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

Length: 7 hrs and 1 min

Publisher's summary

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.

As I wish

My husband had to drag my pregnant body into the movie theaters, to watch the Princess bride. I was determined to be miserable the entire time, because I only got to see him one and a half days out of the week. After about three minutes, it was apparent that I could no longer keep a stoic face. This movie had such an impact on me, that after my daughter was born, and my husband had to travel, our weekly ritual was to order Domino's Pizza, and watch the Princess bride.

Having such a close personal experience explained through Cary's audiobook was more than I could have wished for. His description of the real people involved in the making of the movie, was so enlightening. His telling of his experience, has brought new wonder and love towards the story. My appreciation grew through his eyes.

If I could have one more wish, that would be to enter that theater, in 1987, with the desire to enjoy it rather than prove to my husband that going to the movies was a bad idea. The mere fact that I could not keep up that Sharad, just proves what a wonderful movie this really was. And I'd like to extend my thanks to Cary for opening my eyes to the making of this movie. He made me feel like I was on the set experiencing the creation of this timeless classic, right alongside the other actors.

In Love All Over Again

What did you love best about As You Wish?

Cary Elwes captivated me as he used all his skill as an actor to immerse me into the story of bringing a beloved book to film. His love for this project shines through each word he speaks and his eagerness to draw the listener into this experience is charming. Until listening to this, I had no idea he was such an accomplished mimic, and without the audio I would not have experienced this delightful side of him.

Any additional comments?

I love how Cary weaves in the voices of so many others essential to the making of this film. Again, on audio you can hear the voices of all the contributors relate their own experience in their own words. Listening to this audio is like sitting around the family room among an enormously talented group of artists with all of them spontaneously contributing to a story meant just for you. A stellar example of a great audio experience.

A "must read" for fans of The Princess Bride

This is a "must read" for fans of The Princess Bride. The anecdotes are hilarious and will add another wonderful layer to this cult film. I recommend watching the movie again, recalling the memorable quotes ("Hello! My name is Inigo Montayo! You killed my father! Prepare to die!" and "Have fun stormin' the castle."), and then listening to the audio book, which is narrated by Cary Elwes (Westley). The only downside is the interview with Billy Crystal (Miracle Max) was done over the phone instead of in a studio. It is noticeably of lower quality than all the other interviews, which included Robin Wright (Buttercup), Mandy Patinkin (Inigo Montoya), Christopher Guest (Count Rugen), Wallace Shawn (Vizzini), Carol Kane (Valerie), Rob Reiner (director), William Goldman (writer), and Norman Lear (producer).

Only positive vibes

Only good behind-the-scenes stories, as it should be for the best feel-good movie of all time.

Charming and not to be missed!!!!

Even if the Princess Bride isn't one of your favorite films, treat yourself to the pleasure of listening to the utterly charming Cary Elwes telling stories about the making of the film and the wonderful experience everyone involved with it had. A must for any fantasy OR film buffs. I just felt good after listening to this book- it will put a smile on your face and make you want to go and watch the movie all over again :)

Outstanding

A brilliantly assembled recount of the making of a tremendous movie. You get a unique glimpse into production as well as the mindset of the actors portraying their respective characters.

Lovely

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes. It was really fun to listen to. I actually couldn't stop listening. It was fascinating to hear them talk about the movie. It was really addiction.

What was the most compelling aspect of this narrative?

Anything about Andre the Giant, or anything that gave you a peak into the secrets of things that happened in the movie. Like the effects of a broken toe!

Which character – as performed by the narrators – was your favorite?

The narrator. He did many impressions in the book. I liked that.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

"As you wish." :)

Any additional comments?

Loved it, loved it, loved it.

Thank you!

An excellent companion to one of my favorite movies. I enjoyed hearing the behind the scenes stuff and the fact that it was read by members of the cast only made it better. This book made me re-watch and read the movie and book. It really made me feel like a kid again.

Love the movie? enjoy the book

What did you love best about As You Wish?

It was grade A mind candy that takes on you on a nice ride that is parallel to the one the movie took you on years ago.

What other book might you compare As You Wish to and why?

none... really its unique but heck so was the film.

What does the narrators bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Most of the cast and some big names behind the scenes tell their stories themselves in this audiobook. If you never heard of the film or somehow (not quite sure how that could be) didn't care for it, then don't get it.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

uh, no,

Any additional comments?

If you're thinking "Hmmm, I might like it." then, let me tell you that you will, and it will exceed your expectations for a behind scenes of a film thing.

Almost as good as the movie

Great to hear stories of the movie. Carey does amazing impressions. Recommend for everyone including kids and adults. Top recommendation.