October 9, 2022 marks 35 years since the theatrical release of the beloved fantasy film The Princess Bride. It’s a momentous occasion simply because this classic film is now officially classic by age, not just by reputation. Many remember the first time they saw this film in theaters. Others can remember wearing out a VHS tape or two with their frequent viewing. For me, The Princess Bride was the first DVD in my personal collection: I saved to afford the ‘Buttercup Edition’ which graced the shelves of my local second-hand game and movie store. Needless to say, many people love this movie for any number of reasons. But what makes it remain a staple among film collections in homes and libraries?
What Makes The Princess Bride Such a Great Film?
The movie’s family orientation is front-and-center from the film’s first scene to the source material’s reported origins: author William Goldman wrote the book for his young daughters. Upon asking what he should write about for them one suggested a princess, the other a bride. The Princess Bride makes an excellent choice for any collection because of its broad appeal and lasting popularity. Watching this film with family is often someone’s introduction. Billy Crystal’s Miracle Max is as unforgettable as he is funny. Both Crystal and Carol Kane who plays Max’s wife speak of the sheer number of man hours spent applying and removing their iconic costumes. Many wise efforts such as those make The Princess Bride shine.
A great film in many ways, The Princess Bride’s greatest strength is its story. This movie buffet lets any viewer get a taste of their favorite genres and story elements. With action, comedy, drama, revenge, and true love taking center stage and an excellently executed frame story, there really is something for everyone. As a kid, I loved it when my family read stories to me and that connection with the young Fred Savage’s character was instant. Peter Falk’s narration is flawless—as if he’s reading the story to you at your bedside. The acting on display in The Princess Bride is charming and unforgettable. Even people who typically avoid romance and drama can see the chemistry between Buttercup and Westley. It’s also reported that both Robin Wright and Cary Elwes shared a natural attraction during filming which definitely helped sell the film’s dramatic and romantic elements.
Who can forget the swordplay and fight scenes throughout The Princess Bride? Mandy Patinkin, Christopher Guest, and Carry Ewles spent many excruciating hours honing and practicing their 17th-century fencing skills. The duel at the top of the Cliffs of Insanity between Iñigo and the Masked Man is as iconic as it is impressive. Not only did they put on a good show, Patinkin and Ewles practiced backward and forwards and even learned the routine with the opposite hands to make the classic “But I am not left-handed’ switch seem all the more real.
While the fight itself is comic, André René Roussimoff put his wrestling skills on display in Fezzik’s battle with the Masked Man. Many of the stunts we see in the final film are done by the actors themselves, adding another reason why this film stands the test of time. Westley’s iconic dive into the quicksand to rescue Buttercup was Ewles’ idea; the script called for a feet-first entry, but Ewles thought it seemed less than heroic. After some trial runs with a stuntman to assure that the trap door below the sand could be opened in time not to break someone’s arms or neck, Ewles tried the stunt on his own and his first take made it into the film.
Plan a Princess Bride Event At Your Library
For this year’s Anniversary, consider throwing a small Princess Bride festival! The novel is classic and just as beloved by many as the movie. Special displays with multiple copies of the novel would be an excellent choice in the entryway or near the check-out desk. If public screenings are more to your liking, consider multiple events throughout the day to accommodate all ages and demographics. Theme snacks such as “Miracle Max’s miracle pills” (chocolate-covered raisins or malted milk balls) served with screenings may increase foot traffic. Some patrons may be interested in commentary or behind-the-scenes documentaries included with many Princess Bride discs. The 35th anniversary would be an excellent day to exhibit these special features.
Get your copy of The Princess Bride on DVD by clicking here.
To read the novel that inspired this classic film, order The Princess Bride: S. Morgenstern's Classic Tale of True Love and High Adventure here.