The Book and Movie: Everyone Should Read and See

One of the best books ever written in the history of all books written was once upon a time made into one of the best movies ever made. The romantic comedy fantasy adventure film was first released on my birthday (Sept. 25) in 1987 and all lived happily ever after. (The book came out in 1973.)

The screenplay was adapted by the book's author--a seasoned film writer (Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid being his most famous). I write of none other than William Goldman. The film was directed and co-produced by TV comedy writer/director Rob Reiner.



From Wikipedia we learn that: "This film is number 50 on Bravo's "100 Funniest Movies", number 88 on The American Film Institute's (AFI) "AFI's 100 Years...100 Passions" list of the 100 greatest film love stories, and 46 in Channel 4's 50 Greatest Comedy Films list."

The story is presented in the film as a book being read by a grandfather to his sick grandson, thus effectively preserving the novel's narrative style. [Have you guessed the book/movie yet?] The book is a great example of narrative commentary where the author breaks the forth wall to speak to the reader.

If you have not, you simply MUST see this classic, cult film. If you have not read the book, you simply must. It is a wonderfully entertaining masterpiece. And as fantastic as the film is, it pales in comparison to the book. [This would be a delightful study of book to film adaption.]

I, of course, write of "The Princess Bride."

And as a bonus you might read the insightful and amusing new book, As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales from the Making of the Princess Bride, by Cary Elwes who was the film's leading man.