As you wish: the three words that make The Princess Bride a love story about service

Rob Reiner’s The Princess Bride, written by William Goldman from his own novel, opened in 1987 to modest business and found its audience years later on home video. Most people remember the sword fights and the jokes. The love story begins with something quieter.

On a farm, Buttercup gives the orders and the farm boy Westley carries them out. Whatever she asks, he answers with the same three words: “As you wish.” For a long time she hears only a servant’s reply. Then one day she understands that every one of them meant “I love you,” and she finds she loves him back.

It is the most charming picture of devoted service in popular film, and it gets one thing exactly right. His obedience was never the opposite of his love. It was how he said it, over and over, until she could hear it. Years later, Cary Elwes, who played Westley, told NPR that a waitress once took his order and answered “As you wish,” with a wink.

Watch it again together. Then try the three words at home.