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 !

Never Make Friends With An Elephant Keeper...

Unless you have room for an Elephant. And this book was a delight, despite the fact that with his trademark voice, the elephant was always in the room. Michael Caine, has written and reads a delightful low key second autobiography. A totally unexpected treat. It has made me even rent some of the movies he talks about making, on Netflix. A boy from the Elephant who did well....and the sufi saying aside about caution entertaining elephant keepers, this one is a keeper. No mean spirited, revenge tell tales here, just a lot of really wonderful stories (Many of them Hollywood) about a really interesting guy who was able to tell the Queen a joke (she asked and you feel you are with him at the table as he also shares the joke! ) charming and entertaining, and often bittersweet. I couldn't wait to walk the dog in the park even in the dead of Chicago winter listening! His love story with his second wife out of a movie. His second career...and third...

Great listen and I loved that the author read it

What made the experience of listening to The Elephant to Hollywood the most enjoyable?

A great peek inside his life -not just breaking into Hollywood but relationships, growing up, etc.. And I love when he would make himself laugh throughout.

What other book might you compare The Elephant to Hollywood to and why?

Rob Lowe's autobiography - both were intriguing and entertaining and it makes it better when the author reads their own work.

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

Hearing him share his story is so much better than reading it.

Any additional comments?

Highly recommend this!

Like Having Tea with Michael Caine

So, I really stepped out of my usual reading with this audiobook but I heard an interview with Michael Caine talking about this memoir and he's just such a joy to listen to that I thought I'd give it a shot. It was definitely worth the credit. Caine is such an engaging person. He doesn't get mean or ugly with any person and I'm sure with as long as he's been in Hollywood, he could tell some stories that would make people look bad. He's a class act and exactly how I imagine a real knight would be in his elder years. On top of that, Caine does a wonderful job narrating the story. It's like you're sitting in his living room, drinking tea and eating scones and he's telling you stories. I loved it.

Wonderful! I'm so sorry it ended!

Michael Caine speaks so honestly and with humor and compassion. By the end I felt like he was an old friend that I treasured.

Thoroughly and completely enjoyable!

This was like sitting in a cafe having coffee with Michael Caine. So conversational and easy to love. You can hear the true Humanity come through. He is not a star just a fine human being.