The Princess Bride (1987)

Rob Reiner’s The Princess Bride (1987) is one of those rare films that manages to be a fairy tale, a parody, an adventure, a love story, and a comedy—all at once. Adapted from William Goldman’s novel, it’s a genre-bending cult classic that still feels timeless. Let’s break it all down in detail.

Detailed Summary

The Storybook Beginning

The movie opens with a framing device: a grandfather (Peter Falk) reads a story to his sick grandson (Fred Savage). This story becomes the fairy tale we watch unfold.

Westley and Buttercup’s Love

Buttercup (Robin Wright) lives on a farm and constantly teases the farm boy Westley (Cary Elwes), who only ever replies with “As you wish.” Eventually, she realizes this is his way of saying “I love you,” and the two fall deeply in love. Westley leaves to seek his fortune but is reportedly killed by the Dread Pirate Roberts. Buttercup is heartbroken.

The Kidnapping

Years later, Buttercup is chosen to marry Prince Humperdinck (Chris Sarandon), a smarmy and manipulative ruler. But before the wedding, she is kidnapped by three outlaws: Vizzini (Wallace Shawn), Fezzik the gentle giant (André the Giant), and Inigo Montoya (Mandy Patinkin), who seeks revenge on the six-fingered man who killed his father.

The Man in Black

The trio is pursued by a masked man in black, who defeats them one by one: he bests Inigo in sword combat (a duel full of honor and respect), wrestles Fezzik into unconsciousness without killing him, and outsmarts Vizzini in a battle of wits involving poisoned wine. He then escapes with Buttercup.

The Reveal and Betrayal

Buttercup discovers that the man in black is actually Westley, alive and well. He explains that he took up the mantle of the Dread Pirate Roberts. Their reunion is cut short when Humperdinck and his sadistic henchman Count Rugen (Christopher Guest) capture them. Westley is tortured in “the Pit of Despair.”

Inigo’s Quest for Vengeance

Meanwhile, Inigo teams up with Fezzik again. Both characters reveal more depth: Inigo’s lifelong quest to avenge his father and Fezzik’s loyalty and kindness. Together, they plan to rescue Westley so he can stop Humperdinck’s wedding.

The Climax

With help from Miracle Max (Billy Crystal) and his wife Valerie (Carol Kane), Westley is revived, albeit only “mostly dead.” Inigo storms the castle, confronting Rugen in one of cinema’s most iconic duels. Despite being gravely wounded, Inigo keeps repeating his mantra: “Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die.” He finally gets his revenge.

Movie Ending

The climax builds toward multiple resolutions:

• Inigo’s Revenge: Inigo triumphs over Count Rugen, avenging his father after a lifetime of training. His arc closes with fulfillment but also uncertainty about what’s next for him.
• Westley vs. Humperdinck: Though weakened from torture, Westley bluffs his way through a confrontation with Humperdinck, threatening a gruesome fight he cannot actually deliver. Humperdinck surrenders without battle.
• The Escape: Westley, Buttercup, Inigo, and Fezzik escape together. Buttercup and Westley finally share their long-delayed kiss, described in the narration as “the most passionate kiss in the history of the world.”
• The Grandfather’s Touch: Back in the real world, the boy asks his grandfather to come back the next day and read the story again—a touching closure that shows how the tale has bonded them.

It’s a perfect fairy tale ending: the villains defeated, the lovers united, and the hero’s journey fulfilled.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

No. The Princess Bride does not have a post-credits scene. The story concludes within its fairy tale framework, and the credits roll without additional footage.

Type of Movie

The film is best described as a fantasy romantic adventure comedy. It deliberately blends genres, often poking fun at fairy tale tropes while still embracing them.

Cast

• Cary Elwes as Westley / The Man in Black / Dread Pirate Roberts
• Robin Wright as Buttercup
• Mandy Patinkin as Inigo Montoya
• André the Giant as Fezzik
• Wallace Shawn as Vizzini
• Chris Sarandon as Prince Humperdinck
• Christopher Guest as Count Rugen
• Billy Crystal as Miracle Max
• Carol Kane as Valerie
• Peter Falk as The Grandfather
• Fred Savage as The Grandson

Film Music and Composer

The score was composed by Mark Knopfler (of Dire Straits fame). His music gives the film a whimsical, medieval-inspired charm with touches of modern softness. It balances humor, romance, and adventure without overwhelming the story.

Filming Locations

The film was primarily shot in England:

• Haddon Hall, Derbyshire – scenes for the castle interiors
• Shepperton Studios, Surrey – soundstage shooting
• Cliffs of Moher, Ireland – the famous “Cliffs of Insanity” scene

These locations give the film its timeless fairy tale aesthetic, blending real historic landscapes with imaginative storytelling.

Awards and Nominations

• Nominated for Academy Award: Best Original Song (“Storybook Love” by Willy DeVille and Mark Knopfler)
• Won Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation
• Over time, the movie has been added to several “greatest films” lists and has grown into a cult classic.

Behind the Scenes Insights

• Mandy Patinkin said that playing Inigo Montoya helped him cope with his own father’s death.
• Cary Elwes broke his toe while riding André the Giant’s ATV during filming.
• Robin Wright was only 20 and working on Santa Barbara when she got the role.
• Billy Crystal improvised much of Miracle Max’s dialogue—Robin Wright reportedly couldn’t stop laughing during filming.
• André the Giant’s back problems made it difficult for him to carry actors; many scenes used trick photography or support rigs.

Inspirations and References

The movie is based on William Goldman’s 1973 novel The Princess Bride. Goldman also wrote the screenplay, which preserved much of the book’s witty narration and meta humor.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

While there were no major alternate endings, some deleted scenes involved extended dialogue between characters. The film largely sticks to Goldman’s script.

Book Adaptations and Differences

The film follows the book’s main plot but trims a lot of the satirical asides and backstories. In the book, Goldman inserts himself as the “editor” of a supposed classic fairy tale, adding another layer of metafiction that the film only hints at through the grandfather-grandson framing device.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

• The sword fight between Inigo and Westley, considered one of the greatest choreographed duels ever filmed.
• The “Battle of Wits” between Westley and Vizzini.
• Inigo finally confronting Count Rugen.
• The moment Westley rolls down the hill, yelling, “As you wish!” and Buttercup realizes his identity.

Iconic Quotes

• “Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die.”
• “As you wish.”
• “Inconceivable!”
• “You rush a miracle man, you get rotten miracles.”
• “Have fun storming the castle!”

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

• William Goldman himself appears in the film’s set photos.
• The book’s meta “abridgment” joke is referenced in how the grandfather skips some parts of the story while reading.
• The fight choreography was influenced by classic Errol Flynn swashbucklers.

Trivia

• André the Giant reportedly drank 119 beers in one sitting during filming.
• Wallace Shawn was terrified of being replaced and thought he was miscast.
• The sword fight took months to train for; both actors performed nearly all of it themselves.

Why Watch?

Because it’s not just a movie—it’s a love story, a parody, a fairy tale, and an adventure all wrapped in one. It’s endlessly quotable, deeply funny, and surprisingly heartfelt. It appeals equally to children and adults, offering both whimsy and wit.

Director’s Other Movies

• Stand by Me (1986)
• When Harry Met Sally… (1989)
• Misery (1990)
• A Few Good Men (1992)

Recommended Films for Fans

• Stardust (2007)
• Ella Enchanted (2004)
• Enchanted (2007)
• Ever After (1998)
• Willow (1988)
• Labyrinth (1986)