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The Elephant to Hollywood cover art

The Elephant to Hollywood

By: Sir Michael Caine
Narrated by: Sir Michael Caine
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Summary

Sir Michael Caine is loved not just for his many films, but for his warmth, honesty, and humour in describing every aspect of his life from his humble South London beginnings to performing alongside the greatest Hollywood actors of the day. As Sheridan Morley wrote about his first book: 'It has taken two decades to get a man back on (Niven's) Moon, and the man is Michael Caine.'

In this long-awaited, and self-penned, new autobiography, he tells us not only the events of the almost 20 years since his last book – which include his Oscar winning film Cider House Rules, as well as the box-office busting Batman - but also many great eye-opening and entertaining stories from his life and career, shedding light on the real Hollywood and the years he struggled to get there.

With all the charm and wit we know him for, this audiobook is set to become a new classic to rank alongside Niven's Moon's a Balloon.

©2010 Michael Caine (P)2010 Hodder & Stoughton

What listeners say about The Elephant to Hollywood

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not a lot of people know..

that the narration of this varies from poorly read by caine, to witty and heartfelt recantour standards. strange inconsistency. great story though

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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stick to acting michael

Would you try another book written by Michael Caine or narrated by Michael Caine?

written by maybe narated by no

Has The Elephant to Hollywood put you off other books in this genre?

no

How did the narrator detract from the book?

his punctuation was as if he had never read it before

If this book were a film would you go see it?

no

Any additional comments?

i took it on holiday for easy listening i am a retired painter and decorator and my grammar is certainly not perfect but listening to this faltering narration was painful and irritating i like michael caine and i think he is a great raconteur but he should stick to casual ad libbing,
sorry !!

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

How this book should be 'read'!

Bought this as a book a few years ago, but never really got into it as all the time I kept thinking "Wouldn't it be great if Michael Caine was reading this."

This is exactly what I was looking for!

Caine tells the story of his life from his childhood in East London through his many years of fluctuating success in the film industry with great wit and emotion; as you'd expect for an actor of his talents.

Want to know about Caine? Buy this book and hear it from the man himself!

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    5 out of 5 stars
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I have read this four times now

and each time have been wonderfully entertained by Michael Caine, his stories and humour. Marvellous.

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An excellent listen

What made the experience of listening to The Elephant to Hollywood the most enjoyable?

The fact that Michael is so down to earth and such an unassuming person.

What did you like best about this story?

The telling of his stories - it was just like a friend talking to another friend

Which scene did you most enjoy?

So many throughout out the book

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

"Michael Caine"

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Charming and amusing

Where does The Elephant to Hollywood rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

One of the better audio books. Engaging, funny and interesting and all read with that wonderful iconic voice of his. Really enjoyed it.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Feel like I know the guy personally now

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Definitely! Michael narrates this book like he's chatting to a friend, a very informal and relaxed style that makes you feel like you've known him forever. He's had a very interesting life - in this book you get it all, right from his childhood, and it's great to hear about Hollywood from an insider. He mentions all his major films (and some of the not-so-major flops) it's so exciting to hear what happened in the background of so many movies that I loved, and many I've never seen.
He is never condescending or pretentious, just sounds like an ordinary guy who anyone could relate to.

A good cosy listen, whether you're out walking the dog, on the train, in the car, or just chilling out around the house.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Elephant to Hollywood?

The part where Michael talks about working on Zulu, I loved this film when I was younger, and in particular his character. Hearing how he almost got fired and how shooting went and the things he learned were fascinating! I had to get the film and watch it again!

What about Michael Caine’s performance did you like?

He seemed so at ease telling his story, as if he were just sitting across from you, confiding in you. And what a voice! I in particular loved the bits where he remembers a funny moment or a joke and has a little chuckle.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Although there are sad moments it is, overall, a heart warming story. He comes across as a really nice, genuine guy who loves his family and hasn't let Hollywood go to his head. And yes I did have a laugh along the way.

Any additional comments?

A great listen, and a wonderful narrator, stop deliberating and download this! You'll won't be disappointed!

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    1 out of 5 stars
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  • Mr
  • 23-07-13

Goodness me, what a bore!

The ego has landed! And not even in chronological order. This narrative, read in the most boring fashion by the author, jumps about through time and space like the USS Enterprise. Major 'Luvvie Alerts' throughout the book with the main theme being the weak and feeble stories which the author believes will be of interest to the listener. Well sorry Sir Michael, but with the main theme being "me, me, me, me and me" (LOOK, I KNOW IT'S AN AUTOBIOGRAPHY BUT REALLY IT SHOULD STILL BE INTERESTING AND VARIED!) it really does not work. Do no buy this. You will be disappointed!

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

All that way via Norfolk

What made the experience of listening to The Elephant to Hollywood the most enjoyable?

Surprised to learn that he spent some of his childhood not too far down the road from here in Norfolk so a personal touch for me. A relaxed, amusing listen of anecdotes- perfect for anyone who has ever enjoyed one of his films.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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The voice.

Any additional comments?

As a Londoner living in France it was wonderful to listen to Michael and his accent. I could relate to several places in London he mentioned. Thank you Michael. Couldn't put it down.

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