The Elephant to Hollywood

De: Michael Caine

Narrado por: Michael Caine

Charming, engaging, and surprisingly forthright, Michael Caine gives us his insider's view of Hollywood and the story of his brilliant second act.

When he was in his late 50s, Michael Caine believed his glamorous, rags-to-riches Hollywood career had come to an end. The scripts being sent his way were worse and worse. When one script really disappointed, he called the producer to complain about the part. The producer said, "No, no, we don't want you for the lover, we want you for the father."

Salvation came in the unlikely form of his old friend Jack Nicholson, who convinced him to give acting one more shot. What followed was not only an incredible personal transformation but also one of the most radical comebacks in film history. Learning to accept his new role both on camera and in his own life, Caine went on to win his second Oscar, be knighted by the queen, and deliver some of his best performances to date.

Now he shares the spectacular story of his life, from his humble upbringing in London's poverty-stricken Elephant and Castle, his military service, touching marriage and family life, and lively adventures with friends, to legendary meetings with fellow stars, forays as a restaurateur, and hilarious off-screen encounters from his glittering five-decade career. Caine brings his gift for storytelling and his insider's view to a tale that is funny, warm, and deeply honest.

©2010 Michael Caine Business (P)2010 Macmillan Audio

Seriously, just get it

Would you listen to The Elephant to Hollywood again? Why?

YES! I laughed so much. Great stories, and he has the best sense of humor. He is so endearing, just love him even more now!

Who was your favorite character and why?

Michael Caine!

A true gentleman

Michael Caine's warm humanity and gentle love and respect for those many people he worked with and who he counted as friends.

Sir Michael is awesome

His story more or less from the beginning told by the man himself. It feels like he's chatting to you over tea or a drink. The story is mostly linear but jumps about here and there to address the topic at hand and wrap up a character while they are fresh in mind. Feels very conversational that way. The man lived a charmed life (after a very rough 30 year start) and seems to have a really nice outlook on the world.

He really never has a bad word to say about anyone. I'm sure in private he might, but he has the class to avoid that sort of thing so if you are looking for dirty laundry you won't find it here.

The Elephant of the title is the part of East London he came from. Didn't know it was called the Elephant and he never explains why.

Very nice.

Learned quite a great deal about someone I didn't know I needed to know anything about. Thank you for sharing a slice of your life with us.

Michael Caine fans will love this book.

Any additional comments?

It is great to hear Michael Caine telling his own story. He shares many stories about his now famous friends and talks about all my favorite Caine movies (The Man Who Would Be King, Death Trap, etc...). I love the story of how he met his wife and their ongoing love story. The anecdotes about being on location and the various parts he has played make me want to revisit each movie. And it doesn't hurt that Michael still has that sexy voice!