"As You Wish"; Cast Reunites

By // Showbiz | "As You Wish"; Cast Reunites
Email to a friend Plain text Print version // Font size: Decrease font Enlarge font

"Hello, my name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die."

Not a day goes by without someone asking Mandy Patinkin to say this famous and oft-repeated line. Despite Patinkin's numerous other accomplishments and recent hit turn on the Showtime drama "Homeland," "The Princess Bride" is what people want to hear from him, "and I never let them down," he told CNN.

"I get asked for that line, too," laughed Chris Sarandon, who played the dastardly Prince Humperdinck. "They always want me to quote Mandy, or Wally Shawn: 'Inconceivable!' And once in a great while, I get a plea for 'I'm swamped.'"

"A girl once showed me a tattoo of 'As you wish' on the back of her neck," said Cary Elwes, who played Westley.

Such is the love -- some might even say true love -- for "The Princess Bride." The New York Film Festival celebrated the film's 25th anniversary (and release on Blu-Ray) on Tuesday with a special screening and cast reunion at Lincoln Center. En route to the event from LAX, even Billy Crystal was told, "Have fun storming the castle" (in reference to his cameo as Miracle Max) when he showed his boarding pass. It's a line, by the way, that an army sergeant told Elwes that he tells his men when they leave the barracks to rile up the infantry.

"So many different generations find this movie not only appealing, but have such a strong affection for it," Sarandon said. "It's a film people see when they're young, and then they watch it with their own kids. Someone even told me that they hired an actor, got him ordained online, and had him perform a marriage ceremony exactly the way it is in the movie." ("Mawwiage is what bwings us together...")

Along with director Rob Reiner and author and screenwriter William Goldman, the "Princess Bride" cast -- including Robin Wright (Buttercup), Wallace Shawn (Vizzini) and Carol Kane (Valerie) -- reminisced about the making of the film, which they hadn't seen with an audience since before its release, and a small private screening for friends at that, since it didn't have a big premiere back in 1987.

The Cliffs of Insanity? Made of rubber. The Rodents of Unusual Size? Played by little people, one with a talent for scurrying, one with a talent for lumbering, and one with a talent for getting arrested. And that sword fight between Inigo and Westley as the Dread Pirate Roberts? Done for real.

"Our greatest pride is that there's not a single stunt man doing a single move except for the flip in the air," Patinkin said. "I trained with an Olympic fencing coach for two months with just my left hand -- it's like ballet first position, second position -- and then Cary and I trained for four more months, so six months together, for 10 hours a day. Except for the flip, we did everything."

Elwes revealed another talent that in addition to sword fighting cinched him the job in the first place -- a dead-on Bill Cosby imitation. "I had no idea if he had a sense of humor, but he looked the part," Reiner said. "And when he did schtick, I was surprised. Wow, this beautiful looking kid, he looks like Douglas Fairbanks, and he does schtick!"

Elwes demonstrated his sense of humor at last December's Jason Reitman-organized stage reading of "The Princess Bride," when he played the part of Prince Humperdinck instead of Westley, allowing that role to go to Paul Rudd. "And I did a dreadful job," Elwes told CNN, laughing. "I was awful. It was so hard stepping into those shoes, and it was so weird because Paul Rudd was being me and doing a better job than me, two chairs down. So it was a very surreal experience." (Upon hearing this, Sarandon deadpanned, "Oh, I've got to talk to Cary now. I want to hear what he did with me, if he screwed me over or not.")

Even though "The Princess Bride" is "a perfect movie," as Kane called it, Goldman has been toying around with the idea of a follow-up, which is mentioned in the later editions of the novel, some of which feature a sample chapter of "Buttercup's Baby."

"See, I told him he should call it 'Humperdinck's Revenge!'" Sarandon joked.

"I smell a sequel!" Elwes laughed.

The plot involves the kidnapping of Buttercup and Westley's daughter, Waverly, and at first it was a fiction (along with other faux-dramas Goldman created as part of the "Bride"-verse), but then it started to become a reality of sorts. "I've been trying to write it," Goldman admitted, "and it's a total failure. I was looking at it today before coming [to the reunion]. All I can say is that I would love some day to have written it."

If Goldman can finish the book, and if the book were to ever be turned into a movie, count on most of the original cast members to make cameos.

"If they call me, I'm there," Patinkin promised.

"Ask me!" Sarandon begged.

"I would probably find myself begging to do a cameo in anything Goldman wrote," Kane said. "And I would riff all day long [with Billy Crystal] if he would let me."

Crystal noted that he had several unused lines that ended up on the cutting room floor that he'd be happy to trot out, such as, "Don't bother me, sonny. I had a bad day. I found my nephew with a sheep." (Would that be as memorable? He's not worried, because there's no danger of any sequel tarnishing the original anytime soon.)

"I'm in something that is really important, that is so beautifully made, and it's all about the right things," he told the audience. "What better life is that for the life of a movie? That's the 'As you wish' for the movie."

Tagged : Princess Bride, As You Wish

Headlines Newsview all

Jodi Arias jury can't decide on death penalty

Two hours into deliberation today, the Jodi Arias jury informed Maricopa Superior Court Judge Sherry Stephens that it was unable to reach a unanimous decision ... Full story

Soldier Killed in Attack Near London Barracks

A man thought to be a serving British soldier was killed by two armed men in a frenzied attack on a London street Wednesday, in ... Full story

David Bowie's Spiders From Mars Bassist Trevor Bolder Dies

Trevor Bolder, the bass guitarist in David Bowie's Spiders From Mars band, has died at the age of 62 following a battle with cancer, it ... Full story

Westboro Tornado Blame: WBC Says Moore Event Was Basketball Player Kevin Durant's Fault

The Westboro tornado blame game has already started, as the Westboro Baptist Church wasted no time getting into the mix of the Moore, Okla. tragedy. ... Full story

Jodi Arias Begs for Life: 'I'll Donate My Hair'

Jodi Arias begged jurors Tuesday to give her life in prison, saying she "lacked perspective" when she told a local reporter in an interview that ... Full story

Tsarnaev Friend Fatally Shot in Orlando by FBI (UPDATED)

An FBI agent fatally shot a Chechen man in Orlando, Florida early Wednesday who may have known deceased Boston Marathon bombing suspect Tamerlan Tsarnaev, according ... Full story

Pauly D Takes Inspiration from The Great Gatsby with Polished New Haircut

Jersey Shore's Pauly D is probably more famous for his hair than his music. But the reality star bravely traded his signature stiff blow-out for a ... Full story

Latest Blog

Monster Tornado Measuring 17 Miles Long and 1.3 Miles Wide Was 600 Times More Powerful Than Atomic Bomb

Incredible new images released by NASA show the terrifying scale and power of the Oklahoma tornado as seen from space. The giant twister that pulverized the suburb of Moore on Monday was up to 600 times more powerful than the atomic bomb that levelled Hiroshima. Wind speed, air moisture, temperature and timing all came together to create the perfect storm, which left...

0 comments

Man beheaded by machete in possible terror attack near a military training barracks in London

One person has died and at least two people were wounded in a violent attack near a military training barracks in London, British officials said Wednesday, as Prime Minister David Cameron called an emergency meeting in response. While details were scant, Cameron called the killing “truly shocking” and said he had asked Home Secretary Theresa May to call an urgent meeting...

0 comments

Kim K. Shower Invite: Is Her Invite a Hint She's Having a Girl?

The Kim K. shower invite might just be one the cutest baby shower invitation that you’ll ever see. According to a May 22 report by TMZ, it’s a functioning music box with a tiny ballerina inside that resembles Kim Kardashian. The music box also plays a lullaby version of Kanye West's "Hey Mama," so both famous parents are represented in the...

0 comments

High School Pitcher Tosses 66-Pitch Perfect Game

It only took Michael Strem 66 pitches to achieve a perfect game. According to Mercury News, Strem threw a 66-pitch perfect game this weekend to lead St. Francis High School over Monta Vista during the first game of the Central Coast Section Division I playoffs in California. It was the first perfect game in St. Francis history. Strem told Prep 2 Prep: “It’s...

0 comments

CBS Pulls Tornado Episode of Mike & Molly After Oklahoma Tragedy

CBS has taken the scheduled season-ending episode of ''Mike & Molly'' off the air because its plot line revolved around a tornado threatening the couple. The network said it replaced the comedy with a rerun on Monday out of sensitivity to victims of the deadly tornado in Oklahoma. The storm stripped leaves off trees and left scores of blocks in Moore, Okla.,...

0 comments

Is This the Most Handsome Man on the Planet? He Certainly Thinks So

Meet Ahmed Angel - the Iraqi medical student and part-time model who wants to take over the world. And with his gelled hair, piercing blue eyes and expert Photoshopping skills, the 18-year-old has been gathering followers at a phenomenal rate. Since it was created three months ago, Ahmed's bizarre photo album on Imgur has been viewed almost a million times.   Loves you: The...

0 comments

Five People Named as Victims of Oklahoma Tornado as Desperate Families Turn to Facebook to Search for Loved Ones

A nine-year-old girl, an eight-year-old boy, a 29-year-old mother and her five-month old baby, and a 65-year-old man have now been identified as among the dead after Monday's terrifying tornado while the desperate search for those still missing wraps up in the rubble but continues on Facebook and Twitter. The latest deaths come as distraught families cling to hope that their...

0 comments

Dog Found in Tornado Rubble on Live TV

Amid the devastation of Moore, Okla., TV viewers of a CBS affiliate were able to witness a woman's prayers answered. Barbara Garcia stands in the rubble of her home, a bleak skyline behind her. KWTV News 9 reporter Anna Werner asks her what happened when the F4 tornado came barreling down on her home Monday afternoon. Ms. Garcia says that she...

0 comments

Kellie Pickler Crowned New 'Dancing With the Stars' Champ

It’s official: Fan favorite Kellie Pickler is now the proud owner of a “Dancing with the Stars” mirror ball trophy. The “American Idol” star looked stunned when host Tom Bergeron announced that she and partner Derek Hough were the winners of season 16. “Oh my god,” exclaimed an ecstatic Pickler, as Bergeron congratulated the country singer and asked if she had visualized...

0 comments

Lesbian Couple Can't Cohabitate

A judge has ruled that a North Texas lesbian couple can't cohabitate  — live together  — because of a morality clause in one of the women's divorce papers. The clause is common in divorce cases in Texas and other states. It prevents a divorced parent from having a romantic partner spend the night while children are in the home. If the...

0 comments

Nick Jonas and Giuliana Rancic to Host Miss USA 2013

Nick Jonas will be the co-host of Donald Trump's Miss USA pageant, the Associated Press reports. Jonas joins E! News personality Giuliana Rancic as the team of hosts for the pageant, which will be held June 16. The 20-year-old Jonas is best known as one-third of Platinum-selling pop-rock act the Jonas Brothers, which enjoyed major success in the late 2000s, including two...

0 comments

Police defend officer who shot Hofstra student saying only person to blame is armed intruder as angry family gather for emotional vigil

Police defend officer who shot Hofstra student saying only person to blame is armed intruder as angry family gather for emotional vigil

Andrea Rebello, 21, was killed by a gunshot fired by a police officerShe was held in a headlock by Dalton Smith last week at her New York homeAngry family held vigil in Tarrytown last night - funeral will be held today By Jill Reilly PUBLISHED: 06:31 EST, 22 May 2013 | UPDATED: 06:46 EST, 22 May 2013 Killed: Hofstra University student Andrea Rebello, 21,...

0 comments

French newspaper Liberation publishes in English amid growing row over using language in the classroom

French newspaper Liberation publishes in English amid growing row over using language in the classroom

Use of English in classrooms is currently all but banned under Toubon lawDaily Liberation pulled stunt to show support of proposed law changesBut many argue increasing use of English is detrimental to French language By Daily Mail Reporter PUBLISHED: 05:15 EST, 22 May 2013 | UPDATED: 06:30 EST, 22 May 2013 One of France's main newspapers has published its entire front page 'in the language...

0 comments

The bride who can never show her face: 19-year-old marrying into one of world's most important Jewish families weds in front of 25,000 guests but must stay veiled

The bride who can never show her face: 19-year-old marrying into one of world's most important Jewish families weds in front of 25,000 guests but must stay veiled

Thousands attended the wedding of the grandson of the leader of the Hasidic dynasty Belz Rebbe yesterday18-year-old Shalom Rokeach will be the future leader of the Jewish sect - one of the largest in the worldHe married 19-year-old bride Hannah Batya Penet in the traditional ceremony which lasted several hours until dawn By Daily Mail Reporter PUBLISHED: 04:14 EST, 22 May...

0 comments

DVLA worker fired for using Facebook on his own phone during office hours

DVLA worker fired for using Facebook on his own phone during office hours

Worker sacked even though there was no evidence he criticised his bossesFirst DVLA case where an employee has been axed for using FacebookDVLA criticised for 'draconian' approach to social media By Rob Cooper PUBLISHED: 06:24 EST, 22 May 2013 | UPDATED: 06:28 EST, 22 May 2013 A DVLA employee has been fired after he was caught using Facebook in the office on his own mobile...

0 comments

Rugby fan, 34, died in river during all-day drinking session after winning £250 free bar package for Six Nations match at Millennium Stadium

Rugby fan, 34, died in river during all-day drinking session after winning £250 free bar package for Six Nations match at Millennium Stadium

Ben Thompson, 34, fell into river after eight hours of drinkingHe was with colleagues in a hospitality box at the stadium earlier in the dayCoroner says he would have died soon after hitting the water By Sam Webb PUBLISHED: 06:13 EST, 22 May 2013 | UPDATED: 06:28 EST, 22 May 2013 Ben Thompson, 34, a Welsh rugby fan who died when he fell into...

0 comments

Comment on: "As You Wish"; Cast Reunites

Rate this article

0

Breaking News

Jodi Arias jury can't decide on death penalty

Two hours into deliberation today, the Jodi Arias jury informed Maricopa Superior Court Judge Sherry Stephens that it was unable to reach a unanimous decision ... Full story

Monster Tornado Measuring 17 Miles Long and 1.3 Miles Wide Was 600 Times More Powerful Than Atomic Bomb

Incredible new images released by NASA show the terrifying scale and power of the Oklahoma tornado as seen from space. The giant twister that pulverized the ... Full story

Soldier Killed in Attack Near London Barracks

A man thought to be a serving British soldier was killed by two armed men in a frenzied attack on a London street Wednesday, in ... Full story

David Bowie's Spiders From Mars Bassist Trevor Bolder Dies

Trevor Bolder, the bass guitarist in David Bowie's Spiders From Mars band, has died at the age of 62 following a battle with cancer, it ... Full story

Man beheaded by machete in possible terror attack near a military training barracks in London

One person has died and at least two people were wounded in a violent attack near a military training barracks in London, British officials said ... Full story

Kim K. Shower Invite: Is Her Invite a Hint She's Having a Girl?

The Kim K. shower invite might just be one the cutest baby shower invitation that you’ll ever see. According to a May 22 report by ... Full story

High School Pitcher Tosses 66-Pitch Perfect Game

It only took Michael Strem 66 pitches to achieve a perfect game. According to Mercury News, Strem threw a 66-pitch perfect game this weekend to lead ... Full story

CBS Pulls Tornado Episode of Mike & Molly After Oklahoma Tragedy

CBS has taken the scheduled season-ending episode of ''Mike & Molly'' off the air because its plot line revolved around a tornado threatening the couple. The ... Full story

Westboro Tornado Blame: WBC Says Moore Event Was Basketball Player Kevin Durant's Fault

The Westboro tornado blame game has already started, as the Westboro Baptist Church wasted no time getting into the mix of the Moore, Okla. tragedy. ... Full story

Is This the Most Handsome Man on the Planet? He Certainly Thinks So

Meet Ahmed Angel - the Iraqi medical student and part-time model who wants to take over the world. And with his gelled hair, piercing blue eyes ... Full story