Unraveling the Mysteries of “The Princess Bride”: 17 Intriguing Behind-The-Scenes Facts

Recently, I’ve found myself delving deep into the trivia of my favorite films, unearthing a treasure trove of fascinating insights. Among my beloved cinematic gems is “The Princess Bride,” a film that has captivated my heart not just for Westley’s swoon-worthy charm, but also for its timeless portrayal of love. Allow me to share with you 17 exciting, surprising, and thought-provoking facts I discovered about the making of this classic film.

1.
In an unexpected turn of events, when Count Rugen strikes Westley on the head, Cary Elwes urged Christopher Guest to hit him genuinely. Guest complied with such force that Elwes lost consciousness and needed hospital attention, leading to a day’s halt in production.

2.
Rob Reiner, the director, had a hard time keeping a straight face during Billy Crystal’s scenes. Crystal’s hilarious performance led to many retakes as Reiner couldn’t contain his laughter.

3.
Mandy Patinkin was dealing with the recent loss of his father to cancer when he started filming. He confessed that when he delivered the line, “Hello, my name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die,” he felt as if he was addressing cancer itself.

4.
Due to André the Giant’s back issues, he was unable to lift heavy objects. When Robin Wright jumped from the castle, she was attached to wires, and it was Fezzik who caught her in the film.

5.
The character of Dread Pirate Roberts was not entirely fictional. Bartholomew Roberts was a real Welsh pirate who was active in the Caribbean during the 18th century.

6.
Mel Smith had to endure extreme eye discomfort throughout filming due to an unexpected allergic reaction to the contact lens solution used for his role as The Albino.

7.
The characters Max and Valerie, portrayed by Billy Crystal and Carol Kane, respectively, were named after the parents of William Goldman, the writer of “The Princess Bride.”

8.
Not only did William Goldman pen “The Princess Bride,” but he also crafted the screenplay for the film, distilling the essence of his 493-page book into a captivating 98-minute movie.

11.
A unique fact about the movie’s score is that it solely comprises sounds from guitars and synthesizers.

12.
In an amusing anecdote, Cary Elwes shared that a robust 16-second fart from André the Giant once brought production to a standstill. When Rob Reiner asked André if he was okay, he simply replied, “I am now, boss.”

13.
Bob Anderson, the movie’s swordmaster, was an Olympian who also worked as the swordmaster for “The Pirates of the Caribbean” and “The Lord of the Rings.”

14.
Wallace Shawn, who has a significant fear of heights, was on the verge of fainting as they began to ascend the cliffs. However, André the Giant comforted him and assured him of his safety, enabling Shawn to complete the scene.

15.
The cast reminisced about their time filming on location, staying in the same hotel, and dining together. They likened the experience to being at a movie camp.

16.
Cary Elwes and Mandy Patinkin went to great lengths to prepare for the Cliffs of Insanity swordfight scene, watching “every swordfight ever filmed.” They were particularly fond of Scaramouche featuring Stewart Granger and Mel Ferrer.

17.
In a remarkable incident, Rob Reiner met a woman who credited “The Princess Bride” with saving her life. Trapped in the snow due to an avalanche while skiing, she recited every line from the movie to keep everyone engaged while awaiting rescue.

These behind-the-scenes facts about “The Princess Bride” reveal the dedication, humor, and unique experiences that went into creating this beloved movie. The film’s enduring charm is a testament to the efforts of its cast and crew, and these tidbits of trivia only enhance our appreciation for this timeless love story.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who wrote “The Princess Bride”?

William Goldman wrote both the novel and the screenplay for “The Princess Bride.”

Who played the Dread Pirate Roberts?

The character of the Dread Pirate Roberts was played by actor Cary Elwes.

Who was the swordmaster for the movie?

Bob Anderson, an Olympian, was the swordmaster for “The Princess Bride.” He also worked on “The Pirates of the Caribbean” and “The Lord of the Rings.”

Credit: www.buzzfeed.com