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

interesting life

Where does The Elephant to Hollywood rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I would say, compared to others it would be a 6, but I listen to such a different array of books

Who was your favorite character and why?

Michael
please

Which scene was your favorite?

n/a

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

same as name of book

Very Entertaining

Michael Caine's stories are quite entertaining and enlightening as he provides brief histories of landmarks and people from Hollywood's past and present. He has an excellent voice and delivery for reading his own book. His stories are interesting and some are quite amusing. I can definitely recommend this audio book.

Fascinating insight

Loved the entire book and having Caine read it was icing on the cake. Hilarious stories and a personal history I knew nothing about. Very entertaining!

Personal stories, personally told

I enjoyed all these stories, and the generously shared thoughts behind them. It made me want to watch several of those movies (mostly it would be "again," but some for the first time). As an American who's an anglophile, I enjoyed the impressions of California and Florida, and I wish there had been even more about the house on the Thames, and English details.

Michael Caine tells his life story

Michael Caine gives his most personal and heartwarming performance yet as he tells his life story, and what a story it is. Rising out of poverty to become a beloved movie star who's life's work has touched millions. If you have enjoyed Mr. Caine's films and characters you will love his story and no one is more qualified to tell it than Michael himself.

Interesting life, wonderful narrator!

This is a book I highly recommend. The fact that Mr. Caine narrates is definitely a bonus-it is like you are sitting across the dinner table from him. He chuckles & you can hear him smiling at some of his stories. He is a man who never lost contact with his 'working class' roots in the UK & I enjoyed every word. It is touching as he tells how he fell in love with his wife Shakira after seeing her on TV selling coffee. I like to choose books that I'll like to listen to again & there is so much detail in this book, I'm sure I will revisit this book again, like an old friend. Btw, the title refers to the place he was born/grew up-Elephant & Castle, a section of London. I laughed out loud several times in the first 20 minutes of the book, but there are many serious parts as well. A real keeper.

Thanks again, Sir Michael!

Would you consider the audio edition of The Elephant to Hollywood to be better than the print version?

Not everybody deserves a second shot at memoir-writing--but Michael Caine does. He's a terrific storyteller, and this book offers vast amounts of new material compiled and lived since memoir #1 (

Great story Teller!!

What did you love best about The Elephant to Hollywood?

I learned a lot about the life of Michael Caine. Great story Teller!! He met so many interesting people. Worth listening!!

Loved it!

Michael Caine reading his own words is just the best. He even laughs at himself. He has so enjoyed his life and his so in love with his wife and his grandchildren of course that is just such an enjoyable listen.

An International Treasure

How could you not love Michael Caine reading his own autobiography? Delightful & touching, although there's some ground he's trodden before. Still worth every minute of listening.