Sir Michael Caine The Biography

Born Maurice Micklewhite, son of a Billingsgate fish porter and a charlady; Michael Caine's life has been an extraordinary rollercoaster: from washing dishes and fighting on National Service, to winning two Oscars and being knighted by the Queen.With more than eighty films to his name, he has starred in some of the classics of modern cinema: as an action anti-hero in Get Carter, a Cockney Lothario in Alfie, a disillusioned alcoholic academic in Educating Rita. He is an enduring model of British cool.This authorised biography charts the amazing highs and lows in his turbulent ride to fame, fortune and respect.

With more films to his name than years—includingAlfie, Get Carter, A Bridge Too Far, Thenbsp;Cider House Rules, The Quiet American, andThe Weatherman—a prestigious knighthood, and countless awards, Michael Caine is one of the most esteemed actors of his day. He has maintained the balance of critical respect and unswerving popularity andnbsp;has established himself as a performer of the highest rank. In this in-depth biography, William Hall sketchesnbsp;the picture of a man who has known his share of hard times, including the poverty of his youth and the pain of discovering his long-lost brother in a psychiatric hospital. He also reveals a man who has achieved his success through a mixture of innate talent, cool charm, barbed wit, and shrewd intelligence.

Born Maurice Micklewhite in London's impoverished East End, Michael Caine went on to become one of the world's most versatile, enduring, and bestloved actors. This new biography looks at the intriguing life and career of the Oscar-winning star.

Two Oscars and a knighthood honor a lifetime of achievement that has made Michael Caine one of the most famous and respected actors in the world. In recent years, his performances inThe Quiet American, Last Orders, Little Voice,and the Oscar–winningCider House Ruleshave won him both increasing critical acclaim and a new generation of admirers. Yet the road to stardom was a rocky one. Long before the days of the Harry Palmer spy series or the Cockney Lothario Alfie, success on the big screen was a mere dream for Caine, who spent years doggedly playing minor roles on television, stage, and screen. Writing with wit, honesty, and affection, William Hall charts the highs and lows in this fine actor’s long journey to fame, fortune, and respect.

Now in his 85th year, Hollywood legend Michael Caine shares wisdom and stories from his remarkable career in this "engrossing" memoir that "shines with positive energy" (Library Journal, starred review). One of our best-loved actors, Michael Caine has starred in over 100 films in his six-decade career, spanning classic movies like Alfie, Zulu, and The Italian Job (the inspiration for the book title) to playing Alfred opposite Christian Bale's Batman in Christopher Nolan's blockbuster Dark Knight trilogy. Caine has excelled in every kind of role--with a skill that's made it look easy. Caine knows what success takes. He's made it to the pinnacle of his profession from humble origins. But as he says, "Small parts can lead to big things. And if you keep doing things right, the stars will align when you least expect it." Still working and more beloved than ever, Caine now shares everything he's learned-and "his fans will be rewarded, as will anyone seeking an enjoyable, inspirational read" (Library Journal).

From Alfred to Zulu, Michael Caine has been Britain's best-loved actor for half a century. Now, for the first time, he reveals the truth behind his remarkable life. From his time as an evacuee during the Blitz to his front-line military service in the Korean War, from his early days as an assistant stagehand to becoming Peter O'Toole's understudy, from walk-on parts in local theatres to blowing the bloody doors off with his legendary roles in Zulu and The Italian Job, Caine's life was never simple or easy. Discussing his little-known childhood and family alongside his hard-fought journey from London to Hollywood, Caine writes with astonishing candour about the good years and the lean years, bringing his unique charm and humour to his anecdotes and memories of a sprawling movie-making career. If you worked in Hollywood in the last few decades, you've probably worked with Michael Caine - and his accounts of his relationships with other superstars, both on and offscreen, make this autobiography essential reading for any fan not just of Michael Caine, but of film in general.

Charming, engaging, and surprisingly forthright, Michael Caine gives us his insider's view of Hollywood and the story of his brilliant second act When he was in his late fifties, Michael Caine believed his glamorous, rags-to-riches Hollywood career had come to an end. The scripts being sent his way were worse and worse. When one script really disappointed, he called the producer to complain about the part. The producer said, "No, no, we don't want you for the lover, we want you for the father." Salvation came in the unlikely form of his old friend Jack Nicholson, who convinced him to give acting one more shot. What followed was not only an incredible personal transformation but also one of the most radical comebacks in film history. Learning to accept his new role both on camera and in his own life, Caine went on to win his second Oscar, be knighted by the queen, and deliver some of his best performances to date. Now he shares the spectacular story of his life, from his humble upbringing in London's poverty-stricken Elephant and Castle, his military service, touching marriage and family life, and lively adventures with friends, to legendary meetings with fellow stars, forays as a restaurateur, and hilarious off-screen encounters from his glittering five-decade career. Caine's The Elephant to Hollywood brings his gift for storytelling and his insider's view to a tale that is funny, warm, and deeply honest.