Blowing the Bloody Doors Off: And Other Lessons in Life

In this entertaining memoir, Academy Award winner Caine looks back at his long and illustrious career and offers candid advice to aspiring actors. Caine, who began appearing in film in 1956, attributes his success to a mixture of hard work, determination, and sheer luck. It took him eight years of appearing in uncredited and bit parts before he gained notice in Zulu (1964). He reflects that his career was filled with doubt and ups and downs. The high and low points are sprinkled throughout the "life lessons" he shares here. He offers practical advice on acting techniques, as well as developing good habits such as being on time, learning your lines, and acting with civility toward everyone on the set. He shares many colorful stories about such fellow legends as Elizabeth Taylor, Laurence Olivier, Jack Nicholson, and many others. He also discusses the other loves in his life: his wife, Shakira; children; and grandchildren and his love of gardening. Caine's narration is friendly and engaging, like listening to an old friend.