To say I’m a Princess Bride fan is putting it lightly. I have no clue how many times I’ve seen the movie (I still re-watch it at least once a year). I’ve read William Goldman’s book on more than one occasion. So when the audible daily deal was As You Wish by Cary Elwes talking about the making of said beloved film I scooped it right up. I mean our wedding ceremony started with, “Mawage, mawage is what bwings us togethew today.”
This is a light memoir discussing the initial setup and then subsequent filming of The Princess Bride. Mostly told from Mr. Elwes first person point of view it is often interspersed with others involved viewpoints. It made for a very well rounded listen. For those not familiar with the story part, feel free to go read Mr. Goldman’s book, then watch the movie, then come back and enjoy this audiobook.
At first the tale felt a little reverential. Everything was wonderful and magic to Mr. Elwes. But as you keep reading (listening) EVERYONE feels this way. Everyone remembers it as one of the best experiences of their lives. All of the people involved can’t be wrong, right? There’s tales of how most of the actors were cast, filming different famous scenes, and antics on and off the set. Overall it left me smiling for all of the car hours logged with it. Just like the actual book and film. Huh.
Anywho, if you’re a TPB fan I highly recommend. There’s a lot of love involved in this one. And you get to hear about going drinking with Andre the Giant. What a great way to spend a few hours!
My husband gave me this book as a present, and I too picked up the audio book in the Audible deal. I have yet to actually get round to reading or listening to it, though. I really should. I love everything about The Princess Bride, the book, the film, the soundtrack. I think I own the book in three different copies and have the movie on both dvd and blu-ray (I used to own it on vhs). It’s just the perfect film for me.
I love that you included the Peter Cook opening to your marriage ceremony, that is amazing. My husband and I thought about it, but decided our parents (who were mostly paying for the thing) would not be amused.
Our friend who officiated suggested it as a joke, and was a little surprised when my answer was YES! YOU MUST! Thankfully my parents, who also helped pay, were the ones who first introduced me to The Princess Bride and can recite the movie along with me. They burst out laughing when he started so we were pretty pleased. Anywho, you should definitely give this a go when you need something to make you smile. Everyone on the darn thing is so positive it just kept leaving me in the best mood.
As I’m currently on sick-leave hoping desperately that the embryo from my second IVF-attempt will decide to settle in my womb, something happy and light sounds like just the ticket. I may start listening to the book when I go walking later.
Go little embryo, go!
[thinks happy pregnant thoughts for Malin]
Thank you! There is literally nothing I can do but wait, but I am staying away from caffeine (a huge sacrifice for me) and I cradle a hot water bottle on my lower abdomen pretty much constantly.
Yes! Happy baby thoughts heading your way Malin! Do you need a third read of The Hating Game? I’m all gooey and squishy inside from it right now.
Beth Ellen – can you lend Audible books? If so – I want! It was an excellent wedding ceremony all around. :)
Thank you! I may end up re-reading The Hating Game again, but most likely I’ll be re-reading Romancing the Duke by Tessa Dare and The Countess Conspiracy by Courtney Milan, as they are the books of the month for Felicia Day’s Vaginal Fantasy Book Club
Good luck Malin! All the positive baby energy is being sent your way!
Also, Ellepkay, I just sent it to you! Enjoy!
Fingers crossed!
Thank you!
Sending all the happy and positive thoughts Malin’s way! Which, spekaing of, I read this book at Malin’s suggestion of reading The Princess Bride for the first time after hundreds of movie viewings. Both were wonderful.
Thank you! Nine days left until the blood test, which will tell me if my womb is once more a barren wasteland or if I’m actually successfully gestating life this time. Trying to not go crazy. Started the audio book of this last night while out walking, it is indeed delightful!