Overdue Podcast: Episode 692 - The Princess Bride by William Goldman

Release Date: March 3, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 692 of Overdue, hosted by Andrew and Craig from Headgum, the duo delves into the beloved classic, The Princess Bride by William Goldman. Known for their engaging discussions on a diverse array of books—from classic literature to quirky children's stories—Andrew and Craig bring their unique perspectives to this iconic tale that has captivated audiences both in print and on screen.

Book vs. Movie: A Symbiotic Relationship

Andrew opens the conversation by pondering the often-discussed topic of whether the movie adaptations overshadow their source material. Unlike many adaptations where the film diverges significantly from the book, The Princess Bride stands out as a work where the book and movie are closely intertwined. Andrew remarks, “I feel like this book maps to the movie pretty precisely” (03:17), attributing this synchronicity to William Goldman's dual role as both author and screenwriter.

Craig echoes this sentiment, highlighting the seamless translation from page to screen, noting how the book's portrayal feels "made with each other in mind" (02:42). This alignment is partly credited to Goldman’s deep involvement in crafting both the novel and the screenplay, ensuring that the essence of the story remains intact across both mediums.

Exploring William Goldman’s Legacy

The hosts transition into a brief biography of William Goldman, shedding light on his illustrious career. Starting as a novelist in the 1950s and transitioning into a renowned screenwriter, Goldman’s works include classics like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and The Princess Bride. Craig shares an anecdote about Goldman’s challenges in adapting The President's Men, emphasizing Goldman's preference for novel writing as an art form over the technical craft of screenwriting (09:31).

Andrew adds depth to Goldman’s character by discussing his 30th-anniversary edition of The Princess Bride, which includes unique elements such as a prologue, an introduction, and an afterword. These additions provide readers with insights into Goldman’s creative process and his playful interaction with the fictional author, S. Morgenstern.

Deep Dive into The Princess Bride

Andrew and Craig provide a comprehensive summary of The Princess Bride, highlighting key plot points and character dynamics. Buttercup, the story’s beautiful princess, and Wesley, the farmhand, are central to the narrative. Their evolving relationship is peppered with missed connections and eventual declarations of love, mirroring the film’s romantic undertones.

A notable discussion revolves around the book’s framing device—the narrator Goldman interjects with humorous asides and commentary, blurring the lines between fiction and reality. Andrew quips, “it’s a funny way to do a book” (23:37), appreciating how this technique adds layers to the storytelling.

The duo also touches upon the book’s unique structure, such as the inclusion of flashback chapters that provide backstory for characters like Inigo Montoya and Fezik. These elements enrich the narrative, offering readers a deeper understanding of the characters’ motivations and histories.

Differences Between Book and Movie

While the book and movie share a close relationship, several differences emerge in their storytelling approaches. Andrew points out that the book includes darker elements, such as Prince Humperdinck’s “death zoo” where Wesley faces torture, adding a grittier tone not as prominently featured in the film (52:48). Craig contrasts this with the movie’s lighter, more definitive ending, where the heroes escape and share a happy resolution (57:24).

Additionally, the book’s ambiguous conclusion leaves readers pondering the fate of the characters, whereas the film opts for a satisfying and conclusive closure. Andrew reflects, “the ending of the movie gives it a more conclusive feel” (57:38), highlighting this fundamental difference in narrative resolution.

Listener Reviews and Critiques

Andrew and Craig delve into audience reactions, sharing insights from Goodreads reviews. Jeanette, a reviewer, expresses skepticism about the book’s high ratings, suggesting that many readers conflate their appreciation of the film with the novel itself. She notes, “for all the originality in the telling, it really doesn't end up anywhere worth going” (65:19).

Another review from a user named Icarus critiques the book’s undercurrent of bitterness, finding the fictional editor Goldman’s voice off-putting. Icarus states, “I find that they soured my enjoyment of the story they framed” (66:55), contrasting with The Princess Bride movie’s more uplifting tone.

These reviews spark a discussion between the hosts about the balance between innovative narrative techniques and traditional storytelling, with Andrew acknowledging, “I did feel the device overwhelmed the story” (65:57).

Conclusion: Enduring Legacy and Personal Reflections

As the episode wraps up, Andrew and Craig reflect on the enduring legacy of The Princess Bride. They commend Goldman’s commitment to his narrative device, maintaining the playful illusion of a fictional author while delivering a compelling adventure story. Andrew muses, “you can have your frame narrative, but it better not have any character or opinion or style of its own” (67:58), emphasizing the delicate balance Goldman achieves.

In their final thoughts, the hosts express admiration for both the book and the movie, acknowledging the unique strengths each medium offers. They encourage listeners to engage with both versions to fully appreciate the depth and charm of The Princess Bride.

Notable Quotes

• Craig: “Never get into a, a podcast in Asia.” (00:14) – Highlighting the show’s playful tone.

• Andrew: “This book is funny pretty much throughout.” (44:53) – Emphasizing the humor embedded in the narrative.

• Craig: “It's a very successful film in 1987, directed by Rob Reiner...” (13:07) – Discussing the film’s production and legacy.

• Andrew: “I don't know that they make it like they used to movies lately.” (69:29) – Reflecting on modern filmmaking trends.

Final Thoughts

Episode 692 of Overdue offers a rich exploration of The Princess Bride, balancing a thorough plot summary with insightful critiques and personal reflections. Andrew and Craig successfully navigate the complexities of adapting a beloved story, providing listeners—both new and familiar—with a comprehensive understanding of why The Princess Bride remains a cherished classic in both literature and film.

Note: Timestamps correspond to the time markers in the provided transcript.