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.

Warm-hearted retelling

Would you consider the audio edition of As You Wish to be better than the print version?

I haven't read the print version, but I suspect that the audiobook would be far better because all of the cast and crew from the movie personally talking through their contributions. Also, though he tried to keep it in check, you can really hear how emotional Cary Elwes became as the book started to reach its close.

What was one of the most memorable moments of As You Wish?

The story the Soldier told to Cary Elwes.

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

25 years on, and I could still hear the fun and enthusiasm from the cast and crew as they recount this movie and the process of making it. Also, Cary Elwes does some very good imitations of people throughout.

Any additional comments?

When I first started listening to this book, I thought it was just a bunch of sunshine pumping by the author. But as the book went on, I realized that it was really a genuine and strong affection for the people and events he talks about. And when I realized that, the sharing of this story suddenly became really fun and rewarding. Overall, this book is very warm and heartfelt.

Audio is the way to experience this book!

I feel sorry for anyone who reads this book in print. On audio you get not only Cary Elwes but Rob Reiner, Billy Crystal, and others from the film. And you get to hear Cary Elwes imitating Rob Reiner, etc. It's totally delightful for fans of this movie.

I distinctly remember seeing this movie with my husband and 2 kids who would have been about 6 and 9 years old and thinking "This is the first movie that our whole family could really enjoy together." My kids are now in their 30's and still big fans. I'm hoping to share this audiobook with them.

I don't normally write reviews but...

If you could sum up As You Wish in three words, what would they be?

As. I. Wished.

What was one of the most memorable moments of As You Wish?

The story about Samuel Beckett driving Andre the Giant to school. Priceless.

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

All of them. Many of the actors from the movie read their own commentary which was amazing.

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

It made me want to read it again immediately if not sooner.

Any additional comments?

I submit very few reviews but I felt compelled to in this case as it would be shame if anyone missed this amazing book.

Have fun storming the castle.

Inconceivable that this book could be any more fun

Would you listen to As You Wish again? Why?

Totally. This is so much fun I could hardly stand it. It's a short listen, but all the heavy hitters from the movie voice some parts of the book that are about them, so it's really great audio in a way that print just can't deliver. Cary Elwes is great, has a lovely voice, and even does some creditable impressions.

What was one of the most memorable moments of As You Wish?

As a fan, I think every moment of the film is nearly perfect, and hearing those moments recounted is pretty perfect too. I think I like best the parts about how each of the actors came to be associated with the film and Rob Reiner's vision coming to life.

Have you listened to any of the narrators’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Only Billy Crystal. I listened to his Autobiography, Still Foolin' em, which is also really good and funny. These are funny people, and famous actors. They know what they're doing. Only Andy Scheineman, the producer, sounds like he's just reading the words off the page, but it's okay. It's well-written, so he doesn't need to "perform" it.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes. It's short enough that you almost can. It's not like it's suspenseful. We all know what happened, but it's kind of like sitting around with a bottle of wine listening to the cast and director tell stories about the movie. Who'd want to leave that party?

Any additional comments?

If you haven't seen the movie, Princess Bride, (Really? Unless you're under 12 or over 75, I don't get that...) obviously do that first. But for any fan of the movie or of Rob Reiner as a director, this is a no-brainer.

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.

Too short!

I loved this book and wanted to hear more. This is a very upbeat, behind the scenes look at this fabulous movie. Andre' was mentioned multiple times and I am indeed pleased to have heard more about this "gentle, positive giant." My only complaint is that it was too short, I want to know more about many parts of the movie.

Adds a new dimension to the movie

The Princess Bride is one of my favorite movies. Growing up I swore my family was the only one who ever rented it from the local video store. I love behind the scenes stories, and this one makes me want to watch the movie on an endless loop. The appearances by the other actors make this an ensemble book. Cary Elwes did Princess Bride fans a huge favor by writing this.

Grammy Award Nominee?

If you could sum up As You Wish in three words, what would they be?

Entertaining, Informative, and Funny

What was the most compelling aspect of this narrative?

The stories about the friendships of the cast, the directing touch of Rob Reiner, and the hard work that went into the sword fighting caused me to watch the film yet again!

What about the narrators’s performance did you like?

The best parts for me were the voice imitations that Mr. Elwes portrayed of the actors, director and other notables from the production of the movie.

What’s the most interesting tidbit you’ve picked up from this book?

It was the injury that Mr. Elwes incurred during production - his fear about being fired, and the fact that the filming continued. Once again, I watched the movie to observe the hardly visible signs of his discomfort and pain.

Any additional comments?

I did find the announcements of the names of the principles before they were directly speaking a bit jarring. Hardly taking anything away from the huge enjoyment I had listening to this book!

Enjoyable and Lovely

This is a great companion piece to the movie. The back stories of the key players were done with respect, love and in friendship. I am very appreciative that this wasn't a "typical" Hollywood tell all, where it seems that the point is to show the most negative traits of those engaged in a project. A lovely compliment and a recognition to those of us that are fans of this beloved, multi-generational movie. As for the actual Narration. I loved the multi person approach, often with those directly involved. It was very easy to hear the truth and honesty in their comments and remembrances. Cary Elwes' impersonations were a wonderful bonus and yes, he is still the perfect hero as demonstrated in his writing. I highly recommend this.

A fun book for a classic movie...

What did you love best about As You Wish?

Elwes' story-telling and the additional notes from the others involved.

What did you like best about this story?

Elwes' insight and detailed stories.

Have you listened to any of the narrators’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Nope.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The stories of Andre the Giant. Apparantly he could drink ANYONE under ANY table. :)

almost as funny & heartwarming as the film itself

For fans of The Princess Bride, which should be just about everyone with a heart and a sense of humour, this memoir provides a really warm and funny behind-the-scenes look at the making of the beloved classic film, including a plethora of great anecdotes told by the cast and crew themselves.

One of the best audio books I have listened to

Absolutely wonderfully performed. Full of fabulous stories for fans of the Princess Bride. Loved it.

A MUST listen for any Princess Bride Aficionado

If you could sum up As You Wish in three words, what would they be?

Authentic Revealing Funny

Have you listened to any of the narrators’s other performances? How does this one compare?

Superb!
I particularly enjoy audio books when they are narrated by the author and this one was a particular treat.

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

Yes, it brought back all the warm, happy and playful emotions I have when watching The Princess Bride film.

Any additional comments?

I now feel like an insider. I thoroughly enjoyed watching the film again (must be at least my 20th viewing now) spotting all the interesting details highlighted in the book. i.e. Carey's broken toe and the Spinal Tap Baseball Cap in Fred Savage's Bedroom in the opening scene.

Love love love.

A perfect companion to the film.
Written and read with such great joy you cannot help but be warmed and embraced in a more lovely experience.

Brilliant!!!

amazing from start to finish, fantastic to hear from the cast in their own words, especially their insecurities which I would never have guessed

Interesting, but tedious at times

I should start this by saying that I love the Princess Bride movie. I originally owned it on VHS (with a lovely cardboard portcullis on the front!), I have also bought DVD and anniversary blu ray editions with director commentaries etc since. I even bought the original hardback story book and a signed copy of this book (which I've never read for fear of damaging it!)

So I should have loved this too - it gives some great insights into the cast, things that happened during filming, and brilliant anecdotes about Andre - how I wish I could've joined one of those nights out with André!!

We also get some great impressions of the other actors voices from Cary.

What spoilt it for me was the constant gushing description of how everyone was so wonderful, funny, humble, beautiful etc etc. I'm sure they were all great people, but hearing it over and over just feels like Cary was terrified of upsetting any of them by not going ott with the description of their talent/character/humour/humility/looks etc.

Intimate and engaging!

Hearing this story read by Cary Elwes, intertwined with insights and comments from the other cast & crew immediately warms you to the fact that these people shared a unique, seldom repeated experience that drew them close and forged friendships that have lasted through the ensuing decades. Elwes speaks with affection and passion about every part of the process of making 'The Princess Bride' even through the tough and arduous moments with constant tongue-in-cheek humour. Fantastic!

Delightful for fans

A lovely listen for fans of the film. I loved The Princess Bride from when I was young and this tugged at all heart strings from start to finish.

Inconcievably good

A perfect accompaniment to the movie and a must for any fan. Filled with highs and lows this story is just as entertaining as the film its about.

starts off well but runs out of gas

The Princess Bride is one of the all time greats, but once you get through the backstory of how hard it was too greenlight and cast the project, the story of its making lacks real drama: the cast and crew get on well, there were no hissy fits on the set, no madness, no directors pulling guns on people, no biblical floods washing away the sets nothing to really justify this book, truth be told. Carey Elwes is a likeable narrator but as a writer he's — well — he’s no Dread Pirate Roberts, and when he resorts to painstakingly recounting the time André the Giant did an enormous fart on set — the telling lasts about 20 minutes, almost as long as the fart itself by all accounts — it is pretty clear there's not enough material for a book here.