Arthur (1981)
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Cast
as Arthur Bach
as Linda Marolla
as Hobson
as Martha Bach
as Susan Johnson
as Burt Johnson
as Bitterman
as Ralph Marolla
as Stanford Bach
as Gloria
as Hooker
as Oak Room Maitre D'
as Uncle Peter
as Aunt Pearl
as Oak Room Waiter
as Secretary
as Executive
as Saleslady
as Security Guard
as Mrs. Nesbitt
as Plant Store Owner
as Prize Man
as Harriet
as Johnson Butler
as Waiter
as Perry's Wife
as Perry
as Prize Man
as Racetrack Owner
as Harriet
as Preston
as Bill
as Bartender
as Racetrack Owner
as Man in Coffee Shop
as Lady in Coffee Shop
as Wedding Guest
as Stuntman
Critic Reviews for Arthur
All Critics (30) | Top Critics (6) | Fresh (27) | Rotten (3) | DVD (5)
Arthur is a sparkling entertainment which attempts, with a large measure of success, to resurrect the amusingly artificial conventions of 1930s screwball romantic comedies.
Moviegoers are hereby alerted to some good fun.
So little care has gone into the characterizations, the structure, and the situations that the film merely feints at significant comedy.
Overrated one-joke comedy.
Only someone with a heart of stone could fail to love a drunk like Arthur Bach.
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.
Audience Reviews for Arthur
A billionaire playboy pursues a thief/waitress despite his family's insistence that he marry within his class. Good for a few yuks, Arthur is a charming film with a lot of good comedic performances, but the best lines come from John Gielgud. Despite being primarily a dramatic actor, Gielgud is fantastic as Hobson, delivering dry, scornfully witty one-liners with astonishing ease. He's an upper-class snob, frequently delving into lower class language, and it's often hilarious. Gielgud shows scene larceny at its finest; Dudley Moore is only noticeably funny when Gielgud isn't stealing the lens. The plot is predictable, and I didn't think the relationship between Arthur and Linda was well-developed. If I were to risk a substantial fortune for a woman, I would like a few more scenes with her, preferably when I was sober. Overall, this is a good way to enjoy 100 minutes of innocuous, enjoyable diversion, especially because of Gielgud.
Super Reviewer
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 from 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.
Super Reviewer
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 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.
Super Reviewer
Arthur Quotes
| Arthur Bach: | I'm going to take a bath now. |
| Mr. Hobson: | I'll alert the media. |
| Mr. Hobson: | If i begin to die, please take this off my head. It is not how I wish to be remembered |
| Mr. Hobson: | If I begin to die, please take this off my head. It is not how I wish to be remembered. |
| Arthur Bach: | You must have hated this moose... |
| Arthur Bach: | "Don't you wish you were me? I know I do..." |
| Arthur Bach: | Don't you wish you were me? I know I do... |
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