Predrag
"Arthur" is one of those rare films that gets better and funnier as it gets older. Some of the sharpest and most unforgettable dialogue is shared between Moore and Gielgud. Christopher Cross's "The Best That You Can Do" song complements the film beautifully. And who can resist that New York flavor? Arthur Bach is a drunk, spoiled, and lecherous man (superbly played by Dudley Moore). He has no redeeming qualities. His public drunkenness is the stuff of legend. He frequents prostitutes openly. He holds no position in his father's company, nor does he really contribute to society in any way....This is one of the best 80's comedies ever. I think this movie speaks to all of us who are still thinking about growing up and reminds those that had to grow too quickly because of a traumatic event. Arthur lived a pampered life by most of our standards and he resisted the world he knew was coming quickly (i.e. marriage, career, and growing old.) The part I love best about the movie is his several references to Santa Claus. Which affirms in my mind that he was still very very young at heart. What I appreciate most about this movie is the very subtle and detail oriented comedy that Dudley Moore is known for. In my mind he is only second to Lucille Ball in the physical comedy department. And even though you might think Liza Minelli is not a fit, she works perfectly as Arthur's love interest. Music is great and deserved it's Oscars.Overall rating: 8 out of 10.
Claudio Carvalho
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")
BoomerDT
The first time I happened to see this was on my honeymoon, it was the in flight movie as we were flying home from a wonderful trip. It was a absolutely perfect movie to enjoy at such a time, along with numerous glasses of champagne. Of course you missed quite a bit viewing in-flight movies back then but I've caught up with "Arthur" many times since via cable or rentals and I never fail to laugh. Just a wonderful script and direction by Steve Gordon, it's a shame he passed away shortly after this. While John Gielgud's superb performance as Hobson gained an Oscar, this film was going to either soar or crash on Dudley Moore's performance as Arthur. It's not easy to make a spoiled and perpetually sloshed playboy into a lovable character, but Dudley pulls it off. I've never been a big fan of Liza Minnelli. but she is also terrific as Linda, the waitress from Queens that Arthur falls in love with. Some other fine performances, such as Ted Ross as Bittermann, Arthur's chauffeur and Anne De Salvo, who has a hilarious bit as a hooker who Arthur entertains at a ritzy NYC restaurant.To those who dislike this because it makes alcoholism seem funny and cute...lighten up, it's only a movie. Hollywood has a tradition in making drunks seem lovable. Just as they do with prostitutes. As a PS, still married to the lovely lady 33 years later. Best that you can do is fall in love.
SmileysWorld
A 40 something alcoholic playboy with sense of responsibility or ambition who has had everything he has ever had handed to him on a platter finally gets an ultimatum from his family by way of an arranged marriage.He must marry this woman or lose a hefty inheritance.He proposes,though he has no true feelings for the woman.He then meets and falls in love with another woman,thereby complicating his life.I like the story and it was well played out and very humorous.Dudley Moore's laughter as the title character was particularly infectious,although alcoholism isn't something I would normally find funny.Liza Minnelli and John Gielgud were great in their support.All told,a good film.
AD
