★★★★★

Dudley Moore and John Gielgud create magic in Arthur, a romantic comedy that’s fun, funny, and unexpectedly moving.

Sara P.

Illinois

Released in the summer of 1981, Arthur quickly became one of the year’s biggest box office successes, blending old-school romantic comedy with a satirical twist on wealth and privilege. Anchored by a standout performance from Dudley Moore and bolstered by an Oscar-winning supporting turn from John Gielgud, the film occupies a curious space: both a screwball farce and a morality tale. Decades later, Arthur remains an endearing if sometimes problematic portrait of a man learning that love, not money, is the true key to happiness.

Quick Verdict

Rating: ★★★★☆ (3.5 out of 5)
Arthur (1981) succeeds thanks to its charismatic lead, witty script, and emotionally grounded performances. While its comedic portrayal of alcoholism and some underdeveloped characters reflect the time of its release, the film’s heart, humor, and message continue to resonate.

Spoiler-Light Plot Summary

Arthur Bach (Dudley Moore) is a perpetually drunk, childlike millionaire living in Manhattan on an endless wave of parties, luxury, and irresponsibility. With no need to grow up, his main responsibility seems to be keeping his glass full until his stern family insists he marry wealthy socialite Susan Johnson (Jill Eikenberry) to secure a financial inheritance. The catch? Arthur has unexpectedly fallen for Linda Marolla (Liza Minnelli), a working-class waitress from Queens who couldn’t be further from his upper-crust world. As the wedding approaches, Arthur finds himself caught between love and obligation, slowly learning that money might not be the only thing that defines happiness.

Cast & Performance Analysis

Dudley Moore delivers a magnetic performance, balancing zany physical comedy with surprising emotional nuance. His Arthur is both ridiculous and endearing, an immature millionaire who learns to grow up without losing his soul. Moore’s unique blend of charm and pathos elevates what could have been a caricature into a genuinely sympathetic character.

Liza Minnelli brings authenticity and warmth to Linda, making her more than just a “working-class love interest.” She holds her own against Moore’s manic energy with a calm, grounded presence. The chemistry between them feels natural and believable.

But the scene-stealer is undoubtedly John Gielgud as Hobson, Arthur’s acerbic and aristocratic valet. His dry wit, impeccable timing, and underlying affection for Arthur create one of the film’s most memorable relationships. Gielgud earned an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, a rare feat for a comedy.

Direction, Cinematography, and Tone

In his directorial debut (and tragically only film), Steve Gordon keeps the tone light, nimble, and emotionally accessible. His script—also Oscar-nominated juggles absurdity with heart, allowing the film to gently poke fun at wealth while delivering a satisfying romantic arc. Gordon’s direction is unfussy, allowing performances and dialogue to take center stage.

Cinematographer Fred Schuler captures New York with glossy affection, turning familiar landmarks into backdrops for a modern fairy tale. Whether inside a marble-lined mansion or strolling through Central Park, the film’s visuals enhance its rags-to-riches-to-romance tone.

Burt Bacharach’s iconic score, including the Oscar-winning “Arthur’s Theme (Best That You Can Do)” by Christopher Cross, adds an emotional and melodic layer that helps define the film’s identity. The music softens the satire and reinforces the romantic heart of the story.

Themes: What the Movie Is Really About

At its core, Arthur examines wealth vs authenticity. Arthur is a man whose life has been shaped by inherited privilege, yet he finds himself emotionally stunted and isolated. The film asks whether happiness comes from comfort or connection and suggests that love, not money, provides true fulfillment.

There’s also a subtle critique of class divides: Arthur’s parents want him to marry within his elite circle, while Linda represents everything his upbringing discourages. Choosing her means choosing autonomy over conformity. The film lightly explores personal growth, sacrifice, and identity, particularly through Arthur’s dependence on Hobson, who acts as a surrogate father figure.

One of the more controversial themes is alcoholism, portrayed here as a comic trait rather than a serious illness. While this portrayal added levity in 1981, modern audiences may view it as overly flippant.

Weaknesses

Despite its charm and strong performances, Arthur has several noticeable flaws:

1. Minimization of Alcoholism – Arthur’s drinking problem is treated as comedic rather than tragic, which might feel outdated and insensitive today.

2. Predictable Narrative Arc – The film’s resolution is easy to predict, offering few surprises in terms of plot development.

3. Undeveloped Supporting Characters – Apart from Hobson, most secondary characters (especially Susan and Linda) lack dimensionality, existing largely to move Arthur’s arc forward.

Strengths

• Dudley Moore’s Lead Performance – A blend of humor and vulnerability

• John Gielgud’s Oscar-Winning Role – A masterclass in dry wit and restraint

• Strong Romantic Chemistry – Moore and Minnelli are a believable, charming pair

• Memorable Music Score – “Arthur’s Theme” remains a romantic classic

• Timeless Themes – Love over wealth, emotional maturity, and self-discovery

What Still Works in Arthur

Even after four decades, Arthur remains a beloved romantic comedy for its humor, heart, and iconic performances. Dudley Moore’s blend of physical comedy and sincerity still lands effectively, and Gielgud’s dry wit hasn’t aged a day. The themes of pursuing real love, growing beyond family expectations, and choosing authenticity are universal and still resonate. While certain cultural elements may feel stuck in their era, the film’s emotional core remains intact.

Recommended If You Liked...

• Tootsie (1982) – A classic romantic comedy with gender and identity themes

• My Fair Lady (1964) – Class commentary in a romantic, witty setting

• The Goodbye Girl (1977) – Quirky urban romance with heart

• Crazy Rich Asians (2018) – Romance vs tradition in a world of wealth

• Big (1988) – A man-child protagonist finds maturity through emotional growth

Final Thoughts

Arthur (1981) is an odd but enduring gem, part screwball comedy, part emotional coming-of-age story, dressed in the silk and champagne of Manhattan high society. What could have been an empty satire becomes surprisingly heartfelt, thanks to Dudley Moore’s charisma and John Gielgud’s dry brilliance. It may falter in how it treats addiction and secondary characters, but it succeeds in delivering a warm, funny reminder that love and not money is the best thing you can do.

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