Blowing the Bloody Doors Off

Publisher's Summary

With more than 100 movies and two Academy Awards to his credit over six decades, Hollywood legend Michael Caine shares the wisdom, stories, insight, and skills that life has taught him in his remarkable career - and now his 85th year.

One of our best-loved actors, Michael Caine has starred in a huge range of films from the classic movies Alfie, Zulu, and The Italian Job (the inspiration for the audiobook title) to the Hollywood blockbusting Dark Knight trilogy, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Hannah and Her Sisters, and Cider House Rules. Caine has excelled in every kind of role - with a skill that's made it look easy. 

He knows what success takes - he's made it to the pinnacle of his profession from humble origins. But as he says, "Small parts can lead to big things. And if you keep doing things right, the stars will align when you least expect it." Now in his 85th year - and more beloved than ever - he wants to share everything he's learned. 

With brilliant new insight into his life and work and showcasing his wonderful gift for storytelling, Blowing the Bloody Doors Off is Caine at his wise and entertaining best.

©2018 Michael Caine (P)2018 Hachette Audio

Critic Reviews

"Caine melds candid anecdotes and a master class on acting into an upbeat, unpretentious, and star-studded memoir.... Warm recollections and practical advice from an acclaimed star." (Kirkus Reviews)

wow.

Blew my bloody doors off. The last part gave me goosebumps, and a tear in my eye. So many words and stories to live by. This will definitely NOT be a one time listen. I am now off to revisit his wonderful movies. Thank you, Sir Michael Caine.

14 of 14 people found this review helpful

Pleasant Surprise. Pleasure experience.

I purchased the book thinking it was a memoir. It is somewhat. But otherwise, it is a kind of generous hat turnover for people in the theater. Nevertheless, being a tri professional, (three different professions), I found his advice about professionalism and professional duty to be universal and applicable everywhere. In every walk of life. His communication skills are very magical and the love for life and others translates into his memories and sound and caring advice. The empathy quality of it all began to envelop me and I felt like I was being coddled with a lullaby. He is very sane and it is apparent rather immediately and this is a comfort in today's world. I loved this book and I will listen to it again. It bought me comfort as no other book ever has. I wish everyone could know a man like Michael Caine. I am at ease.

27 of 28 people found this review helpful

Michael Caine. ...Doors off

I got to know the man. Humble, honest.
He is a very genuine human being. He’s been quite blessed and he fully realizes it.It was a joy to listen to it with him reading the story. I got the Audible because he’s about my age and I could easily relate to the things he said as one gets older. It would be good listening or reading at any age.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Combination Memoir and Acting Class

As an actor, Michael Caine has seen and done pretty much everything that a good person and a good actor can do. His pointers on acting are personal and yet apply generally, so that any actor -- even skilled and experienced ones -- can benefit from his experience and counsel. Even if you're not at all interested in acting, however, this book is a wonderful memoir by a wise and kind person who has lived through all that his profession has to offer, including the ups and downs.

He is quite candid about roles he took in films that were not going to be wonderful, ever; he faces head-on the fact that if you only have one skill that will make money for you, and you need money, and they offer you the money you need, the part is going to look better to you, even if you know the movie it is in will not be good. You aren't necessarily going for an Oscar every time.

With Michael Caine performing the book himself (it never sounds like "reading"), it feels as if you've just had a lovely conversation with one of the finest people ever to practice a widely-enjoyed art.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

What a pleasure!

Michael Caine (a heartthrob for my mother’s generation) is a wonderful actor and tells a candid and beautiful life story full of humor and love and genuine decentness! What a joy and inspiration to know that a balanced individual can navigate the acting world and stay true to himself and his family.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Promises kept ...

Funny, in the opening “Michael” says there are life lessons here and then tells wonderful stories. When it’s done and after being totally entertained I realized, to my surprise, that there WERE life lessons here. Very wonderful.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Refreshing

I normally listen the suspense / thriller novels but needed a little break so here I am. I must say, listening to Michael Cain speak humbly about his life while giving pointers to promote the success of would-be-actors [that can be easily applied to life in general] was a true pleasure. It is amazing hearing about the places he has been to, the people he's worked with and taking the opportunity to learn from his life experiences. There was not one boring moment nor ho-hum story in the whole book. I was thoroughly entertained.
Highly recommend.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

LOVE his books!

This is another one of MC's books I have enjoyed. Although not as funny has his first book which had me laughing on the floor but still an honest look at his life and love for his wife and family.
Forgive me for this criticism Michael as normally I would NEVER criticize you - your narration which is superb seemed to "die" down towards the end of some of the sentences. It was a job to turn the volume up and down a lot.
I do hope you get to narrate your first book as I would love to listen to it instead of reading it again.

Huge connection to Mister Caine

I enjoyed every second. Relearned few things as well. Non movie star Movie Star. An actor.

Very well done!.

Good stuff

When older people give knowledge keep your ears open. Lots of good gems of advice about life in this book.