Interview: Cary Elwes from THE PRINCESS BRIDE

What can be said about THE PRINCESS BRIDE that has not already been said? It is one of those movies that many people quote word for word. They watch it over and over and over and over again. Fans can't get enough. It's the go to movie for friends who don't know what movie to watch when sitting around the TV. But, why is it so popular? What is it about the movie? Is it the screenplay written by William Goldman from his novel? Is it the amazing direction by Rob Reiner? Is it the actors who play the roles of Buttercup (Robin Wright), Prince Humperdinck (Chris Sarandon), Inigo Montoya (Mandy Patinkin), Fezzik (Andre the Giant) or Westley (Cary Elwes)? Perhaps it's all of the above and more. BWW San Antonio had a chance to speak recently with Westley/Dread Pirate Roberts himself, Mr. Cary Elwes, about this movie and what has kept it going so strong for so long.

As the conversation began, Elwes was happy to discuss the luck he had in getting the role and not knowing at the time what a great role it would become. No one knew how huge it would be. They just seemed happy to be a part of a fun story. It has such an eclectic audience including those who saw it when it first came out and plenty of the new generations. Grandparents bring their children and grandchildren and Elwes loves to see people of all ages. It's a lot of fun to share the common phrases that are part of the movie. Such phrases as, "Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die." "INCONCEIVABLE." "You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means." "Mawage. Mawage is wot bwings us togeder today." "Death cannot stop true love. All it can do is delay it for a while." And of course... "As you wish."

Cary Elwes is grateful for the staying power of THE PRINCESS BRIDE and his character Westley. It has given him so many opportunities in his life including such great roles as Robin in "Robin Hood: Men in Tights," "Saw" and "Liar Liar." Elwes has also been lucky to be a voice actor for such greats as "The Family Guy," "Granite Flats" as well as video games. It's been an adventure for him and he even wrote a book about the experiences called, "As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales from the Making of The Princess Bride." And that's what this tour is all about. The memories he shared in his book, Elwes is sharing with audiences all over. His goal, "Get to every city in the United States." He hopes to achieve that goal. When asked about watching the movie again, Elwes replied, "I've really only seen it all the way through a few times. The first was at the premiere, the last was at our 25th anniversary reunion." And he added with a chuckle, "That's enough for me." But, he is grateful for the audience and the questions he gets asked about the movie.

As Cary Elwes reminisced about his days on the set of THE PRINCESS BRIDE, he talked about Andre the Giant. He said he was, "An all-around great guy. And so smart." It's hard to know he's gone as well as Peter Falk who is also missed. When questioned about all the sword fighting and whether or not people got injured in those scenes, Elwes responded, "The fights are planned so well. Each actor has to repeat the same moves so you know what is coming next." In fact, the choreographer for THE PRINCESS BRIDE was the same one who choreographed the light saber scenes in some of the "Star Wars" movies. By being prepared, no one will get hurt and it can be a great experience for all.

If you have questions about THE PRINCESS BRIDE and the behind-the-scenes experiences, join Cary Elwes at The Tobin Center for the Performing Arts in San Antonio, Texas on August 26, 2017. You will be treated to a screening of THE PRINCESS BRIDE and Westley/Dread Pirate Roberts himself will answer questions about this classic family-fun movie. You can also purchase Elwes' book, "As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales from the Making of The Princess Bride" at the show or by going to this website.

Tickets are going fast. Get yours by going to the Tobin Center of the Performing Arts website.

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