It’s no secret that one of my favorite movies of all time is The Princess Bride. It is just amazing for so many reasons – well-made, timeless, funny, touching, well-cast, and a fun watch for all ages. Cary Elwes (Westley) recently released a book about the making of the film, and Santa brought me a personalized copy!! I was so thrilled!

When I heard the book was coming out, I was a little apprehensive, worried that my love of the movie would be tarnished by a “tell-all” scandal-recounting recollection. I needn’t have worried. Most of the actors in this film made many other movies, but this one remains a favorite of all of them. Twenty-five years later, they clearly remember how it was to work on this film, the fun they had, the feeling of family they all had (even mean old Prince Humperdinck), the funny things that happened (like Andre the Giant passing out in a hotel lobby and being left there all night because no one could move him!), and the respect they all had for the talent of the other actors.

The book is a tribute to the film, a labor of love, a way for the actors and filmmakers to express their love for the film, and their gratitude to the millions of fans who “got it;” the fans who saw it in 1987 as children or young adults and are now sharing it with their children and grandchildren. I haven’t finished the book yet, but it’s already made me watch the movie with new eyes and new respect. It’s a splendid book about the making of a splendid film. Thank you, Santa!