Elephant to Hollywood - by Michael Caine (Paperback)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

Charming, engaging, and surprisingly forthright, Michael Caine gives us his insider's view of Hollywood and the story of his brilliant second act

When he was in his late fifties, Michael Caine believed his glamorous, rags-to-riches Hollywood career had come to an end. The scripts being sent his way were worse and worse. When one script really disappointed, he called the producer to complain about the part. The producer said, "No, no, we don't want you for the lover, we want you for the father." Salvation came in the unlikely form of his old friend Jack Nicholson, who convinced him to give acting one more shot. What followed was not only an incredible personal transformation but also one of the most radical comebacks in film history. Learning to accept his new role both on camera and in his own life, Caine went on to win his second Oscar, be knighted by the queen, and deliver some of his best performances to date. Now he shares the spectacular story of his life, from his humble upbringing in London's poverty-stricken Elephant and Castle, his military service, touching marriage and family life, and lively adventures with friends, to legendary meetings with fellow stars, forays as a restaurateur, and hilarious off-screen encounters from his glittering five-decade career. Caine's The Elephant to Hollywood brings his gift for storytelling and his insider's view to a tale that is funny, warm, and deeply honest.

Review Quotes

". . . Caine has known, befriended, worked or partied with everyone from John Huston to Heath Ledger, and has the kind of life where a Rolling Stone waits patiently while he gives James Bond advice on how to become a knight. As such, this breezy, name-droppy salute to old, un-PC Hollywood is a lighthearted hoot." --New York Post

"Caine has three things you want in a memoirist--an eye for detail, a knack for storytelling and a sense of humor about himself--and they all come out to play in 'The Elephant to Hollywood.'" --New York Times Book Review

"Caine's broad accent carries the imprint of the rough Elephant and Castle (London) streets of his youth, and his rapid delivery moves the text along smartly. His unaffected style conveys the charm and authenticity of a likeable man who also happens to be a Hollywood legend...Listening to Michael Caine tell his own story more than compensates for missing the photos included in the print edition." --AudioFile Magazine

"Knighted actor Caine's charm and immense likeability are in abundance in his second memoir...In addition to Caine's fans and those liking movie star memoirs, this title will appeal to anyone interested in mid 20th-century English social and cultural life." --Library Journal

"This entertaining memoir, narrated by Caine himself, delves through his long career to relive highlights and insider sidelights, the kind of things that don't make Entertainment Tonight because there isn't time." --Tower Review

About the Author

Sir Michael Caine has won two Academy Awards during his distinguished five-decade career on screen. Knighted in 2000, Caine was born in working-class Sussex, England, and served in the British Army before landing his first film role in Zulu (1964). His films include The Ipcress File, Alfie, Hannah and Her Sisters, The Cider House Rules, and Harry Brown. He is the author of the bestselling What's It All About?. He lives in Surrey with his wife of thirty-seven years.