The Princess Bride (1987)
- Rob Reiner originally wanted a completely different ending for the film, but test audiences preferred the one we see today.
- Before Cary Elwes was cast, several major A-list stars turned down the lead role because they felt the script was too risky.
- The incredible score for The Princess Bride was composed in just a few weeks after the original composer dropped out.
The Princess Bride is a 1987 American fantasy adventure comedy directed by Rob Reiner, based on William Goldman's 1973 novel. The film is framed as a story read by a grandfather, played by Peter Falk, to his sick grandson, played by Fred Savage, and follows the beautiful Buttercup, played by Robin Wright, and her true love Westley, played by Cary Elwes, who must overcome death, torture, kidnapping, and the schemes of the villainous Prince Humperdinck to be reunited. Along the way they encounter a gentle giant named Fezzik played by Andre the Giant, a revenge-seeking Spanish swordsman named Inigo Montoya played by Mandy Patinkin, and a Miracle Man played by Billy Crystal.
The Princess Bride was a modest commercial performer upon release, earning $30 million, but it became one of the most beloved cult films in cinema history through home video and television broadcasts. Virtually every line of dialogue became quotable β "As you wish," "Inconceivable!," "Hello, my name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father.
Prepare to die," and "Have fun storming the castle" entered the permanent cultural lexicon. William Goldman's screenplay perfectly balanced romance, adventure, comedy, and gentle self-awareness.
