US (1981): Comedy
The ads for this picture suggested that this was an obnoxious film about an obnoxious man, an eternally drunken millionaire indulging his every whim. Instead, Arthur (Dudley Moore) is a sweet, somewhat pathetic character whose millions have left him lonely and with no motivation in life. When the film opens, Arthur is on the threshold of an arranged marriage with simpering socialite Jill Eikenberry, whom he does not love. Everyone expects Arthur to behave himself, but nobody truly cares for his well-being, with the exception of father-figure butler John Gielgud (who won an Oscar for his performance) and blue-collar shoplifter Liza Minnelli. Arthur would prefer to marry the lowly Minnelli, but his iron-willed grandmother (Geraldine Fitzgerald) threatens to pull the plug on his huge inheritance if he doesn't honor his position in life and go through with his marriage to Eikenberry. Eventually, even grandma realizes that to enter into so loveless a union would completely ruin Arthur's chances for happiness and his one opportunity to make something of himself. The film's finale is as cheerfully contrived as all get out, but audiences willingly ate it up with a spoon.
The early death of writer-director Steve Gordon was a genuine loss to comedy films. The film's sequel, Arthur 2: On the Rocks (1988) is a complete waste of time, especially when arbitrarily dragging in characters from the first film -- including the "dead" John Gielgud. (Orion Pictures) (Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide)
4 nominations, 2 Awards
· Supporting Actor 1981: Sir John Gielgud
· Music Best Song 1981: "Arthur's Theme (Best That You Can Do)" Burt Bacharach, Carole Bayer Sager, Christopher Cross, Peter Allen - Music & Lyric
· Actor 1981: Dudley Moore
· Writing (Best Screenplay written directly for the screen) 1981: Steve Gordon
