
Arthur
1981, Comedy, 1h 37m
33 Reviews 25,000+ RatingsWhat to know
critics consensus
Dudley Moore brings a boozy charm to Arthur, a coming of age tale for a wayward millionaire that deploys energetic cast chemistry and spiffy humor to jovial effect. Read critic reviews
You might also like
Where to watch
Show all servicesArthur Videos
Arthur Photos
Movie Info
Cast & Crew
Arthur Bach
Hobson
Linda Marolla
Martha Bach
Susan Johnson
Burt Johnson
Critic Reviews for Arthur
All Critics (33) | Top Critics (9) | Fresh (29) | Rotten (4)
-
One of those rare contemporary entertainments that can be used to contradict people who habitually complain, "They don't make 'em like they used to!" This time they have.
May 1, 2018 | Full Review… -
Arthur is a sparkling entertainment which attempts, with a large measure of success, to resurrect the amusingly artificial conventions of 1930s screwball romantic comedies.
March 26, 2009 | Full Review… -
Moviegoers are hereby alerted to some good fun.
August 22, 2008 | Full Review… -
Watch and enjoy, but avoid the completely disastrous sequel.
April 1, 2008 | Rating: 3/5 | Full Review… -
So little care has gone into the characterizations, the structure, and the situations that the film merely feints at significant comedy.
April 1, 2008 | Full Review… -
Overrated one-joke comedy.
February 9, 2006 | Full Review…
Audience Reviews for Arthur
-
Jan 28, 2021Supposedly about how an irresponsible yet uber-rich man-boy (Dudley Moore) finds real love, this is really about said multimillionaire's father-son relationship with his caring manservant (John Gielgud, who steals the film effortlessly). Oh, there is a love story supplied, but there is little to it, chemistry-wise or story-wise. Our hero is barely-able-to-walk drunk when he decides to "grow up" and run off with the miscast Liza Minnelli, and one feels as if he will run off yet again once he returns to his senses, away from her. This was a popular film in it's time, but since then has lost its appeal, propped up by the singular gag of a stream of Borscht Belt style patter incongruously delivered by a short English drunk.Kevin M. W Super Reviewer
-
Mar 15, 2017It's entertaining in a way that's still surprising. Dudley Moore's performance could easily have been unbearable but he's actually quite charming while providing some inspired physical comedy.Alec B Super Reviewer
-
Jul 02, 2012A billionaire playboy pursues a thief/waitress despite his family's insistence that he marry within his class. Good for a few yuks, <i>Arthur</i> 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.Jim H Super Reviewer
-
May 15, 2012Eh. It's sort of funny sometimes, but overall it's a mediocre plot with a funny performance from Dudley Moore. This movie is outdated in just about every way. It wasn't bad, it just wasn't very good. If you're looking for a good comedy, you can do a lot better than Arthur.Kevin M 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... |
Movie & TV guides
About Tomatometer
The percentage of Approved Tomatometer Critics who have given this movie a positive review
About Audience Score
The percentage of users who rated this 3.5 stars or higher.
Verified