As You Wish

Inconceivable Tales from the Making of The Princess Bride

By: Cary Elwes, Joe Layden, Rob Reiner - foreword

Narrated by: Cary Elwes, Christopher Guest, Carol Kane, Norman Lear, Rob Reiner, Wallace Shawn, Robin Wright, Billy Crystal

From actor Cary Elwes, who played the iconic role of Westley in The Princess Bride, comes a first-person account and behind-the-scenes look at the making of the cult classic film filled with never-before-told stories and interviews with costars Robin Wright, Wallace Shawn, Billy Crystal, Christopher Guest, and Mandy Patinkin, as well as author and screenwriter William Goldman, producer Norman Lear, and director Rob Reiner.

The Princess Bride has been a family favorite for close to three decades. Ranked by the American Film Institute as one of the top 100 Greatest Love Stories and by the Writers Guild of America as one of the top 100 screenplays of all time, The Princess Bride will continue to resonate with audiences for years to come.

Cary Elwes was inspired to share his memories and give fans an unprecedented look into the creation of the film while participating in the twenty-fifth anniversary cast reunion. In As You Wish he has created an enchanting experience; in addition to interviews with his fellow cast mates, there are plenty of set secrets and backstage stories.

With a foreword by Rob Reiner, As You Wish is a must-have for all fans of this beloved film.

The full list of narrators includes: Cary Elwes, Christopher Guest, Carol Kane, Norman Lear, Rob Reiner, Chris Sarandon, Andy Scheinman, Wallace Shawn, Robin Wright, and Billy Crystal.

©2014 Cary Elwes. All rights reserved. (P)2014 Simon & Schuster, Inc. All rights reserved.

Too short!

I loved this book and wanted to hear more. This is a very upbeat, behind the scenes look at this fabulous movie. Andre' was mentioned multiple times and I am indeed pleased to have heard more about this "gentle, positive giant." My only complaint is that it was too short, I want to know more about many parts of the movie.

Stroll down memory lane

I generally don't go for memoirs because I have found that many who write them aren't natural story tellers, and if they also narrate them, they often have a stiff, unspontaneous presentation that takes away the feeling of "being there". But because I love the movie so well, and because much of the original cast are included in the reading, I thought it was worth a chance, especially at the Daily Deal price.

Some of my usual concerns were confirmed - even the superb actors doing their readings sounded overly practiced and scripted rather than eagerly relating favorite memories. Cary's choice of stories was sometimes a bit unbalanced - for example, the tale of his broken toe seemed to go on forever. And I guess I had hoped for some real laughs, but there really weren't any stories that tickled my funny bone - sort of a "you had to be there" feeling.

But there were some genuinely interesting insights into the cast and the process of creating the movie, and there seemed to be a sincerity about how well everyone got along and looked out for each other throughout the shooting. There are certainly a few scenes I will be watching more closely the next time I see it to catch some quirks not previously known. Because of my fondness for the movie and some of the new backstories, I will offer a fairly generous 4 star, though I really feel only about 3.5 for it.

Everything I could have wished for!

I don't remember the last time I teared up because I was so sad a book had to end. The Princess Bride was a huge part of my childhood and influenced me in so many ways as a person and as a writer. To hear the whole cast reminisce on their experiences and learning new things about a film I know as well as the back of my own (not six-fingered) hand was pure joy. While the writing is fantastic, the audiobook took everything to a whole new level hearing these very personal experiences from the people themselves, and kudos to the pro job of proofing, editing, and sound mixing of the staff that produced this. Quite simply, it is everything an audiobook should be, and I couldn't have wished for more!

Simply wonderful!!!

I could say so much about this audio book along with the movie, The Princess Bride... but I will keep this as short and sweet as I can.

If you loved the movie and ever wanted "extras" on a special edition release of it, this is the extras you've been longing to experience!

I can see all of it in my head as Cary takes us on a journey with him through the behind the scenes of what is still one of my utmost favorite fantasy movies.

I too still quotes lines from it often with "Have fun storming the castle!" being my quote of choice.

It was a perfect listening experience and I thank all of the people involved in it as well as in the movie too. And what would the movie be without the story that started it all? So I thank you for that too.

Don't question if you should get this audio book to add to your collection of The Princess Bride goodness. It's worth it.

Not just for those who love the movie

A beautifully written and told story about the people behind the making of The Princess Bride.

Highly recommended!

I have now lived it

great to hear the actors talk about their time making the most wonderful movie ever made. Cary framed it all perfectly and made me feel a part of the production.

By far my favorite audio book to date!

This was my second time through this book and I enjoyed as much if not more then the first time. It is amazingly funny, insightful and nastalgic. So many fun memories of watching the movie with friends and family rush over me as I listen.

wonderful book

Absolutely wonderful. Every bit as beautiful as the movie. I will never watch the Princess Bride the same way. I may even live the movie more now, if that's possible.

A MUST! If you're a fan of The Princess Bride!

This was VERY enjoyable!

One of my favorite parts:
--- SPOILER ALERT! ---

Discovering that when Christopher Guest, who played Count Rugen, hits Carey Elwes, who played Wesley, on the head with the butt of his sword (just after Wesley and Buttercup exit the Fireswamp), Guest accidentally knocked Carey Elwes out! So what we see in the movie was Elwes actually losing consciousness!

Worth a listen for any fan of the film.

This gave me a new appreciation for the film. I somehow love it even more than I used to.