The Elephant to Hollywood

By: Sir Michael Caine

Narrated by: Sir Michael Caine

It's been a long journey for Maurice Micklewhite - born with rickets in London's poverty-stricken Elephant & Castle - to the bright lights of Hollywood.

With a glittering career spanning more than five decades and starring roles which have earned him two Oscars, a knighthood, and an iconic place in the Hollywood pantheon, the man now known to us as Michael Caine looks back over it all.

Funny, warm, honest, Caine brings us his insider's view of Hollywood (where there's neither holly nor woods). He recalls the films, the legendary stars, the off-screen moments with a gift for story-telling only equalled by David Niven.

A very British star, The Elephant to Hollywood is the remarkable full circle of Michael Caine's life.

©2010 Michael Caine (P)2010 Hodder & Stoughton

Michael delivers

Would you consider the audio edition of The Elephant to Hollywood to be better than the print version?

Yes

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

The whole thing is a big picture

Which scene was your favorite?

All good

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Live it as best you can

Any additional comments?

It's Michael's life as written and read by Michael. Loved it

An Original

What did you love best about The Elephant to Hollywood?

I first read Michael Caine's biography What's It All About? which tracks Caine's upbringing from the working class to Hollywood. That was quite a while ago, and I was glad to update myself with his spoken version. And who better to tell Michael Caine's story than Michael Caine? It's a long story but he's had an amazingly long career - it's personal enough and a testament to his determination to make it in spite of the odds. Mostly enjoyable. You can't fault the non-events that are inevitable in an autobiography like this....PS I'm going to miss Sir Michael Caine when he's gone. They don't make stars like him anymore.

Who was your favorite character and why?

There is only one leading man here.

Interesting but surprisingly poor humoured

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

Among the good one but not the best

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

When Michael Caine introduce his racist neighbor to his Indian wife!

What about Michael Caine’s performance did you like?

Well, we are talking of Michael Caine! He can't perform badly. However, given his status, I was expecting something better. He is singularly bad at telling jokes! And he is obviously stage laughing afterward. Disappointing.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When he discovers that his mother kept hidden his half-brother for years.

Captivating

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

I found Michael Caine to be a surprisingly candid and open author. The book is touching and almost sweet. I am amazed by his sense of gratitude for his apparent 'good fortune' and his humility regarding his ability as an actor.

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

I particularly enjoyed Michael recounting Christmases and why they are so special to him, His need for family closeness.

Have you listened to any of Michael Caine’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

My first encounter with Michael Caine outside of his acting.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Due to the Author being the narrator, this book makes you feel like you are sharing a 'real' person's life.

Any additional comments?

Well written and well narrated. I certainly would read any other works that are narrated by Michael Caine

Highly entertaining

Narrated by Michael himself, the book was a joy to listen to. It gives you a great insight not only to Mr. Caines' ascent from his humble beginnings, but also to the inner workings of Hollywood and its denizens. Bravo!