Lincoln Center

Cary Elwes opens the book at the 25th anniversary of The Princess Bride at Alice Tully Hall in Lincoln Center. The hall is packed with fans who have come to see the cast and main creative forces behind the film. By beginning his story with a show of success, the narrative is infused with dramatic irony. The reader has information none of the cast, crew, or executives had while making the film. The humble beginnings of the production are therefore more poignant since the conclusion is already known to the reader.

Germany

Elwes was staying at a hotel in Germany when he was solicited by director Rob Reiner and producer Andrew Scheinman to play Westley in The Princess Bride. They visited him mere months after the Chernobyl nuclear disaster, which was believed to be close enough to Germany to potentially affect it. Although the Chernobyl disaster...