Original artwork, not a still
Ha-ha, you fool! You fell victim to one of the classic blunders, the most famous of which is "Never get involved in a land war in Asia," but only slightly less well known is this: "Never go in against a Sicilian, when death is on the line!"
— The Princess Bride · 1987
Behind the line
What it means
Our interpretation.
Vizzini dies halfway through his own boast, which is the joke: the supposed genius loses because both cups were poisoned and his opponent had built up an immunity. 'Never get involved in a land war in Asia' has become the stock wisecrack about any foolish military adventure, and 'Never go in against a Sicilian' the stock reply to any high-stakes bet.
Context reviewed
In context
Spoilers for The Princess BrideShow the scene
Vizzini and the man in black face off over two goblets of wine, one of which holds iocane powder. Vizzini reasons through Australia, criminals, strength and mortality, then points at a rock to distract his opponent and swaps the cups. They drink; the man in black says he guessed wrong. Vizzini cackles about his two classic blunders, then freezes mid-laugh and drops dead. Wallace Shawn was cast as Vizzini partly because his small size contrasts with the giant Fezzik.
Sources (2)
- Wikiquote: The Princess BrideHa-ha, you fool section, battle of witsReference checked
- Wikipedia: The Princess Bride (film)CastingReference checked
Context reviewed
