or listen to right now. I recommend the audio as Cary Elwes narrates it along with additional narration from some of the major cast members. His enthusiasm for the movie as well as his crush on Robin Wright come through clearly.
Keep on flipping if you’re expecting a scandalous behind the scenes expose on Hollywood, this is the love affair the cast had in creating a quirky romantic classic. Each actor from sweet Cary Elwes, exuberant Rob Reiner, Chris Guest, Wallace Shawn, Billy Crystal etc and so forth talks about what a wonderful experience it was making the movie. You don’t have to read between the lines to see that the breakout darlings of the cast were Robin Wright, Andre the Giant, and I suspect Cary, as the more experienced actors were blown away how perfect they were for the part. In fact Goldman wrote Fezzik with Andre the Giant as his inspiration. CE was 24 at the time, and Robin Wright was a little younger and coming off the soap Santa Barbara.
Cary doesn’t detail every scene and experience but those that stand out to him regarding himself and the other actors. It's fun reading the behind the scenes background of how Cary Elwes broken toe affected his performance, Wallace Shawn's freak out over his casting, and the enthusiasm Rob Reiner had for his cast and the story. There is a hint of "Gee whiz" but who cares.
The ongoing second storyline is how hard he and Mandy Pantinkin worked to make their sword fight the very best. The scene stands out as one of the top three cinematic sword fights and is as much a duel of wits as a duel of swords.
My favorite individual was William Goldman who wrote this book decades ago and was so concerned about how it would be turned into a movie. So concerned he actually bought the rights back on his own book. And this is after directors as legendary as Francois Truffaut, Norman Jewison and Robert Redford showed interest but couldn’t get it done. Truffaut? Mmm, nope.
Goldman is pretty endearing despite insane talent. He states turning TPB into a movie was the most important thing he's ever done, and this is a man that wrote the screenplays for The Stepford Wives, All the President's Men, and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. My favorite part
The sword fight
https://www.google.com/search?client=...
Charming, sweet and engaging. Words that describe both The Princess Bride and As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales from the Making of The Princess Bride and make this a great book to either read or listen to right now. I recommend the audio as Cary Elwes narrates it along with additional narration from some of the major cast members. His enthusiasm for the movie as well as his crush on Robin Wright come through clearly.
Keep on flipping if you’re expecting a scandalous behind the scenes expose on Hollywood, this is the love affair the cast had in creating a quirky romantic classic. Each actor from sweet Cary Elwes, exuberant Rob Reiner, Chris Guest, Wallace Shawn, Billy Crystal etc and so forth talks about what a wonderful experience it was making the movie. You don’t have to read between the lines to see that the breakout darlings of the cast were Robin Wright, Andre the Giant, and I suspect Cary, as the more experienced actors were blown away how perfect they were for the part. In fact Goldman wrote Fezzik with Andre the Giant as his inspiration. CE was 24 at the time, and Robin Wright was a little younger and coming off the soap Santa Barbara.
Cary doesn’t detail every scene and experience but those that stand out to him regarding himself and the other actors. It's fun reading the behind the scenes background of how Cary Elwes broken toe affected his performance, Wallace Shawn's freak out over his casting, and the enthusiasm Rob Reiner had for his cast and the story. There is a hint of "Gee whiz" but who cares.
The ongoing second storyline is how hard he and Mandy Pantinkin worked to make their sword fight the very best. The scene stands out as one of the top three cinematic sword fights and is as much a duel of wits as a duel of swords.
My favorite individual was William Goldman who wrote this book decades ago and was so concerned about how it would be turned into a movie. So concerned he actually bought the rights back on his own book. And this is after directors as legendary as Francois Truffaut, Norman Jewison and Robert Redford showed interest but couldn’t get it done. Truffaut? Mmm, nope.
Goldman is pretty endearing despite insane talent. He states turning TPB into a movie was the most important thing he's ever done, and this is a man that wrote the screenplays for The Stepford Wives, All the President's Men, and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. My favorite part
The sword fight
https://www.google.com/search?client=...
July 4, 2016
Before I start my review, I want to mention that As You Wish is the perfect audiobook for a road trip between St. Louis, Missouri and Kansas City, Kansas. I was traveling with my daughter and husband, and we were all entertained by Elwes' memories of the making of the film. It's really not that easy to find a book that works for all three of us, but this was an absolute hit. I can't recommend it enough and if you're already a fan of the movie, I'm sure that you'll love it even more.
Though it starts out a bit self-congratulatory in tone, throwing around words like "timeless", "modern classic", and "once-in-a-lifetime experience", As You Wish is ultimately, like The Princess Bride, a very sweet and and enjoyable memoir about the events behind the making of the film. At first, as I said, I was afraid that I was going to be bored to tears. Rob Reiner wrote and narrated the foreward and it is sugary sweet in its praise of the author, the movie, and everything to do with either. This high praise, some may argue, is well deserved, but I thought that it might have fit better in the flow of the tale as an afterword. First, the play then the applause, but, that's just my opinion.
Some of the best parts of the memoir, not surprisingly, centered around Elwes' interactions with his colorful co-stars. Andre the Giant figures largely into this tale, as he did in life, not only because of the enormous size of his body but also his heart. The brightest among us always seem to burn too quickly. Another of my favorite parts is the description of Elwes' and Patinkin's struggle to film the "greatest sword fight in modern times." I had no idea of the amount of backbreaking work that went into the acquisition of the skills to run the scene. From day one of filming, Elwes and Patinkin were schooled by some of the best sword fighters in the movie business. Now that I know, I'm going to have to re-watch the film. I had always assumed that the fight was done by stuntmen. How wrong I was...
If you enjoy the film, The Princess Bride, you must listen to this audiobook. It is a real treat and you'll appreciate some hidden gems revealed by Elwes' narration. To borrow some descriptors from the book, it was a magical, "once-in-a-lifetime" moment when talent and story mixed together to create a "timeless, modern classic". If you're looking for some film related read-alikes (for movies other than the Princess Bride), try Nerd Do Well by Simon Pegg or A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Future...: Twists and Turns and Lessons Learned by Michael J. Fox.
Though it starts out a bit self-congratulatory in tone, throwing around words like "timeless", "modern classic", and "once-in-a-lifetime experience", As You Wish is ultimately, like The Princess Bride, a very sweet and and enjoyable memoir about the events behind the making of the film. At first, as I said, I was afraid that I was going to be bored to tears. Rob Reiner wrote and narrated the foreward and it is sugary sweet in its praise of the author, the movie, and everything to do with either. This high praise, some may argue, is well deserved, but I thought that it might have fit better in the flow of the tale as an afterword. First, the play then the applause, but, that's just my opinion.
Some of the best parts of the memoir, not surprisingly, centered around Elwes' interactions with his colorful co-stars. Andre the Giant figures largely into this tale, as he did in life, not only because of the enormous size of his body but also his heart. The brightest among us always seem to burn too quickly. Another of my favorite parts is the description of Elwes' and Patinkin's struggle to film the "greatest sword fight in modern times." I had no idea of the amount of backbreaking work that went into the acquisition of the skills to run the scene. From day one of filming, Elwes and Patinkin were schooled by some of the best sword fighters in the movie business. Now that I know, I'm going to have to re-watch the film. I had always assumed that the fight was done by stuntmen. How wrong I was...
If you enjoy the film, The Princess Bride, you must listen to this audiobook. It is a real treat and you'll appreciate some hidden gems revealed by Elwes' narration. To borrow some descriptors from the book, it was a magical, "once-in-a-lifetime" moment when talent and story mixed together to create a "timeless, modern classic". If you're looking for some film related read-alikes (for movies other than the Princess Bride), try Nerd Do Well by Simon Pegg or A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Future...: Twists and Turns and Lessons Learned by Michael J. Fox.
May 27, 2024
The Princess Bride movie is an enduring classic. The novel is one of my favorite books of all time. This behind-the-scenes memoir by Cary Elwes honored them both and delivered exactly what Princess Bride fans want to know.
First, if you’ve never read The Princess Bride, I can’t recommend it highly enough! Even if you’ve seen the movie, the book by William Goldman is a standout showstopper!
This memoir spans from the initial call Cary received to audition for the role of Westley, the casting of other characters, the “making of” details, the lackluster movie opening to he rise to worldwide phenomenon, concluding with a cast reunion for a 25th anniversary viewing at Lincoln Center. While primarily told from Cary’s perspective, it’s interspersed with snippets from other cast members, the director Rob Reiner, the producer, and the book author.
I read very few celebrity memoirs because I find they rarely focus on what I most want to know. But with this book, it’s like I asked for all the most interesting details, and Cary delivered a spectacular As you wish.”
I listened to the audiobook which in addition to Cary, featured narration from other pivotal actors, Rob Reiner, etc., which made it a fabulous listening experience. I also checked out the ebook because it includes behind-the-scenes captioned photos and it would have been inconceivable to miss those.
First, if you’ve never read The Princess Bride, I can’t recommend it highly enough! Even if you’ve seen the movie, the book by William Goldman is a standout showstopper!
This memoir spans from the initial call Cary received to audition for the role of Westley, the casting of other characters, the “making of” details, the lackluster movie opening to he rise to worldwide phenomenon, concluding with a cast reunion for a 25th anniversary viewing at Lincoln Center. While primarily told from Cary’s perspective, it’s interspersed with snippets from other cast members, the director Rob Reiner, the producer, and the book author.
I read very few celebrity memoirs because I find they rarely focus on what I most want to know. But with this book, it’s like I asked for all the most interesting details, and Cary delivered a spectacular As you wish.”
I listened to the audiobook which in addition to Cary, featured narration from other pivotal actors, Rob Reiner, etc., which made it a fabulous listening experience. I also checked out the ebook because it includes behind-the-scenes captioned photos and it would have been inconceivable to miss those.
November 5, 2014
I'd rate this 4.5 stars.
I was a freshman in college in 1987 when The Princess Bride was released in theaters. (Egads.) I didn't know what to expect from the movie, but I'm a big fan of noble quests, swashbuckling heroes, and true love, so it was no surprise I was completely enamored of it, and saw it twice more in the theaters. (What else was I going to do, study?)
Even though The Princess Bride is one of my favorite movies of all time, it was only a modest box office hit. I had no idea 27 years ago that I was watching a movie that was destined to be a classic, and as I've learned from Cary Elwes' terrific As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales from the Making of The Princess Bride, the film's actors and creators had no idea either.
The role of Westley, the film's protagonist, was a career-making one for Elwes, who was an actor with very few films under his belt when his agent told him director Rob Reiner wanted to meet with him. A fan of William Goldman's book when he read it as a teenager, he knew this was a movie he desperately wanted to be a part of, even though he had no idea just how it would change his life.
If you're a fan of The Princess Bride, you'll love this book. It's a great look at what it was like to make a movie like this with a small budget back in the 1980s (the descriptions of their "special effects" were very amusing, and they definitely have given me some things to look for the next time I watch the movie). There's also some behind-the-scenes stuff I had never heard before, like the fact than an earlier version of the film being pitched by a different director had a then-unknown Arnold Schwarzenegger as Fezzik. The book is also interspersed with reminiscences from Reiner and his producing partner, Andy Scheinman, as well as Goldman, and costars Robin Wright, Wallace Shawn, Mandy Patinkin, Billy Crystal, Carol Kane, and Fred Savage.
The anecdotes Elwes shares about his many costars, were fascinating, humorous, and, in some cases, touching. (His recollections of his relationship with André the Giant were really special.) What I loved about it was the fact that every actor (as well as Reiner and Scheinman) recognized they were part of something special, even if they didn't realize the lasting appeal the movie would have. But more than that, the book gives you a small sense of how much fun it must have been to be part of this movie, because it was fun simply reading about it.
I'm grateful to Cary Elwes for writing this book and giving me more reasons to treasure The Princess Bride. If you're someone who finds themselves uttering, "Inconceivable," "Have fun storming the castle," or, of course, "As you wish," occasionally, you'll enjoy it as much as I did.
I was a freshman in college in 1987 when The Princess Bride was released in theaters. (Egads.) I didn't know what to expect from the movie, but I'm a big fan of noble quests, swashbuckling heroes, and true love, so it was no surprise I was completely enamored of it, and saw it twice more in the theaters. (What else was I going to do, study?)
Even though The Princess Bride is one of my favorite movies of all time, it was only a modest box office hit. I had no idea 27 years ago that I was watching a movie that was destined to be a classic, and as I've learned from Cary Elwes' terrific As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales from the Making of The Princess Bride, the film's actors and creators had no idea either.
The role of Westley, the film's protagonist, was a career-making one for Elwes, who was an actor with very few films under his belt when his agent told him director Rob Reiner wanted to meet with him. A fan of William Goldman's book when he read it as a teenager, he knew this was a movie he desperately wanted to be a part of, even though he had no idea just how it would change his life.
If you're a fan of The Princess Bride, you'll love this book. It's a great look at what it was like to make a movie like this with a small budget back in the 1980s (the descriptions of their "special effects" were very amusing, and they definitely have given me some things to look for the next time I watch the movie). There's also some behind-the-scenes stuff I had never heard before, like the fact than an earlier version of the film being pitched by a different director had a then-unknown Arnold Schwarzenegger as Fezzik. The book is also interspersed with reminiscences from Reiner and his producing partner, Andy Scheinman, as well as Goldman, and costars Robin Wright, Wallace Shawn, Mandy Patinkin, Billy Crystal, Carol Kane, and Fred Savage.
The anecdotes Elwes shares about his many costars, were fascinating, humorous, and, in some cases, touching. (His recollections of his relationship with André the Giant were really special.) What I loved about it was the fact that every actor (as well as Reiner and Scheinman) recognized they were part of something special, even if they didn't realize the lasting appeal the movie would have. But more than that, the book gives you a small sense of how much fun it must have been to be part of this movie, because it was fun simply reading about it.
I'm grateful to Cary Elwes for writing this book and giving me more reasons to treasure The Princess Bride. If you're someone who finds themselves uttering, "Inconceivable," "Have fun storming the castle," or, of course, "As you wish," occasionally, you'll enjoy it as much as I did.
June 6, 2015
First of all, if by some odd chance you have not seen the movie The Princess Bride, GO WATCH IT BEFORE YOU READ THIS BOOK. At least five times, if not five dozen. Then you can come read As You Wish and see the movie in your head while you read. You can say to yourself "Okay, let me go watch again to see if I spot the USS Coral Sea baseball cap in the little boy's bedroom!" And "Westley really was knocked unconscious when
the Duke hit him on the head with the hilt of his sword?!....I thought it was just extremely good timing!"
I first saw The Princess Bride in 1988 or 89, when Then Husband and I went to have dinner with some friends. We all made a trip to the video store (this was before DVDs) to pick an after dinner movie or two. I had read The Princess Bride a few times so when I saw the box on the shelf I got all excited. We rented a blood and guts one the guys insisted on also, but at the house it was ladies first, and we all liked The Princess Bride so much we watched it twice and never saw the gory movie at all.
Since then I've lost track of how many times I have seen the movie, but I know I want to see it again NOW so I can watch for all the other little behind the scenes secrets Elwes shares in this fun book. (That broken toe....dang, it must have hurt!)
Since I know the movie so well, reading this book was like being on set during filming. It was a privilege to see just how connected all the actors were, how much they felt like family, how much fun they had during the shooting, how very special they all were individually and how magical they were together.
By the way, if by some odd chance you have not read The Princess Bride GO READ IT! And be prepared to die....laughing. I've already started yet another re-read, so I'm off to storm the castle now. Have fun!
the Duke hit him on the head with the hilt of his sword?!....I thought it was just extremely good timing!"
I first saw The Princess Bride in 1988 or 89, when Then Husband and I went to have dinner with some friends. We all made a trip to the video store (this was before DVDs) to pick an after dinner movie or two. I had read The Princess Bride a few times so when I saw the box on the shelf I got all excited. We rented a blood and guts one the guys insisted on also, but at the house it was ladies first, and we all liked The Princess Bride so much we watched it twice and never saw the gory movie at all.
Since then I've lost track of how many times I have seen the movie, but I know I want to see it again NOW so I can watch for all the other little behind the scenes secrets Elwes shares in this fun book. (That broken toe....dang, it must have hurt!)
Since I know the movie so well, reading this book was like being on set during filming. It was a privilege to see just how connected all the actors were, how much they felt like family, how much fun they had during the shooting, how very special they all were individually and how magical they were together.
By the way, if by some odd chance you have not read The Princess Bride GO READ IT! And be prepared to die....laughing. I've already started yet another re-read, so I'm off to storm the castle now. Have fun!
November 28, 2019
Cary Elwes, the swashbuckling leading man of the fairytale classic, The Princess Bride, takes us on a journey through the making of this film. From the first day's casting to the final scene, he shares his experience as a twenty-three-year-old actor stepping into the principal role of a project peppered with comedic legends. Director Rob Reiner, fresh off his mockumentary hit This is Spinal Tap, filled his roster with as much journeyman talent as it could hold - including but not limited to: Mandy Patinkin, Billy Crystal, Christopher Guest, Carol Kane, Chris Sarandon, Peter Falk, Wallace Shawn, Peter Cook, and Mel Smith. Mr. Elwes admits, quite graciously, to have been quaking nearly every day in those sleek black pirate boots of his.
While overall a softball pitch of a series of reflections, there are some interesting stories here about life on-set with the anxious Mr. Shawn (who feared throughout that he was about to be replaced by Danny DeVito), the competitive Patinkin (whose sword got away from him to embed itself in Guest's upper thigh), and the towering presence of Andre the Giant (who was ferried to school as a child by none other than Samuel Beckett).
What is also worthy of note, and makes this account unique in the genre of movie memoirs, is its complete lack of cynicism, combativeness, sexual content, or foul language. You could package the book with the movie and sell it to young and old alike. A compatible combination you might want to keep in mind come the holiday season and the nightmare of locating a gift for, say, your persnickety old Aunt Tilly.
While overall a softball pitch of a series of reflections, there are some interesting stories here about life on-set with the anxious Mr. Shawn (who feared throughout that he was about to be replaced by Danny DeVito), the competitive Patinkin (whose sword got away from him to embed itself in Guest's upper thigh), and the towering presence of Andre the Giant (who was ferried to school as a child by none other than Samuel Beckett).
What is also worthy of note, and makes this account unique in the genre of movie memoirs, is its complete lack of cynicism, combativeness, sexual content, or foul language. You could package the book with the movie and sell it to young and old alike. A compatible combination you might want to keep in mind come the holiday season and the nightmare of locating a gift for, say, your persnickety old Aunt Tilly.
December 6, 2019
This was such a delightful experience. Nonfiction isn’t anywhere near by genre of choice, but The Princess Bride is among my favorite movies of all time, so I decided to give it a go. Also, Carey Elwes is an absolute treasure. But even the fact that the book was the backstory of one of my favorite movies as told by its lead actor wasn’t enough to entice me into buying a copy of this book. Until I came across the audio version. Let me tell you, I jumped right on that, especially once I learned that Carey Elwes himself, along with the majority of his Princess Bride co-stars and those who were involved with filming, directing, writing, and producing the movie, narrated the audio. Getting to hear these people, whose work together has been delighting countless viewers for over 30 years, talk about their experience with the movie was a wonderful experience. It just made me appreciate even more this movie that has been so special to me for nearly half of my life. So many lines from this story have worked their way into my family’s vocabulary and, while that is in large part due to the brilliance of Goldman’s writing, the voices in which we heard them spoken are what have kept them in our heads for well over a decade.
In recent years I’ve come to really appreciate what audiobooks bring to the table. I strongly disagree with those who don’t consider audiobook consumption to be truly “reading,” as studies have shown the the exact same portions of the brain are being stimulated by visually reading or listening to a story. (That being said, I also firmly disagree with those who listen to a dozen or more books a week at the highest speed possible, resulting in chipmunk-esque background noise. I don’t see how on earth anyone could properly connect with a story in that way, but that’s just my personal opinion.) Audiobooks have become among my most constant companions, accompanying me on long walks and long drives and long bouts of household chores.
I’ve experienced some truly wonderful stories through this medium, and Elwes’s story behind The Princess Bride is among those. First of all, hearing anything as told by its author is always a fantastic experience, especially if they happen to have a nice speaking voice. Elwes, who has made his living off of his voice and face, was a pleasure to listen to. And he wasn’t alone. Getting to hear from Billy Crystal and Robin Wright, Rob Reiner and many more, was equally wonderful. I loved hearing how much everyone loved their involvement in this movie and knew it was special long before it gained it loyal following. I also loved that everyone involved in the making of the movie seemed so genuinely fond of one another, and had such great respect of one another.
One of the most unexpected aspects of this book was how much everyone raved about Andre the Giant, one of the few cast members who had passed on before the writing of this book. While I had always found his character sweet and delightful, I knew little about him outside of his role as Fezzik. Hearing about how much everyone loved him was just so sweet. Throughout the entire audiobook, I was captivated by how much everyone loved and respected each other, and that, for the most part, filming this movie was a wonderful experience for them and still serves as one of the highlights of their careers.
If you’re a fan of The Princess Bride, you really need to give this book a read. And I wholeheartedly recommend doing so through audio, as the story was far more impactful in my opinion whey voiced by those who lived it. If you haven’t seen The Princess Bride, I’m begging you to give it a shot. It’s beloved for a reason. Everything about As You Wish made my heart happy. Now excuse me while I go rewatch the movie was the hundredth time.
Have fun storming the castle!
You can find this review and more at Novel Notions.
In recent years I’ve come to really appreciate what audiobooks bring to the table. I strongly disagree with those who don’t consider audiobook consumption to be truly “reading,” as studies have shown the the exact same portions of the brain are being stimulated by visually reading or listening to a story. (That being said, I also firmly disagree with those who listen to a dozen or more books a week at the highest speed possible, resulting in chipmunk-esque background noise. I don’t see how on earth anyone could properly connect with a story in that way, but that’s just my personal opinion.) Audiobooks have become among my most constant companions, accompanying me on long walks and long drives and long bouts of household chores.
I’ve experienced some truly wonderful stories through this medium, and Elwes’s story behind The Princess Bride is among those. First of all, hearing anything as told by its author is always a fantastic experience, especially if they happen to have a nice speaking voice. Elwes, who has made his living off of his voice and face, was a pleasure to listen to. And he wasn’t alone. Getting to hear from Billy Crystal and Robin Wright, Rob Reiner and many more, was equally wonderful. I loved hearing how much everyone loved their involvement in this movie and knew it was special long before it gained it loyal following. I also loved that everyone involved in the making of the movie seemed so genuinely fond of one another, and had such great respect of one another.
One of the most unexpected aspects of this book was how much everyone raved about Andre the Giant, one of the few cast members who had passed on before the writing of this book. While I had always found his character sweet and delightful, I knew little about him outside of his role as Fezzik. Hearing about how much everyone loved him was just so sweet. Throughout the entire audiobook, I was captivated by how much everyone loved and respected each other, and that, for the most part, filming this movie was a wonderful experience for them and still serves as one of the highlights of their careers.
If you’re a fan of The Princess Bride, you really need to give this book a read. And I wholeheartedly recommend doing so through audio, as the story was far more impactful in my opinion whey voiced by those who lived it. If you haven’t seen The Princess Bride, I’m begging you to give it a shot. It’s beloved for a reason. Everything about As You Wish made my heart happy. Now excuse me while I go rewatch the movie was the hundredth time.
Have fun storming the castle!
You can find this review and more at Novel Notions.
March 1, 2015
If somehow you have managed over the last 28 or so years managed to miss The Princess Bride stop what you're doing and get it. Maybe you can find it on line or available on your cable system...go ahead, the rest of us will wait. Go watch it.....
Okay, caught up? Now you'll see why I recommend this book and what all we nerds see in this classic gem of a movie.
I learned a lot from this books which i got in audio read by the author. The first thing i learned is that for 28 years I've been mispronouncing "Elwes"...
Really, the story of the making of the movie which it turns out looked for a long time as if it wouldn't get made I predict you'll find, funny, endearing and sad.
It seems that the script of this movie had been "floating" around for some years. No one knew what to call it. Wes it an adventure? Was it a parody? Was it a romance? That curse followed it even after the movie was made. If you were around back in 1987 you may recall that in theaters the movie didn't make much of a "splash".
However once it hit video we all discovered it and the movie has never looked back. Now multiple generations have seen and loved the movie.
So, really read (or if you take my advice listen to) this one. Recomm3ended, enjoy.
Okay, caught up? Now you'll see why I recommend this book and what all we nerds see in this classic gem of a movie.
I learned a lot from this books which i got in audio read by the author. The first thing i learned is that for 28 years I've been mispronouncing "Elwes"...
Really, the story of the making of the movie which it turns out looked for a long time as if it wouldn't get made I predict you'll find, funny, endearing and sad.
It seems that the script of this movie had been "floating" around for some years. No one knew what to call it. Wes it an adventure? Was it a parody? Was it a romance? That curse followed it even after the movie was made. If you were around back in 1987 you may recall that in theaters the movie didn't make much of a "splash".
However once it hit video we all discovered it and the movie has never looked back. Now multiple generations have seen and loved the movie.
So, really read (or if you take my advice listen to) this one. Recomm3ended, enjoy.
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