Emerging as a fantasy fairy tale in 1987, is the most hilarious modern-day love story ever told. Directed and produced by Rob Reiner, The Princess Bride flipped the script regarding trope fairy tale stories. From rolling down a large hill to show affection to catchphrases that’ll never be forgotten, the film re-defined the fantasy genre.
The Princess Bride was adapted from the 1973 novel of the same name by William Goldman, who also wrote the screenplay for the movie. While only having a mild success at the box office, many a VHS tape ran dry as the film became a cult classic following its movie theater run. The film defied logic and beat the odds, with parents and children being able to enjoy the movie thanks to creative and ingenious writing. The film has become so popular that Cary Elwes (Westley) even wrote a book in 2015 titled As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales from the Making of The Princess Bride. Elwes has also stated numerous times, “I know that the epitaph on my tombstone will be ‘As you wish,’ and that’s great!”
By blending enjoyable action scenes with a mature but PG style of comedy, The Princess Bride is simply a downright fun movie to watch. Similar to Mel Brooks spoof on Star Wars with Spaceballs, The Princess Bride is a spoof on every love story ever told.
25 Shortage Of Perfect Anatomy
Princess Buttercup was full of various tropes, but the best of them all was her “perfect anatomy.” Full of despair following the fake wedding, Buttercup pulls out a knife intending to plunge it into her chest.
Westley calmly lying on the bed nearby states, “There's a shortage of perfect [chests] in this world. It would be a pity to damage yours.” What else screams true love better than complimenting one’s anatomy during stressful and dire times.
Buttercup, shocked to hear the voice of her true love, drops the knife and jumps on top of Westley. Showering him with kisses and making sure he gets the full effect of her anatomy, Buttercup tries to pay Westley back for the compliment.
24 Is This A Kissing Book?
Overshadowed by the hilarious fairy tale being read by Peter Falk (Fred Savage’s grandfather in the movie), is the journey of an 11-year-old boy entering into his early manhood years. Savage interrupts Falk early in the tale stating, “Is this a kissing book,” only to later argue how it’s not fair that Buttercup and Westley wouldn’t end up together.
A young boy transitions towards that “awkward time in his life.”
As Peter Falk wraps up the story, he closes the book and gets up to leave. Savage is clearly upset and asks what is going on. To which Falk replies, “it’s more kissing, you don’t want to hear that.” Savage gets that young boy funny look on his face and says, “It’s fine, I don’t mind so much.”
23 Stunt Double What?!
80s fantasy films weren’t known for having an exuberant budget like today’s movies do. And Reiner likely spent a majority of his funds on “other areas” of the film. Frame by frame technology wasn’t a big deal at the time, so editing out the stunt double goof ups wasn’t a priority for Reiner.
Bob Anderson was the stunt double for Westley and Buttercup.
If you thought the mustache stunt double scene from Spaceballs was over-the-top, its inspiration came from performances like Anderson’s in The Princess Bride. It would have taken a sharp eye to catch the mishap in the 80s, but Andreson’s face can be clearly seen. What was meant to be a trope revelation of identity and love, became a mishap for the ages.
22 Get Back Witch
Billy Crystal (Miracle Max) and Carol Kane (Valerie, Max’s wife), were an iconic duo who created an amazing transition in The Princess Bride. The third act is about to begin, but Westley must first be revived from his “almost dead” state. Miracle Max wants nothing to do with bringing Westley back, so he declares that his motives for living are faulty. Claiming he lost a bet while gambling.
Enter Carol Kane screaming “liar! Liar!”
Followed by Crystal’s magic line, “Get back witch.” To which Valerie says, “I’m not a witch, I'm your wife. But after what you just said, I'm not even sure I want to be that anymore.” Followed by Crystal with, “You never had it so good.”
In a story that flips love on its head, these two nut jobs resemble what love looks like after years of being together. It’s scary, hilarious, and beautiful all at the same time. Needless to say, the nagging wife is correct, and the story moves onward.
21 Drinking Water, Drinking Life
Despite the feral attraction between Humperdinck and Tyrone, Count Rugen enjoys a more deviant version of true love within The Princess Bride.
Tyrone’s desire is towards his creation, The Machine (not Bert Kreischer).
“Beautiful, isn't it? It took me half a lifetime to invent it. I'm sure you've discovered my deep and abiding interest in pain. At present I'm writing the definitive work on the subject. So I want you to be totally honest with me on how The Machine makes you feel.”
Adding, “Instead of sucking water, I'm sucking life. I've just sucked one year of your life away. I might one day go as high as five, but I really don't know what that would do to you. And remember, this is for posterity, so be honest — how do you feel?”
20 Socrates, Plato, Aristotle — Morons
Vizzini and Westley square off in The Battle of Wits, with Vizzini casually mentioning that the greatest minds in history were all morons. It’s also important to note he thinks everyone from Australia is a criminal too.
Vizzini also uses the word “Inconceivable,” in ways it shouldn’t be. Meant to describe a situation that is impossible or incapable of being imagined, Vizzini uses it every time something doesn’t go his way. Which is the brilliance of his own stupidity.
“You fell victim to one of the classic blunders! The most famous is ‘Never get involved in a land war in Asia,’ but only slightly less well known is this: ‘Never go in against a Sicilian when death is on the line.’” States Vizzini right before the poison kicks in and he punches out.
19 Getting Creepy With The ROUSes
R. O. U. S. (Rodents Of Unusual Size) are giant rat-like creatures that Westley and Buttercup encounter while traveling through the Fire Swamp. They’re beasts which will eat practically anything, including humans. They are dangerous, but only attack if they smell blood or out-number their opponent.
After saving Buttercup from the lightning sand, her and Westley share an intimate moment while they catch their breath. Standing behind the two are several Rodents Of Unusual Size that Westley ignores. He even goes so far as to butter up Buttercup in how they won’t be of concern.
Did Westley have an alternative motive in engaging these massive rodents? He knew he was outnumbered, so why not scare them off when he had the chance? Maybe, he was looking forward to rolling around with a giant size rodent. Which in The Princess Bride, isn’t that far of a stretch?
18 My Westley Will Always Come For Me
Hmm, there’s not a doubt in anyone’s mind that he would Princess Buttercup. Are we stretching it too far on this one? Think again. Buttercup mentions a variation of this phrase over a half dozen times throughout the movie.
It’s a callback to “As you wish,” in which her statements reinforce the fact that Westley is wrapped around her pretty little non-princess finger. Never in the history of a fairy tale has the damsel in distress been both submissive and dominant at the same time. Which leads to question, who would be in charge in their romance? Based on Buttercup’s catchphrase, it can likely be assumed that it would be her. Which is also later shown in the film through a subliminal manner, upon Buttercup’s discovery of Westley lying in her bed.
17 The Keyholder
Yellin (Malcolm Storry), better known as The Evil-doer, is the Chief Enforcer of Florin. He’s also in charge of his own personal spy network, although the contents of what he was spying on have never been determined. Yellin was just another side character until he had his moment during the infamous “Storming the Castle” scene. As mentioned prior to the event, Yellin is the only one who holds a key to the castle. Really?! Who came up with that idea? Fezzik, pretending to be the Dread Pirate Roberts, scares off Yellin’s men and about makes him soil his pants. As keyholder, Yellin refuses to hand over the goods, that is until Inigo asks Fezzik to rip off his arms. And so the keyholder comes, and goes.
16 Why Did You Read Me This Thing?!
Just in case moviegoers forgot The Princess Bride is a film about a book, that’s not a real book, but is — Rob Reiner made sure to include callback scenes to Fred Savage and Peter Falk. After Falk tells his grandson that Humperdinck doesn’t perish (which is technically true), his grandson doesn’t take the news too well.
Savage has an 11-year-old boy freak out moment.
This priceless moment includes voice cracking, teenager logic, and him being outsmarted by his nerdy grandfather. After the tantrum, Falk says, “You know, you've been very sick and you're taking this story very seriously. I think we better stop now.” Savage cools his jets and says, “No, I'm okay. I'm okay. Sit down. I'm all right.”
Falk settles in and says, “Okay, All right. Now let's see, where were we. Ohhh, yes. In the Pit of Despair.”
15 Big Man Love
Big men need true love too and André the Giant got some he wasn’t expecting. Westley told him to enjoy dreaming about large women, only after trying to show love towards the giant himself.
Before showing off his pro wrestling skills, Westley went in for the classic bear hug. But not being a bear himself, hindered the act, unless he was putting his own personal spin on the move. What if Westley was responding to Fezzik’s kindness by showing him battle love? He couldn’t have known Inigo was more his type and gave it a shot, anyway. And the result was hilarious for audiences and André the Giant, who can’t help but break character and grin.
14 My Name Is — Nevermind…
Inigo Montoya has one sole purpose throughout the entire movie. He must revenge his father’s untimely passing by defeating the six-finger man.
“You know, It's very strange. I have been in the revenge business so long, now that it's over, I don't know what to do with the rest of my life. Says Inigo prior to their escape from Prince Humperdinck’s castle. To which Westley replies, “Have you ever considered piracy?”
Where is the spinoff featuring Inigo Montoya as the Dread Pirate Roberts?
This playful comic shows how such a spinoff would flop in comparison to today’s hero’s. Inigo no longer has his catchphrase. He also wouldn’t stand a chance against a true hero from the fairy tales. Alas, Inigo fades into the sunset along with his famous catchphrase.
13 Farm Boy
Most often ignored within The Princess Bride is Buttercup’s personality. For a majority of the movie she’s the damsel in distress, relying upon Westley for everything. Which she did in the beginning of the film too, but in a much different manner.
Buttercup was a Princess all along.
William Goldman and Rob Reiner even go out of their way to call her Princess throughout the whole script. Why? Because she’s more than just a damsel in distress. She’s bossy and even demeaning, making her an ideal trope Princess. Remember this line?
“Farm Boy, polish my horse's saddle. I want to see my face shining in it by morning.” Only true love could respond with “As you wish,” with the sincerity of an angel.
12 Six Finger Fun
In the original script, Fezzik was supposed to be the one using his fingers to count how many men he could take down that were guarding the castle. Instead, Inigo ended up with the bit. Mandy Patinkin milks the moment for all it’s worth, almost to the point where he takes the audience out of the movie. But then he suddenly exclaims that 30 minus 10 is twenty, leaving twenty men for him. Could he have been able to count faster if he had an extra finger on his right hand? Or maybe subtraction really wasn’t his thing, just addition. It’s a creative callback to the whole six-finger joke, especially when the script gets flipped and Inigo ends up being the one doing it.
11 Won't Let It Go To My Head
André the Giant’s character Fezzik is portrayed as a giant who’s a few fries short of a Happy Meal. So, when he finds four white horses for the group to ride off into the sunset with, Inigo compliments Fezzik on being smart. To which Fezzik responds by saying, “Don't worry, I won't let it go to my head.”
But which head was he referring too?
Because immediately after he makes this odd statement, Buttercup does a Princess jump from the castle window far above Fezzik. But what most miss, is that her skirt is flowing in the breeze. Giving Fezzik a bird's-eye view of something even Westley hasn’t seen yet. Being the good giant, he is though, Fezzik doesn’t let the free show go to his head. On the surface anyway.
10 Don't Do Anything We Wouldn't Do
“The king's stinking son fired me. And thank you so much for bringing up such a painful subject. While you're at it, why don't you give me a nice paper cut and pour lemon juice on it? We're closed. Beat it, or I'll call the brute squad!”
Max and Valerie might have a few screws loose, but they know how to serve up a good dish of revenge. Once Max discovers Westley’s intent, he whips up the best miracle he’s likely ever created. Coated in chocolate to make it go down easier, of course.
“Wait, wait. I make him better, Humperdinck suffers? I'm gonna lick the dalmation! That is a noble cause. Gimme the sixty-five. I'm on the job.”
9 You Hippopotamic Land Mass
As a child of the 80s, André the Giant was legendary. Not only could he pound canned beverages in the triple digits, but he was an iconic WWF World Heavyweight Champion. Despite being heavily zonked throughout the filming of The Princess Bride, André played his role of Fezzik perfectly.
The same can be said for the mad Sicilian Vizzini played by Wallace Shawn. Upon Fezzik and Inigo questioning Vizzini’s motives, he snaps back with one of his monologues.
“Am I going mad or did the word ‘think’ just escape your lips,” says Vizzini to Fezzik. “You were not hired for your brains you hippopotamic land mass.”
“Never forget this! [to Inigo] When I found you, you were so slobbering useless you couldn't buy brandy! [to Fezzik] And you! You friendless. Brainless. Helpless, hopeless! Do you want me to send you back to where you were? Unemployed? In Greenland!?
8 Twinkle Toes
Every classic action-based fantasy fairy tale needs a good sword fight (or 12). But what happens when the director isn’t satisfied after six months of preparations? Twinkle toes happens. Inigo Montoya is fighting Westley as the Dread Pirate Roberts although it seemed more like dancing and gymnastics.
Mandy Patinkin (Inigo) plays off this theme by suddenly stopping in mid battle to pose on his toes with arms stretched outward. Whether or not the act was scripted has never been confirmed, but the look on Cary Elwes’ (Westley) face is priceless. The beat only lasts for a moment and the fighting quickly resumes.
“We’d work 8 to 10 hours a day,” said Patinkin during an interview regarding the infamous sword fight scene. And it was worth it. “It is the best sword fight in movie history,” said director Rob Reiner. “And I’m not saying it just because it was my movie.”
7 Queen Of Refuge
“True love saved her in the Fire Swamp, and she treated it like garbage!” States the old women in Buttercup’s dream. “And that's what she is! The Queen of Refuse! So bow down to her if you want! Bow to her! Bow to the Queen of Slime! The Queen of Filth! The Queen of Putrescence! Boo! Boo!”
Portrayed by Margery Mason, the old woman projects what everyone watching the movie is thinking. Even Fred Savage later argues with his grandpa saying it “isn’t fair” that Prince Humperdinck should live, let alone get the girl too. This classic misdirect throws a hilarious wrench in an already absurd tale, making it a just another classic Princess Bride curveball for the ages. Are you taking notes The Last Jedi haters?
6 True Love, Watching You Work
As shown through Billy Crystal’s character Max and his wife Valerie, true love manifests itself through a variety of individuals. While never declared in the film, the relationship between Prince Humperdinck (Chris Sarandon) and Count Tyrone Rugen (Christopher Guest) is developed from the madness within their hearts.
Tyrone longingly looks at Prince Humperdinck and vise-versa.
These two deranged individuals have found their own slice of true love in trying to take over the world. Especially when that involves bringing a subject to the Pit of Despair.
“Tyrone, you know how much I love watching you work. But I’ve got my country’s 500th anniversary to plan, my wedding to arrange, my wife to dispose of, and Guilder to frame for it. I’m swamped!”
To which Tyrone lovingly responds, “Get some rest. If you haven’t got your health, you haven’t got anything.”