Bring on the Empty Horses

Synopsis

Here is Niven at his best. He and Errol Flynn were filming The Charge of the Light Brigade for a director, Michael Curtiz, 'whose Hungarian-orientated English was a joy to us all'. High on the rostrum he decided the moment had come to order the arrival on the scene of a hundred riderless chargers. "Okay," he yelled into a megaphone, "Bring on the empty horses!" '

BRING ON THE EMPTY HORSES is the second part of David Niven's internationally bestselling autobiography, following the superbly entertaining THE MOON'S A BALLOON. Both books were highly acclaimed by the critics and remain as wonderful reminders of a much-loved actor who epitomised, for many, the essential British gent, even when surrounded by the stars of Hollywood.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Empty Pit

* Real Example: The protagonist, Daniel, a former rapper, struggles with a sense of emptiness after his music career fizzles out. He drifts aimlessly, seeking redemption and fulfillment.

Chapter 2: The Empty Glass

* Real Example: Daniel's friendship with Ricky, a charismatic but troubled alcoholic, highlights the destructive effects of addiction and the desperate need for support.

Chapter 3: The Empty Box

* Real Example: Daniel's relationship with Ellie, a former bandmate and love interest, is complicated by the unresolved emotions and regrets that haunt them both.

Chapter 4: The Empty Voice

* Real Example: Daniel's inability to reconcile his past successes with his present struggles leads to a creative block and a loss of self-confidence.

Chapter 5: The Empty Road

* Real Example: Daniel embarks on a road trip, seeking inspiration and a fresh start. However, his journey is marked by obstacles and disappointments that test his resolve.

Chapter 6: The Empty Sky

* Real Example: Amidst the desolation of the desert, Daniel encounters a mysterious figure who challenges his beliefs and forces him to confront his inner demons.

Chapter 7: The Empty Heart

* Real Example: Daniel finally confronts the grief and trauma that have haunted him since childhood, leading to a cathartic release and a glimmer of hope.

Chapter 8: The Empty Horses

* Real Example: The empty horses, once a symbol of Daniel's lost dreams and feelings of inadequacy, become a metaphor for the power of acceptance and redemption.

Chapter 9: The Empty Song

* Real Example: Daniel rediscovers his passion for music, not as a pursuit of fame or success, but as a means of healing and self-expression.

Chapter 10: The Empty Promise

* Real Example: Daniel realizes that the promise of a perfect life is an illusion, but that there is still beauty and purpose to be found in the brokenness.

Chapter 11: The Empty World

* Real Example: Daniel emerges from his journey with a renewed sense of purpose and a willingness to embrace the unknown, even if it is filled with uncertainty.