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The Elephant to Hollywood
- Narrated by: Sir Michael Caine
- Length: 10 hrs and 18 mins
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The Elephant to Hollywood
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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.
What listeners say about The Elephant to Hollywood
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
- Justin
- 15-10-10
Audiobook beats Hardback!!!
This is a great example of a good book made even better by being made into an audiobook. The book itself is great. A fascinating recollection of a movie career spanning over 50 years written in an engaging and conversational style, however, the book is made brilliant by being read by the author. I could listen to Michael Caine all day long with his distinctive and unique voice. He reads the text so brilliantly and with such genuine emotion it's as if he's right there with you talking just to you. Brilliant!!!
33 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
- Alison St Pierre
- 07-09-11
Michael Caine - The Elephant to Hollywood
I listened to this book as I commuted to and from work and it was like driving about with an old friend. I no longer cared about traffic jams or slow journeys as I laughed and cried at the very honest and entertaining accounts of Michaels life. His voice is naturally soothing and his life experiences are fascinating. I feel like I met some of the fabulous stars of old Hollywood, or that I had spent some great nights in the pub with him, laughing along with his "behind the scenes" stories. When the book ended, I felt a sense of bereavement. If you read this Michael, I wouldn't mind an invitation to your next Sunday lunch party thanks.
27 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
- L A Stevenson
- 10-11-10
Superb
Absolutely fantastic. A very very good example of an audio book. Caine's writing is at times hilarious made funnier by having the man himself reading it (they even leave in parts where he laughs himself). A real highlight.
20 people found this helpful
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
- Steve K
- 29-12-11
Not bad
Worth a listen to. It is what you'd expect really, the story of rags to riches the struggles he had in the early years and then some amusing stories about him and other Hollywood actors, no out of the ordinary revelations or anecdotes but I did enjoy it on the whole
15 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
- James
- 30-01-11
Wonderful
This is a fabulous account of Michael Caine's rags-to-riches story, told without embellishment exactly as he sees it.
His narration is so natural it doesn't feel like he's reading from a book at all; rather more like he is relaxing in an armchair next to you telling you his story as he recalls it. This is a special talent - not everybody is capable of reading their own book with such style.
I haven't quite finished this yet but on the strength of it I have already added his previous autobiography, What's It All About, to my Wishlist, and will be my next purchase from Audible.
14 people found this helpful
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
- Bridgid
- 31-03-11
Brilliant
Loved this honest, enlightening and funny autobiography narrated by Michael Caine himself. Well worth a read/listen.
12 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
- John
- 09-10-10
A great story and well read .
Serious and witty at the same time.
12 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
- Mr R.
- 04-08-11
A Legend
I loved this book, made me laugh out loud on many occasions and have recommended it to friends, very well told and great to listen to. I loved it.
10 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
- peter
- 28-12-11
Hey Michael, keep it up!
Warm, candid and a full hearted account by M.C. whom we've loved for decades. A truly worthwhile reading for the holiday season... or anytime!
9 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
- I Endsor
- 22-08-11
The Elephant to Hollywood
I never liked autobiographies but this got me to want to listen to more. This is a brilliant biography, especially read by Michael Cane himself. I never much liked autobiographies but this got me to want to listen to more.
9 people found this helpful
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Sherrill
- 10-02-13
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
1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Adam Faux
- 22-03-12
The Legend that is Morris Micklewhite!
If you could sum up The Elephant to Hollywood in three words, what would they be?
Best Audiobook Yet
What did you like best about this story?
The delivery and the depth that Michael goes into to share his story
What does Michael Caine bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?
The unique character behind the story. I think all biographies should be read by their subjects, it adds another dimension that might have been lost being read by someone else
Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?
The story about his father passing away
Any additional comments?
Absolutely loved it. Listened to it on an 18 hour drive to Italy, played it going, and just had to play it again on the way back. Not once did we get bored or weren't fully immersed in the story. There was silence in the car for the whole journey! :)
1 person found this helpful
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
- Sherry
- 05-02-11
Entertaining
This narration is really fresh and enjoyable. I love when Michael Caine chuckles and sometimes practically laughs out loud. You feel like you are in a pub with him and listening to him reminisce about the old days. Thoroughly entertaining!
1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Capn
- 26-09-18
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!
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- GYHT
- 20-08-14
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.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Michael
- 16-06-14
Not Many People Know That...
I thought I knew Sir Michael Caine. I love and hate some of his movies. I think he is a loveable guy and great character. As he has got older I think his work gets better but this book shows how little I knew about the man. I found out his favourite movies are mine, well besides Alfie, which I have never seen but it made him. He has worked hard for his career and had a lot of luck. He has had downs and hard times, which come out nicely in this book. What really makes this book is Michael narrating it. His laugh is so funny. Would love to have a dinner with the man, but I don't see that happening, we move in different circles. Love the book, can't say you will understand or know Michael Caine any better but what a trip down memory lane. His accent is so comforting and his story telling captivating. I know he is getting on in age, but please stick around and make more movies, even write more books.
Love your work.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Shining Rainbow
- 04-06-14
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.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Carl
- 14-06-13
A good life story told well
What made the experience of listening to The Elephant to Hollywood the most enjoyable?
Michael Caine and his relaxed and sometimes funny reading of the book. Enjoying his memories whilst reading it makes it all the more enjoyable for the listener.
What about Michael Caine’s performance did you like?
Brilliant reading and best told by the man himself. Emotions across the board are reflected in his reading.
Any additional comments?
An Audible must listen for anyone who likes Michael Caine or biographies. Or even both! :)
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Stuart
- 06-03-13
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
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Robin Åman
- 23-05-12
Wonderful
Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?
Yes, if they like movies and Michael Caine
What did you like best about this story?
The narration was great. Every autobiography should be read by the author. I love it when he laughs out loud sometimes when he retells a story or remembers something.