The Elephant to Hollywood

By: Michael Caine

Narrated by: Michael Caine

Length: 10 hrs and 18 mins

Publisher's summary

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

It's like having a chat.

Michael Cane is amazing! It feels more like you're sitting in a room and chatting with this legend than listening to a story. He even laughs during his dialogue! Loved it!

A great story from a great storyteller.

Just like his first book "What's It All About" this is a wonderful read, except this time I had the pleasure of Michael Caine as the storyteller. And what a wonderful story teller he is. His stories of the changing Hollywood miovie business along with entertaining tales of the Hollywood he first knew are the core of thiis book. The heartbeat is his candor about his attitude toward movie stardom. If you are looking for a biography of a movie star this is not your book, this is the story of a working actor who has mastered his craft on film and as the author of his own story.

I must confess to having a crush on Michael Caine since I was 18 and fell in love with him in 1966 when I saw him in the Ipcress File. No James Bond for me, Harry Palmer was my man. And Michael Caine still is.

The elephant to Hollywood

Excellent book, I enjoyed it very much.
I have always enjoyed Michael Caine movies, he has a certain charisma., and a very endearing nature.
I think we could have been friends if we had met sometime in life. A very likable person.
I would recommend this book to anyone.

Sweet book

Michael Caine reflecting on the parts of his life he didn't discuss in the earlier autobiography focuses most on his family, friends and wife. He comes through clearly as a real person. One caveat. His voice rises and drops as he reads, which made it hard to listen to in the car.

A fantastic Audiobiography

Michael Caine's autobiography "The Elephant to Hollywood" is a captivating and insightful journey through the life and career of one of the most iconic actors of our time. The book covers Caine's life from his humble beginnings in poverty-stricken London, through his rise to stardom in the 1960s, to his later years as a respected actor and international celebrity.

One of the most compelling aspects of the book is Caine's candid and honest account of his early life. He writes openly about growing up in the East End of London during World War II and his experiences with poverty and hardship. Caine's father was a fish market porter and his mother worked as a cleaner, and the family struggled to make ends meet. Caine credits his early struggles with giving him the drive and determination to succeed in life.

Caine's rise to stardom in the 1960s is a fascinating story that is told in detail in the book. He describes his early struggles to get work as an actor and his eventual breakthrough in the film "Zulu". He also writes about his experiences working with legendary directors such as Stanley Kubrick and Christopher Nolan, and his collaborations with fellow actors such as Laurence Olivier and Sean Connery.

One of the most memorable chapters of the book is Caine's account of his experiences filming "The Italian Job" in 1969. Caine provides a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the film, including the famous Mini Cooper car chase sequence. He also shares anecdotes about his co-stars, including Noel Coward and Benny Hill, and his friendship with John Lennon.

Throughout the book, Caine is refreshingly honest about his personal life. He writes openly about his failed marriages and his struggles with alcoholism. He also discusses his close friendship with actor and comedian Dudley Moore, who was also a close friend and collaborator.

"The Elephant to Hollywood" is a well-written and engaging autobiography that provides a fascinating insight into the life and career of Michael Caine. It is clear that Caine is a gifted storyteller, and he has a knack for bringing his experiences to life on the page. The book is also filled with fascinating anecdotes and insights into the film industry, making it a must-read for anyone interested in cinema or the life of a successful actor. Overall, "The Elephant to Hollywood" is a highly recommended read for anyone looking for an entertaining and informative autobiography. This audiobook feels like an intimate sit down with Michael Caine and he is telling you stories of his life. It is a must read/listen !

Fantastic!! Bravo!

I've listened and read all of Sir Michael Caine's books and audio books. I'm an actress and to hear of the background stories of all his films and his explanations of why he chose a particular project or decided to work with a particular actor was fascinating. Whether you're an actor or not, you'll enjoy listening to this book. He's incredible and such an awesome actor!

A pleasure!

It was a great pleasure having Michael Caine in the car with me, telling me the fascinating story of his life and cracking jokes. What a great giggle he has!

"Nothing Less Than a Pleasure"

With a surprising talent for mimicry, a winning and warm personality and with dramatic stories to tell, one of Britain's best actors has quickly become one of my all-time favorite narrators.

The opening sections about his childhood in "The Elephant" and World War 2 are more than enough to make the book a must. As with a favorite guest, Michael Caine never tires and appears to enjoy hearing the stories as much as telling them.

Don't miss this. Then get ready to go back to some films you may have missed, or may want to enjoy again.

One of my favorites

Very interesting and entertaining throughout... not one dull moment. Loved Michael Caine's narration. This is one of my all-time favorite audio books.

Delightful raconteur

I heard Caine interviewed on Fresh Air and the book is as much fun as promised. It was a great pleasure to listen to his distinctive voice on a long car ride. From "Alfie" onward Michael Caine has contributed so much to film and popular culture, he deserves to be honored and loved.