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Dudley Moore, Liza Minnelli, John Gielgud, Geraldine Fitzgerald, Jill Eikenberry ... see more see more... , Stephen Elliott , Ted Ross , Barney Martin , Thomas Barbour , Anne De Salvo , Marjorie Barnes , B. Constance Barry , John Bentley , Jonathan Coleman , Maurice Copeland , Dillon Evans , Peter Evans , Paul Gleason , Richard Hamilton , Helen Hanft , Lou Jacobi , Bobo Lewis , Marcella Lowery , Bob Maroff , Irving Metzman , Ron Moody , Ray Serra , Phyllis Somerville , Lawrence Tierney , Edgard Mourino , Paul Vincent , Jerome Collamore , Gordon Press , Jeremy Ritzer , Juliet Taylor , Howard Feuer , Florence Tarlow , Mary Alan Hokanson , Justine Johnston

The ads for Arthur suggested that this was an obnoxious film about an obnoxious man, an eternally drunken millionaire indulging his every whim. Instead, Arthur (Dudley Moore) is a sweet, somewhat path... read more read more...etic character whose millions have left him lonely and with no motivation in life. When the film opens, Arthur is on the threshold of an arranged marriage with simpering socialite Susan (Jill Eikenberry), whom he does not love. Everyone expects Arthur to behave himself, but nobody truly cares for his well-being, with the exception of father-figure butler Mr. Hobson (John Gielgud, who won an Oscar for his performance) and blue-collar shoplifter Linda (Liza Minnelli). Arthur would prefer to marry the lowly Linda, but his iron-willed grandmother (Geraldine Fitzgerald) threatens to pull the plug on his huge inheritance if he doesn't honor his position in life and go through with his marriage to Susan. A sequel, Arthur 2: On the Rocks, followed in 1988. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

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68% liked it

32,144 ratings

Critics

90% liked it

30 critics

PG, 1 hr. 39 min.

Directed by: Steve Gordon

Release Date: July 17, 1981

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DVD Release Date: August 27, 1997

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Stats: 1,215 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (1,215)

  • spielberg00
    November 30, 2011
    spielberg00
    Although this has been considered by many an '80s classic, I'd like to think otherwise. Parts of this film were cute, comical, and there was one scene in particular during which I couldn't stop laughing; but this is no NATIONAL LAMPOON'S VACATION.

    Full Review: http://wp.me/... read morep1Urcx-vN
  • DreamExtractor
    August 14, 2011
    DreamExtractor
    I saw the 2011 Athur first, and it sucked. This older version is a comedy classic. The story is about Arthur (Dudley Moore), a drunken millionare who gets money from his father. When his father gives him an ultimatium, marry a woman he hates or not marry her and he is cut off ... read morefrom the money, he must choose if he wishes to be rich or stay with his new love (Liza Minneli). The story was great, it was funny, good hearted, and a classic tale of a drunken fool. Dudley Moore was great, his drunken slander will make you laugh your butt off. I was also a big fan of John Gielgud (Mr. Hobson) his smart assness is just so funny. The comedy is great, well written and original, and will make you laugh. Liza Minelli was never funny in this, but thats her characters fault, not hers. Arthur is anamerican classic.
  • TheDudeLebowski65
    August 6, 2011
    TheDudeLebowski65
    I only heard about this film after hearing about the remake with Russell Brand in the role of Arthur Bach. Like with every other remake, I will always view the original film to see which one I preferred. Well, I was pleasantly surprised that I enjoyed both. The remake essentially... read more kept everything intact, but made the comedy a little bit raunchier for today's audiences. But this original and whimsical comedy about a drunken playboy is a lot of fun. As I enjoyed very much the remake, I thought that the original was terrific as well. The comedy here is sharp, witty, original and amusing. Actor Dudley Moore is enjoyable on screen as Arthur Bach, and the rest of the cast here are terrific as well. This is a charming comedy that has good laughs, but above all, an interesting story. I however didn't think that Dudley Moore was the best on screen. I thought he was good, but I thought that John Gielgud in the role of Mr. Hobson was what made this film special. I just loved his sarcastic and snobbish quips and his chemistry with Moore was wonderful. If you've enjoyed the remake, and want to see this classic, then I suggest you do. You're in for a pleasant viewing experience. I thought that both films were fun and charming, but obviously nothing beats an original film.
  • sononothing
    July 19, 2011
    sononothing
    Arthur is the story of a lovable drunk. A rich lovable drunk. Lovable drunks only appear in movies because most drunks break your stuff and urinate everywhere except the toilet. Arthur (Dudley Moore) doesn't work, just spends money with his faithful butler Hobson (John Gielgud) s... read morehaking his head in disgust. Arthur has been given an ultimatum: be the groom in an arranged marriage or be cut off. Dependence on money leads Arthur to reluctantly propose, but he ends up meeting his true love Linda (Liza Minnelli), a shoplifter from Queens. What everything boils down to is will Arthur decide to be rich and miserable or poor and happy.



    Arthur has a dated feel that all early '80's comedies have. It's hard to describe, it just has that vibe of life just before CD's and such. It could have easily become another one of the cliched films that cam from this era thirty years ago, but the story isn't a cliche. It's very basic and develops into something more than it would have been. Of course the combined efforts of Dudley Moore as Arthur, spouting drunken jokes as he stumbles through life and the dead pan wisecracking of Gielgud as Hobson push this film beyond standard date night celluloid. Gielgud rightly deserved the Oscar for this one.

    Dated? Yes. Still entertaining? Sure. It's like a time capsule film. Sure, it's dated, but its worth digging up every couple of years.
  • shiftyeyeddog
    April 16, 2011
    shiftyeyeddog
    I'm 20 minutes into this movie so far, and not only has it not solicited one laugh, it's already annoying the hell out me. Dudley Moore cackling annoyingly after every sentence is not only unfunny, it's not even convincing as being drunk.

    I'll update this again after seeing... read more the whole thing (if I make it), but I don't anticipate this getting any better. This one makes the new Russell Brand version look like an Oscar-caliber film.
  • FrizzDrop
    April 15, 2011
    FrizzDrop
    Your preference to this drunken Dudley Moore rampage, is dependent on whether you find an intoxicated, spoiled, English brat running around with his father-figure butler, and his wacky antics, hilarious. Dudley Moore does deliver a very loving portrait of a dependant heir, needy ... read morefor the wealth and subsequent power included in his family's estate. Devoid of love, Arthur meets and falls for a Queens waitress with a penchant for stealing, and pulling shenanigans of her own. Minnelli, in one of her best roles, is an irresistable intrusion into Arthur's dull life, and is the high point of the film. Gielgud and Moore spar insults at one another in the friendliest way, and yet divided by their net worth. Decent comedy, but not my particular cup of tea.
  • DrZeek
    February 28, 2011
    DrZeek
    Susan: Arthur, will you take my hand?
    Arthur: That would leave you with one.
  • movieguru12
    February 23, 2011
    movieguru12
    Hilarious & adorable :) Dudley Moore is hilarious & Liza Minnelli is adorable :) It was sad that Hobson died. I thought it was funny that the guy that played Morty on Seinfeld was Linda's dad lol :) Can't wait for the remake! :)
  • ajv2688
    January 11, 2011
    ajv2688
    A predictable romantic comedy about a rich guy who falls for a poor girl. There are some funny moments, but overall, it's not that great, it's okay.
  • ythelastman89
    September 15, 2010
    ythelastman89
    It's impossible to not fall in love with Arthur and his overly drunken stupor. Dudley Moore is charming and funny, always keeping you entertained. What makes this more than just a comedy is its huge heart, it's not just another romantic story but about someone growing up and gain... read moreing principles and self respect. Maybe at the end of the day a lot of us wish we could be Arthur, he just seems to have the best time; even though it may take 10 scotch's an hour to get him truly happy.

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Critic Reviews

Variety Staff
March 26, 2009
Variety Staff, Variety

Arthur is a sparkling entertainment which attempts, with a large measure of success, to resurrect the amusingly artificial conventions of 1930s screwball romantic comedies. Full Review

Richard Schickel
August 22, 2008
Richard Schickel, TIME Magazine

Moviegoers are hereby alerted to some good fun. Full Review

Dave Kehr
April 1, 2008
Dave Kehr, Chicago Reader

So little care has gone into the characterizations, the structure, and the situations that the film merely feints at significant comedy. Full Review

Roger Ebert
October 23, 2004
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

Only someone with a heart of stone could fail to love a drunk like Arthur Bach. Full Review

Vincent Canby
May 20, 2003
Vincent Canby, New York Times

Mr. Gordon's screenplay is full of funny things, and it's beautifully paced, but it's the performances that give the picture its true classiness. Full Review

David Nusair
April 9, 2011
David Nusair, Reel Film Reviews

...suffers from a hit-and-miss quality that wreaks havoc on its momentum... Full Review

John J. Puccio
March 25, 2011
John J. Puccio, Movie Metropolis

Arthur has endeared himself to millions of viewers over the years. Full Review

April 1, 2008
TV Guide's Movie Guide

Moore is predictable as the spoiled scion of wealth, Minnelli is terrific as his candid sweetheart, but Gielgud's loyal yet sarcastic servant steals the film. Full Review

April 1, 2008
Empire Magazine

Watch and enjoy, but avoid the completely disastrous sequel. Full Review

Chuck O'Leary
August 4, 2007
Chuck O'Leary, FulvueDrive-in.com

No. 1 on my list of favorite comedies. One of the funniest ever made.

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Facts

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    • Mr. Hobson: As we can all see, it's a beautiful morning, which would seem to indicate that the night is over.
    • Arthur Bach: You, uh... probably ate out that night, what with that man lying in your kitchen.
    • Arthur Bach: You're a hooker? I just thought I was doing great with you!
    • Mr. Hobson: I'll alert the media.
    • Arthur Bach: I'm going to take a bath.
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