Arthur (1981) User Reviews (151)

Still a Charmer a Quarter Century Later Especially for the Well-Missed Talents of Moore and Gielgud

[EUyeshima · 7/10 · 1 August 2006]

This 1981 comedy still sparkles thanks to the combined efforts of writer/director Steve Gordon and stars Dudley Moore and John Gielgud. Sadly, Gordon, only in his early forties, died soon after completing this, his only feature film. It's an especially unfortunate loss since he shows a truly deft hand at character-driven farce that makes the whole film irresistible. It plays almost like a 1930's-style screwball comedy revamped for contemporary tastes. The plot centers on Arthur Bach, a drunken, diminutive millionaire playboy who is at risk of losing his $750 million inheritance if he doesn't marry the dowdy and boring Susan Johnson, an heiress handpicked by his old-money father and dotty grandmother. Of course, he doesn't love her and by chance, runs into Linda Marolla, a working-class waitress (and of course, aspiring actress) after she pilfers a Bergdorf Goodman tie for her father.

The standard complications ensue but in a most endearing way with loads of alcohol-fueled slapstick executed with classic élan by Moore. That he makes such a spoiled character likable is a credit not only to his comic talents but to Gielgud's feisty, acidic turn as Hobson, Arthur's devoted but reality-grounded valet. It's the type of role he could play in his sleep, but Gielgud makes Hobson such a truly memorable character that his fate in the film brings a welcome injection of poignancy in the proceedings. In probably her most likable film role, Liza Minnelli hands the picture to her male co-stars by toning down her usual razzle-dazzle personality and making Linda quite genuine in motivation.

A pre-"LA Law" Jill Eikenberry plays Susan just at the right passive-aggressive note, while Barney Martin (Jerry's dad on "Seinfeld") steals all his scenes as Linda's slovenly father Ralph. The one fly in the ointment is veteran actress Geraldine Fitzgerald, who overdoes the eccentricities of the grandmother. And I have to admit that I still can't stand the very dated, overplayed Christopher Cross song that inevitably won the Oscar for that year's best song. Unfortunately, the 1997 DVD, certainly in need of remastering, has no extras worth noting except some photos and production notes.

Dudley Moore Proves he's a Comic Powerhouse

[Isaac5855 · 8/10 · 8 January 2007]

The late Dudley Moore had the most famous role of his too-short career in 1981's ARTHUR, a raucously funny and alternately touching tale that generates warm smiles, big belly-laughs, and an occasional tear if you're in the right mood. Moore received a Best Actor Oscar nomination for his performance as Arthur Bach, a drunken playboy who "races cars, plays tennis, fondles women, but he has weekends off and he's his own boss." Arthur is destined to inherit 750 million dollars when he marries a snooty society girl named Susan Johnston (Jill Eikenberry)who is the spoiled daughter of an undercover gangster. Things get sticky when Arthur meets Linda Morolla (Liza Minnelli) a waitress/struggling actress from Queens who steals neckties for her father's birthday. Moore lights up the screen in one of the single funniest performances of the last 50 years. The late Sir John Gielgud won a Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his flawless turn as Arthur's acid-tongued butler and best friend, Hobson, whose outward disdain for Arthur's behavior covers more paternal feelings. There are other funny contributions by Barney Martin as Linda's father. Stephen Elliott as Susan's father, and Geraldine Fitzgerald as Arthur's demented grandmother. The film was directed with a keen eye for comedy by a first time director named Steve Gordon, who, sadly, died the following the year. There was also a forgettable sequel several years later, but this instant classic is not to be missed.

A Real Arthur

[bkoganbing · 8/10 · 12 July 2006]

Arthur has always been a personal film for me for two reasons. A good friend of mine who worked on the film as an extra and to help out with the horses during the stable scene just recently passed away. If you look fast you can see Frank Graham during the restaurant scene in the background while Dudley Moore and Jill Eikenberry are in conversation. Frank was a champion equestrian and will be missed by all who knew him.

Secondly though, I actually knew a real life Arthur Bach. He was not quite as wealthy as Arthur, but spent 47 years of his life basically as a kid. His parents tightly controlled his purse strings, but his rent and utilities were paid for in a basement apartment in Greenwich Village. He spent a good deal of his time getting himself intoxicated on various spirits and making a public spectacle of himself, just like Dudley Moore does.

The wonder with Arthur is why anyone would bother with him wealth of not. But that's the other half of the equation. My friend was a most charming person when you got to know him. In fact it was almost a compulsion to be charming. He couldn't buy a newspaper or magazine without trying to establish some level of relationship with the vendor. He spent his life being a perfect party guest. The term wastrel which was in common use in the 19th century would apply to him.

And that's what Dudley Moore is, a wastrel. Unlike my friend Moore has John Gielgud to clean up after him. That's a full time job as we see demonstrated in Arthur. My friend also never found a Liza Minnelli, a male Liza Minnelli in fact because he was gay. Still Moore's portrayal of Arthur Bach is deadly accurate and so real for me.

Arthur, 20th century wastrel, is being forced to marry another trust fund baby in Jill Eikenberry. Since he won't work for a living, the threat of being cut off is quite real for him. He only has his butler Hobson played by John Gielgud and chauffeur Bitterman played by Ted Post to pour his troubles out to. We should all have such troubles.

John Gielgud in his nearly century of life certainly did better work than in Arthur on film and in fact Gielgud is more prominently known for his stage performances. Yet 1981 was a year of sentiment at Oscar time. The Academy gave Henry Fonda and Katharine Hepburn Oscars for On Golden Pond and Gielgud the Best Supporting Actor Award essentially for the work of a lifetime. That man was amazing, still at his craft almost to the end.

So to Frank Graham who worked in the film and to Jackie Weiss, a genuine real life Arthur, I dedicate this review.

Delightful movie

[Adriane · 11 July 2000]

Delightful movie. Side splitting laughs at times, heart warming at others. Sir John Gielgud is wonderfully funny and poignant as Hobson, Arthur's butler. My favorite scene is where he goes to Liza Minnelli's house to talk to her, you really sympathize for him and her. Memorable song "The best that you can do", and unforgettable characters make this a feel-good memorable movie. Definitely on my Top 30 of all time. 10/10

Dudley Moore was ok, but John Gielgud is a delight!

[cricketbat · 6/10 · 6 August 2018]

Arthur was fun enough. Dudley Moore was ok, but John Gielgud is a delight! I'm not a fan of Liza Minnelli, so it's hard to root for her as Arthur's romantic interest when I see no reason why they should be together. I don't know why this film got Oscar buzz, but it's worth a watch.

Dudley Moore is Arthur Forever!

[tkdlifemagazine · 6/10 · 29 March 2022]

"Do you have any objection to naming our child Vladimir? Even a girl?" This movie is one "one-liner" after another adeptly delivered by the late Dudley Moore as the millionaire playboy trying to find love and happiness amidst a serious drinking problem and boredom. Dudley Moore is at his best an is the quintessential drunk in this one. Sir John Gielgud was phenomenal as the sarcastic Hobbes, the only person who truly understands Arthur and loves him deeply. Liza Minelli is likable as the love interest. This movie was hysterical and funny and unique. The strength was Moore's vulnerability and charm, even as a basically unlivable character. The music is classically 80's. The movie has held up and don't see the sequels or remakes. This one is the one to see.

'Son of Foster Brooks'

[sampleman411-1 · 10/10 · 14 April 2002]

Quite simply the funniest and shiniest film-comedy of all time... it's certainly on my personal top-ten list. This one also gets a solid ten on the voting scale. Millionaire heir, Arthur Bach (Moore), is a middle-aged 'child' who refuses to take the mature path in life and avoids all requisite responsibilities. He also refuses to leave the bottle. One day he and his personal butler, Hobson (Gielgud), go shopping at Bergdorf Goodman's and run into petty larcenist, Linda (Minnelli). Arthur and Linda's chemistry adds electricity to the rest of the film. There are hilarious set pieces aplenty. In one such scene, Arthur (drunk throughout most of the story) knocks on the wrong apartment door and receives ear shattering threats from a human 'siren' ("My husband has a gun!!!!). Performances by everyone involved should be duly noted: Geraldine Fitzgerald plays Arthur's loving-yet-ruthless grandmother, Sir John Gielgud almost steals the entire show with his acidic droll-isms (He took home the Oscar for this one), and Christopher Cross provides the Main Theme song (Oscar winner "Best That You Can Do"). It's a shame the late Dudley Moore passed away last month (March 2002).

The best that you can do

[safenoe · 7/10 · 8 February 2022]

Whenever I remember Arthur, a movie released over 40 years ago, Christopher Cross's theme comes to mind. Anyway, Dudley Moore quite hilarious in Arthur and Liza Minelli gave the soft edge needed to round out the movie.

The sequel was so and so.

The laughs never get old.

[budmassey · 10/10 · 23 February 2002]

From the beginning of this movie it seems apparent that the role of Arthur was meant to be played by a much younger actor. By the end, it's clear that nobody other than Dudley Moore could have done it so well. Looking back, one remembers the sappy Christopher Cross theme song (does anyone remember Christopher Cross?) and oh-so-80's clothing and sets with an unavoidable nostalgia. But the triumvirate of Moore as Arthur, Liza Minnelli as Linda, and Sir Johnny G as the butler Hobson, dripping with sarcasm and at the pinnacle of his considerable talent, make this more than a throw-away farce.

All the best lines belong to Gielgud, and the Academy Award was hardly adequate for such a legendary performance. Moore's lovable drunk would wear thin in later years, but here it is a fresh and delightful tour de force in the most politically incorrect way. Liza is flawless, but one hates to see her in a non-musical role, for fear of squandering such an immense talent. But the chemistry, the synergy between these legends is palpable.

The laughs never get old. It is, however, a tragedy that the DVD is not available in cinematic aspect.

John Guilgud Steals The Show And Rightly Won The Oscar

[slightlymad22 · 7/10 · 30 January 2015]

I really wanted to like this movie, and it was OK, but it was not as good as O remember.

Plot in A Paragraph: Arthur (Dudley Moore) is a happy drunk with no ambition in life. He is also the heir to a vast fortune which he is told will only be his, if he marries Susan. He does not love Susan, but his family expects she will make something of him. Arthur does as he's told and proposes, but then meets a girl (Liza Minelli) with no money who he could easily fall in love with.

Dudley Moore's drunk act had me cringing, and found it annoying, yet his sober Arthur was more watchable. Liza Minelli is a joy (as always) as Linda Marolla, as is Geraldine Fitzgerald as Martha (Arthur's Grandmother) but it is John Geilgud as Hobson that steals the show (and rightfully took home the Oscar) that steals the show. He is brilliant.

This movie also features one of my favourite songs of all time 'Arthur's theme' by Christian Cross

Moore Is Less

[slokes · 2/10 · 10 September 2016]

A film about a merry rich drunkard living a consequence-free lifestyle in the Big City may not seem promising entertainment, yet after 20 minutes "Arthur" makes you wish they just left it at that.

Instead, you get a long, dreary tale in two parts, one a tragedy of a friendship cut short by death, the other a rom-com between the title character and a perky shoplifter who doesn't mind Arthur's alcoholic foibles given the nine-figure nest egg involved.

It all boils down to money. "I wish I had a dime for every dime I have" is how Arthur puts it.

As played by Dudley Moore, Arthur alternates between an annoyingly sad drunk and an annoying happy one. Supposedly Moore based his performance on his former comedy partner Peter Cook, a comedy genius who wound up a drunken sot and his own best audience. The first thing we hear in the movie is that braying laugh, which sounds like something which must have drove Moore crazy in a prior life. Now his pain becomes ours.

Why was "Arthur" such a big hit? The theme song topped the Billboard pop chart, it took home two Oscars, and there was even a sequel and a remake. God may not love a drunk, but someone apparently did.

One Oscar went to John Gielgud as Arthur's butler, Hobson, a font of bitter witticisms. "Usually one must go to a bowling alley to meet a woman of your stature," he tells the new woman in Arthur's life, Linda, played by Liza Minnelli. Yet we are asked to accept Hobson as the voice of human warmth otherwise missing in Arthur's life, mainly by virtue of his getting the big lines.

We are supposed to believe Arthur will give up anything and everything to be with Linda. You would think she might be someone who might have something real to pull Arthur from his chemically-induced fog. Instead, Minnelli plays her character way too much like a celebrity cameo, all exaggerated eyeblinks and cutesy asides.

Writer-director Steve Gordon seems to have had some darker subtexts he wanted to work in. For example, Arthur expresses a fondness for Soviet communism, and there's a strong sense of evil from the capitalist plutocrats who run Arthur's world. But the most Gordon gins up this way is a contrived situation where Arthur is being pressured to marry a woman whose father is set up as some kind of homicidal tycoon with a criminal reputation. Why would Arthur's ultra-wealthy, hyper-snooty family promote such a union for their fragile son?

I guess it's for the same reason Hobson has that chronic cough. We need a story to go with the punchlines. I just wish the punchlines had been better. I enjoy Moore in other roles, and he's a solid-enough improvisational actor that he makes some of Arthur's lighter scenes work here, when he doesn't overplay the tipsiness as he too often does. The main takeaway I got was of him punching well below his weight, and somehow coming up short anyway.

People defending "Arthur" say you had to be there. Take it from me, I was there. It wasn't any funnier then than it is today.

One of the Funniest Films Ever!

[Sylviastel · 10/10 · 1 September 2006]

Let's begin with that theme song sung by Christopher Cross. The song is "If you get caught between the moon and New York City." It's a great theme and song even after all these years, it never gets tiring. It really is a great song about New York City as well. Anyway, the great Dudley Moore CBE stars as a spoiled drunken millionaire who is engaged to Jill Eikenberry's character in the film. Jill would later star on LA Law. Anyway, he is served by his wonderful British butler, Sir John Gielgud OM who won an Academy Award for his performance in the film as Best Supporting Actor. Arthur falls in love with Liza Minnelli's character who is perfect in this film besides her performance in her Oscar winning role in Cabaret. No, Liza doesn't get to sing. She plays a diner waitress. Anyway I love Geraldine Fitzgerald as the Bach matriarch of the family who decides the family's fortune. Anyway, she is fabulous and should have gotten an academy award nomination herself for Best Supporting Actress. Barney Martin best known as Jerry's dad on Seinfeld plays Liza's dad. He's great too. The movie was well-written, acted, and delivered to the audience who wanted more of it.

Good luck in prison

[Boyo-2 · 7/10 · 26 September 2000]

Arthur Bach is decidedly unhappy in his life as a multi-millionaire and is attracted to people 'below him' in social standing - he pays for a hooker in the opening scenes and then is enormously attracted to a shoplifter.

He drinks quite a lot too, and sometimes he is driving while drinking, too, which of course is not funny, ever.

The movie is great but behind the comedy is some reality, too. John Gielgud wipes the floor with everyone else on screen and created a character for the ages. Talk about deserving an Oscar. Moore and Minnelli have their moments, but its Gielgud as "Hobson" you'll remember the most.

Drunks are not funny.

[jcaland · 3/10 · 28 March 2021]

Rich, pathetic alcoholic does the things that alcoholic's do.

Witty and warm, and lots of booze. Three great actors combine.

[secondtake · 26 December 2016]

Arthur (1981)

I'm no Dudley Moore fan, but this grew on me and I found him not only hilarious but, as intended, touching. He is supported by two very different kinds of actors—John Gielgud and Liza Minnelli—but they form a wonderful trio.

The story is a timeless one—the rich man who is out of touch with what really matters in life. This isn't pushed very far, and the end is pretty inevitable, but the journey is great fun mostly because Moore is relentlessly funny. Minnelli plays a great strong woman foil to him, and is obviously what he needs in life. The "romance" between them is never very convincing because it remains a bit practical—they don't have that great scene where we expect them to truly "fall in love," and that's just fine. (The closest is the scene in the horse barn, which has one of the funnies lines in the movie, which almost feels like a Moore ad lib, you'll see.)

The aging butler played by Gielgud is more nuanced and funny than the cliché of the English butler in so many movies. It's weird to see him play this kind of role when his repertoire ranges more to Shakespeare (he's one of England's great 20th Century stage actors).

So love this not for the story, which is lovable but plain, but for the three actors and their ongoing wit and verve. A fun fun movie.

If alcoholism is a disease then "Arthur"is mocking the afflicted....

[ianlouisiana · 6/10 · 8 March 2010]

A former Oxford Organ Scholar and arguably the stage's greatest ever "Prospero" get together in a movie about a rich drunk.That's showbiz eh?Oh,and it also has the star of one of the best latter - day movie musicals in the third big role.It's called "Arthur" and it's almost thirty years old now.Back in 1981 it was still OK to laugh at drunks,especially rich ones with a nice line dry humour. Now we are more aware of the often tragic consequences of excessive alcohol consumption,Arthur's silly little indiscretions are merely cringe - making,driving his motor car whilst p*ssed out of his mind no longer entertaining but criminal. Mr Dudley Moore,a man like Peter Sellers who actually hated what he had become,was a working - class Essex Boy with the rough edges knocked off by his time at University.He employs an American accent in the same way that Mr Michael Caine does i.e. he barely bothers.He can do the drunk thing standing on his head.Sir John Gielgud,massively disdainful,plays much in the manner of his pal Mr Noel Coward,throwing away bon mots willy - nilly.Miss Liza Minnelli seems permanently amazed and is not convincing as a street - smart resting actress. The film is not helped by an over - familiar plot and stock characters in the supporting roles. I'm sorry,I cannot agree that this is a great comedy,it wasn't great even in 1981. Mr Moore's popularity - fine musician that he was - amazed even himself but when he began to fade he went back to music,his first love,but was never the same talent again. He gives an expert performance in "Arthur"but not an endearing one.

Overrated Romantic Comedy

[claudio_carvalho · 6/10 · 7 May 2016]

In New York, the reckless millionaire Arthur Bach (Dudley Moore) is frequently in the headlines since he is permanently drunk. However he is a warmhearted person raised by his butler Hobson (John Gielgud). When he stumbles with Linda Marolla (Liza Minnelli) in a store, he notes that she is shoplifting a tie and he decides to follow her with Hobson. Arthur helps Linda when the security guard arrests her and they date in the night. They fall in love with each other, but Arthur's father and grandmother want him to marry the also millionaire Susan Johnson (Jill Eikenberry); otherwise they will take his fortune. What will Arthur do?

"Arthur" is an overrated romantic comedy from the early 80's. The problem is that there is no worthwhile character or message in the story. Arthur is an alcoholic reckless man. He meets Linda when she is shoplifting in a store. Her father is a greedy man. Hobson is a snobbish man and when he goes to Linda's house, he feels totally uncomfortable. The nicest character is the driver Bitterman. My vote is six.

Title (Brazil): "Arthur, o Milionário Sedutor" ("The Seductive Millionaire")

Genuinely witty!

[nocurfupa · 10/10 · 16 September 2002]

Ok, even if you can't stand Liza- this movie is truly hilarious! The scenes with John Gielgud make up for Liza. One of the true romantic comedy classics from the 20th century. Dudley Moore makes being drunk and irresponsible look cute and amusing and it is damn fun to watch! The one-liners are the best.

Dudley Moore channeling Keith Moon

[isabellacatgirl · 7/10 · 25 June 2022]

One thing that struck me though while watching... Arthur has a Keith Moon vibe so was Moore channeling Moon? Must be that hair. I think they look similar,and act similar. Anyways they won't make a movie like this today with the main character drunk driving. It's crazy how he's able to drive safely to his destinations without crashing. That wasn't the only unrealistic thing about this... Liza Minelli going shoplifting in an ugly bright yellow coat and red hat? Who the hell does that lol. I read somewhere Gilda Radner was asked to play the role of Linda. Imo she would've been better than Liza. Hobson is such an epic butler. A tale about love versus money. I didn't find it that funny,but I do like the moral of the story. Sometimes love is stronger than any money in the world. I can picture Al Pacino nailing this role too,but seems like he took that and made Scarface instead. Love the soundtrack alot too,Christopher Cross rocks lol.

One of the funniest films ever made.

[Christian_Dimartino · 10/10 · 9 July 2010]

Dudley Moore was an underrated English actor in his time. They all were underrated. It amazes me how lots of critics preferred the American version of "Death at a funeral" than the English version. And on the whole, the English are better when it comes to humor. Period.

Nobody has ever given a genuine drunk performance than Dudley Moore as Arthur. I have just read that Russell Brand is going to star in the remake of this film. As much as we love Russell Brand, I don't think he could do as good of a job as Dudley Moore did. Moore and whoever plays his butler are delightful, and this is a classic motion picture that should not have been touched. Though Brand is perfect, not perfect enough.

Moore obviously plays Arthur, a drunk playboy who finds out that his father will stop giving him money unless he marries the girl that he doesn't love. But then he meets Linda(played wonderfully by Liza Manelli) and he considers ditching the money.

The acting is delightful. So is the story plot. The relationship that Arthur and Hobson(the butler) is wonderful. This is just truly a wonderful film. Flawless. If you haven't seen it, you must. Before the remake comes out. It's a delightful film on everyone's behalf.

Arthur:A+

arthur

[marmar-69780 · 7/10 · 4 February 2020]

Arthur is a very good made romantic comedy that has a nice and sweet story and happy ending,moore is a very charming guy in this film and cause of that this film was a fun watch,liza was also very nice to listen and watch and she also give some nice laughs in it,but as much two leads were funny and enjoyable i didnt felt the same thing from rest of cast expecely guy who played his batler,he was to cliched made and sometimes annoying with his attitude,the same goes for bride and her father and story about him killing people didnt felt like it belongs in films like this,arthur is a nice comedy that will probably found its fans and give them some nice moments and some nice laughs

Very Annoying Movie

[mcjensen-05924 · 3/10 · 31 August 2021]

It's not annoying just because of Dudley Moore's incessant drunken laughter, which wears thin only a few moments into the film. It's annoying because people are just selfish, rude and thoughtless throughout. Drinking and driving is simply not funny either, and Arthur is trashed driving around the city numerous times. Ha ha driving over curbs while swilling out of a bottle is tremendous entertainment. Agreeing to marry someone just to keep your inheritance with no regard for anybody's feelings is really funny stuff. Liza M. As a leading lady is a laugher. There's nothig appealing about her character at all. She's an obnoxious thief. Gee no wonder Arthur finds her irresistable. Her father is even worse. All he needs to know is the size of a guy's bank account before giving his approval for marriage. Shallowness everywhere you look. The acting is okay it's just the plot that's so ridiculous and mundane. Sir John G. Is even kind of a jerk in this, playing a pompous judgemental butler or servant or whatever he is. No, this thing just wasn't very enjoyable at all. The chauffeur is the only likable character and his role is minimal. How it's rated so high is thoroughly baffling. There's a few good songs and some beautiful classic luxury automobiles, and they are the only thing of any interest or real beauty in the movie. Oh, there's also a horse who's looks and personality far outshine Liza M. 's. I always thought it was an all right film with a few laughs, but this last time through made me wonder why. I honestly never even grinned or chuckled once. Pure stinkola......

Trapped...

[moonspinner55 · 8/10 · 25 September 2005]

As drunken millionaire playboy Arthur Bach, Dudley Moore is perfect as a grown man trapped in childhood. As it turned out, the role fit Moore so perfectly, it trapped him as an actor as well. Many disappointments soon followed (including this film's pale sequel), yet that doesn't diminish the charm or appeal of this picture, which is cleverly written and directed. Some of Moore's drunk scenes are forced, parts of the film are wobbly, but the cast performs with so much relish it's a difficult movie to resist. It has a very big heart and gives Oscar-winner John Gielgud a sly, dryly amusing role as Arthur's valet, Hobson; his relationship with Arthur is delicious and they have a miraculous rapport. Liza Minnelli (as a blue-collar love-interest) is sassy in a low-key and Moore is brash, but deft and lively; he never shook off the shadow of Arthur, but at least we have this document of a career high-point to cherish. *** from ****

Funny and Charming...

[namashi_1 · 7/10 · 16 April 2011]

Directed by the Late Steve Gordon, 'Arthur' is a Funny and Charming Romantic-Comedy, that turns out to be a memorable watch. Even the performances here are super!

Dudley Moore stars as 'Arthur', A drunken millionaire playboy from New York City who is on the brink of an arranged marriage to a wealthy heiress, but ends up falling for a common working-class girl from Queens, played by Liza Minnelli.

Steve Gordon's Writing is solid, at most places and offers some really entertaining & interesting moments. But, the pacing is a bit slow. Especially, in the first hour. Gordon's direction is as good as his writing. Cinematography & Editing are fine. Music by Burt Bacharach, is lovely.

Performance-Wise: Late Dudley Moore has a blast playing 'Arthur'. Liza Minnell is convincing. The Late Great, John Gielgud, is amazing, in an Oscar-Winning performance. He is the real scene stealer here! Jill Eikenberry is efficient. Others lend good support.

On the whole, If your looking for some Neat and Clean Humor, pinched with some Romance, then 'Arthur' is meant for you.

A Classic? Really?

[bigverybadtom · 1/10 · 4 November 2012]

I missed the beginning of the movie, but what I saw of it was quite enough. The supporting cast, especially Shakespearean actor John Gielgud as Arthur's sarcastic butler, did a good job, but the main characters unfortunately brought the movie down.

Arthur, the star, is a rich happy drunk with no ambition, and his family arranges him to marry a rich woman whom he does not love, but he must go through with it or lose his chance of inheriting the family fortune. Along the way he meets a waitress/struggling actress whom he does fall in love with. What to do? The movie's major problem is that we're supposed to find a man with a drinking problem humorous. Trouble is, drunkards are not happy people-see "Leaving Las Vegas" to show how having a drinking problem is really like. Not fun at all. Arthur's butler shows real concern for him, and Arthur redeems himself by his showing concern for him as he dies-but the redemption is temporary. In the end he shows up drunk at his wedding and publicly humiliates his bride. Ha, ha. Of course he will get his fortune anyway in the end.

The other problem is Liza Minelli as the girlfriend. Her career only existed because her father, director Vincent Minelli, pushed her into her acting career, as she looks ugly and is a weak actress. Seeing her is as appealing as eating an average worm sandwich. (Though admittedly the movie would have been a turkey no matter who played the girlfriend.)