William Goldman: Four Screenplays with Essays (Paperback)

by William Goldman (Author) "For me it was always their story..." (more)
Key Phrases: lopping scene, dental scene, fire swamp, Paul Sheldon, New York, The Princess Bride (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Contents: Marathon Man * Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid * The Princess Bride * Misery.

Product Details

• Paperback: 502 pages
• Publisher: Applause Books (February 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 155783265X
• ISBN-13: 978-1557832658
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.9 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #177,562 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful companion guide to four great films, April 19, 1998

By A Customer

An enthusiastic 'thumbs-up' to William Goldman for including four essays to accompany his wonderful screenplays.

If you wonder why the author chose the idea of using the grandfather as the storyteller in the "Princess Bride" or how beloved Andre the Giant was on the set of the film then this book is a must-read.

Want to know which major scene with Kathy Bates in "Misery" was changed over the objections of the screenwriter? It's all here, colorfully annotated by the author in his essays that preface each screenplay.

The most entertaining book I've read so far this year (1998). If you've enjoyed these movies then, by all means, read this book!

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Esential reading for all aspiring writers, September 28, 2002

By	Graham Campbell (Galway Ireland) - See all my reviews

Most people have seen these four films. Far fewer have read the screenplays. Because of the diversity of the material and the quality of the writing, this book is truly essential to all writers, especially those who want to write for the screen. Goldman's screenplays are unique. In effect, he has invented his own screen language. He's that rare beast, a screenwriter who cares about style.
Prepare to be thrilled and inspired.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Four Quality Films by a Master, February 20, 2009

By	D. Samms (Lynchburg, VA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

William Goldman is easily among the greatest screenwriters of our day. This includes four of his memorable scripts: Marathon Man, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Princess Bride, and Misery. The book includes all four screenplays together with an introduction by Goldman for each. The book is an excellent choice for aspiring writers, students of film, or collectors.