Westley — Cary Elwes — is handsome, and casually charming just as his character was all those years ago. In short, ladies and gents, he is still swoon-worthy. At a recent event in Tampa, Elwes gave an audience a behind-the-scenes peek at the filming of The Princess Bride and his book, As You Wish. Think you're the ultimate The Princess Bride fan? Read on to see.
1. William Goldman wrote The Princess Bride for his young daughters.
In 1973, Goldman asked his daughters what they would like him to write about. One said princesses, and the other said brides — the name was an obvious choice. It took over 10 years for the stars to align to make the film because film studios weren’t sure how to market a romantic, swashbuckler adventure that was full of satire which may or may not be considered a children’s movie. After multiple failed attempts by Goldman to get the ball rolling, the job of director was taken up by Rob Reiner, and the magic began.
2. The movie wasn't an instant success.
The initial film release wasn’t received as well as everyone had hoped. Elwes explained that the film didn’t really get a following until its release on VHS years later. He recounted a memory of being at a restaurant in Manhattan, and after specifying how he would like his burger cooked, the waitress responded “as you wish”. He was shocked, and realized that the film was starting to be recognized.
3. Andre the Giant was in intense pain during filming.
He was asked to put off surgery until after they finished. Elwes compared Andre’s “American” cocktail that he would drink for pain management to “airplane fuel,” but said he never missed a cue despite the alcohol. Andre the Giant had a pituitary gland tumor, which caused his massive size bit also plagued him throughout his short life. He died at age 46 from complications of acromegaly.
4. It was as much fun to make the film as it looks like it was.
Even more so. One of the more notable memories he shared (that tickled the audience to no end) was from the first day of filming. They were ready to film the scene where Westley, Inigo, and Fezzik are about to storm the castle and Andre the Giant let out a, excuse the pun, giant 16-second fart that left the cast and crew stunned and silent. Rob Reiner broke the silence asking “You okay Andre?” which was met with the response “I am now, Boss.”
5. Vinzini also produced Threepenny Opera on Broadway.
Inconceivable. Except not. Elwes took time to sing Wallace Shawn’s praises, calling him "brilliant." He was surprised to find out during the filming of the battle of wits that Shawn constantly thought he was going to be fired because he had been told that Danny DeVito was the first choice for the role of Vizzini.
6. It was a real sword fight.
The sword fight, one of the most dynamic scenes in the film, was actually learned and performed by the actors. Bob Anderson and Peter Diamond, the two best sword trainers in England at the time, were hired to teach them. Elwes and Patinkin trained every day for hours together for two to three weeks before filming. They had to learn both sides of the fight as well as learn them both right- and left-handed. He said it was difficult, but the trainers’ lack of confidence in their ability to pull it off provided them with enough motivation. They watched every sword fight scene in every movie they could get their hands on for inspiration.
7. Elwes broke his toe at the start of filming.
Elwes admitted, slightly sheepishly, he broke his toe trying to drive the ATV provided to Andre to get between shooting locations. The filming schedule was rearranged to accommodate, but he says his limp can still be spotted as Wesley and Buttercup make their way into the Fire Swamp.
8. Billy Crystal broke Mandy Patinkin's rib — by being funny.
While filming Miracle Max’s scene, Reiner told Elwes he wasn’t allowed to breathe, then whispered to Billy Crystal to “go for it”. Crystal went into full stand-up comedy. Reiner had to be kicked off set because he was laughing too loud, Elwes was replaced with a rubber dummy so he could go breathe, and Mandy Patinkin (Inigo) fractured a rib trying to hold in his laughter while the camera was rolling.
9. The first time Elwes saw the film with an audience was at the film's 25th anniversary celebration at Lincoln Center.
It was the first time Elwes had seen the film with an audience since its release, and the fans were saying all the lines at the screen. His manager suggested Elwes should write the book since there was such a large fanbase for the film. Elwes, after asking the cast if anyone else had intended to do so, agreed to “give it a shot.” The cast was supportive, and agreed to help by sharing their experiences as well. Publishers were skeptical when Elwes admitted that he hadn’t kept a diary during filming, but the memories came flooding back after Norman Lear (producer) sent him the call sheets from every day on set. The result? As You Wish.
10. There's no sequel coming.
Elwes said he’s a bit “long in the tooth” now to be doing a sequel.
This article appears in Mar 30 – Apr 6, 2017.