Critic Reviews
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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.
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Richard Schickel, TIME Magazine
Moviegoers are hereby alerted to some good fun.
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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.
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Geoff Andrew, Time Out
Overrated one-joke comedy.
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Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times
Only someone with a heart of stone could fail to love a drunk like Arthur Bach.
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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.
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David Nusair, Reel Film Reviews
...suffers from a hit-and-miss quality that wreaks havoc on its momentum...
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John J. Puccio, Movie Metropolis
There are several strong laughs in the film, and, yes, Gielgud is fine in his role. (Blu-ray Edition)
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John J. Puccio, Movie Metropolis
Arthur has endeared himself to millions of viewers over the years.
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Charles Cassady, Common Sense Media
Sweet-spirited comedy -- with too many spirits.
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, 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.
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, Empire Magazine
Watch and enjoy, but avoid the completely disastrous sequel.
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Chuck O'Leary, FulvueDrive-in.com
No. 1 on my list of favorite comedies. One of the funniest ever made.
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Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com
A modern screwball comedy, in the vein of My Man Godfrey and other Depression era gems, Arthur was written and directed by Steve Gordon, who received an Oscar nomination for Original Screenplay.
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Steve Crum, Kansas City Kansan
Moore is a great, funny drunk...even though it is all so politically incorrect now.
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Frank Ochieng, Movie Eye
One will delightfully get drunk between the moon and New York City by drinking up the spry essence in Gordon's romantic comedy Arthur
Read all 16 critic reviews
Featured Audience Ratings
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A 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… More
A 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.
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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.
<b>Full… More
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.
<b>Full Review: http://wp.me/p1Urcx-vN</b>
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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… More
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.
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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… More
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.
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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)… More
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) shaking 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.
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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… More
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 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.
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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 for… More
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 for 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.
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Susan: Arthur, will you take my hand?
Arthur: That would leave you with one.
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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! :)
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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.
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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… More
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 gaining 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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A lovely comedy about a rich alcoholic who thinks he?s a child. Sounds wrong doesn?t it. I miss Dudley Moore. Love Christopher Cross's theme tune too!
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pretty cool flick, dudley moore was up and down but this is one of his better ones
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Dudley Moore comedy as a drunken millionaire. Good movie.
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Funny. It was the role he was born for and the one he would never live down. It was funny and smart.
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A skillfully done romantic comedy with upscale settings. Liza Minnelli is loveable, and Dudley Moore is funny.
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Dudley Moore made a lot of stinkers, but this is probably his best effort. He makes a funny drunk, but let's face it, this film is all about seeing Sir John Gielgud saying rude words.
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Eh. 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… More
Eh. 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.
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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… More
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.
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Arthur isn't perfect, however, its dark comedy, great performances, and the amount of heart the film has, it is one movie worth watching.
Read all 20 featured audience ratings
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