As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales from the Making of The Princess Bride

Cary Elwes, who portrayed Westley, provides a chronological account of the production of the 1987 film adaptation of William Goldman’s novel. The narrative covers early casting decisions, physical training for the sword-fighting sequences, and the technical challenges of filming on location in the United Kingdom. Elwes details his interactions with director Rob Reiner and fellow cast members including Robin Wright, André the Giant, and Mandy Patinkin. The text incorporates transcribed interviews and recollections from the production crew, documenting behind-the-scenes accidents, creative improvised moments, and the logistical realities of low-budget filmmaking.

Fans of the cult classic film read this memoir to understand the interpersonal dynamics and technical efforts that shaped the final movie. It serves as a historical record for those interested in the collaborative nature of 1980s cinema. Readers gain specific knowledge about the camaraderie between the actors, the physical demands of the stunts, and how certain iconic scenes were staged. The book offers a firsthand look at the transition from page to screen, highlighting the perseverance required to complete a project that initially struggled to find a studio.

Practical and clear-cut; an easy read.

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