Arthur, directed by Steve Gordon, is a sparkling romantic comedy that successfully blends outrageous farce with genuine heart. The film is an irresistible showcase for Dudley Moore, whose Oscar-nominated performance as the titular millionaire created one of cinema’s most lovable, perpetually inebriated characters. It is a story about wealth, responsibility, and the surprising places one finds true love.
Arthur Bach (Moore) is an impossibly wealthy, charming, and perpetually intoxicated Manhattan playboy. He spends his days being ferried around town in a luxurious Rolls-Royce driven by Bitterman (Ted Ross) and his life maintained by his dry-witted, devoted English butler, Hobson (John Gielgud).
Hobson is the only truly stabilizing force in Arthur’s chaotic life, offering biting critiques and parental guidance with impeccable, deadpan delivery.
Arthur is set to inherit a staggering $750 million trust fund on his 30th birthday.
However, his powerful and uncompromising family presents him with an ultimatum: he must marry Susan Johnson (Jill Eikenberry), the dull but respectable daughter of a fellow billionaire, Burt Johnson (Stephen Elliott).
If Arthur refuses, he will be disinherited and left penniless.
While supposedly courting Susan, Arthur meets Linda Marolla (Liza Minnelli), a sassy, quick-witted working-class waitress from Queens who is shoplifting ties from Bergdorf Goodman.
Arthur is instantly captivated by Linda’s authenticity and spirit, a stark contrast to the sterile, transactional world of his social circle. He falls genuinely in love with her, throwing his entire life—and inheritance—into jeopardy.
The second half of the film centers on Arthur’s struggle to choose between unimaginable wealth and true love.
The situation is complicated by Hobson’s failing health and his poignant, final lessons to Arthur about the true meaning of responsibility.
The climax sees Arthur face his family led by Martha Bach (Geraldine Fitzgerald), Susan and her intimidating father, and his own fears, forced to make a life-altering decision that will define his future.
Barney Martin, Anne De Salvo and Paul Gleason round out the supporting cast.
Dudley Moore and Liza Minnelli in Arthur (Photo/Warner Bros.)
Reception for Arthur
Arthur grossed $2.7 million on its opening weekend, finishing second at the box office.
The film would have a remarkable run, gaining momentum and popularity, ending with a gross of $95.5 million, finishing No.4 for 1981 behind Raiders of the Lost Ark ($212.2 million), On Golden Pond ($119.3 million) and Superman II ($108.2 million).
Roger Ebert gave Arthur three and a half stars in his review.
Lasting Legacy
Arthur is a beloved romantic comedy that instantly became a box-office hit and earned two Academy Awards.
Moore’s portrayal of Arthur is magnificent, balancing his character’s alcoholism and childlike behavior with a sweet, endearing vulnerability.
Gielgud won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his pitch-perfect performance as Hobson, delivering some of the film’s most memorable and expertly timed lines. The chemistry between Moore and Gielgud provides the film with its true emotional core.
The Theme Song: Christopher Cross’s “Arthur’s Theme (Best That You Can Do)” won the Oscar for Best Original Song and remains intrinsically linked to the movie’s romantic, optimistic spirit.
The film is a testament to the power of genuine connection over monetary wealth, and it remains a funny, stylish, and heartwarming romantic comedy classic.
