Arthur Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Drunken millionaire has to choose between marrying a rich lady he hates or being poor, but love (and money) eventually conquer all, so basically, it’s a rom-com where the biggest problem is what kind of champagne to buy.

🍿 Arthur: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to Arthur Bach

Arthur Bach, played by Dudley Moore, is a charming but irresponsible alcoholic millionaire living in New York City. He enjoys a life of luxury, spending his time drinking, womanizing, and generally avoiding any form of responsibility. He’s cared for by his witty and loyal butler, Hobson, who provides both companionship and a grounding influence.

The Arranged Marriage

Arthur’s family, particularly his father and grandmother, disapprove of his lifestyle. They insist he marry Susan Johnson, a wealthy heiress, in order to secure his $750 million inheritance. Arthur, though initially reluctant, agrees to the marriage, seeing it as a necessary step to maintain his lavish lifestyle. However, he doesn’t love Susan and finds the prospect of marrying her unappealing.

Meeting Linda Marolla

While shopping at Bergdorf Goodman, Arthur encounters Linda Marolla, a shoplifter played by Liza Minnelli. He is immediately drawn to her rebellious spirit and down-to-earth nature, a stark contrast to the superficiality of his own social circle. Arthur intervenes when Linda is caught stealing a tie for her father, and they begin a relationship.

The Choice: Love or Money

Arthur finds himself torn between his family’s expectations and his growing feelings for Linda. If he marries Susan, he secures his inheritance, but he would be trapped in a loveless marriage. Choosing Linda means sacrificing his wealth and embracing an uncertain future. This dilemma forms the central conflict of the film.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Arthur Bach (Dudley Moore): A wealthy, alcoholic playboy who must choose between his inheritance and true love.
• Linda Marolla (Liza Minnelli): A shoplifting waitress from Queens who captures Arthur’s heart.
• Hobson (John Gielgud): Arthur’s witty and devoted butler who acts as his moral compass.
• Susan Johnson (Jill Eikenberry): The wealthy heiress Arthur is pressured to marry to secure his inheritance.
• Martha Bach (Geraldine Fitzgerald): Arthur’s strong-willed grandmother who controls the family fortune.
• Burt Johnson (Stephen Elliott): Susan’s wealthy and intimidating father who expects Arthur to marry his daughter.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Hobson: “Usually one must go to a bowling alley to meet a woman of your stature.” – Hobson’s sarcastic remark to Linda upon meeting her for the first time.
• Arthur: “I dread the thought of a future where I have to choose my own toilet paper.” – Arthur expresses his fear of losing his wealth and the conveniences it provides.
• Hobson: “What else can you do with $750 million? Buy Iceland?” – Hobson questions Arthur about what he could possibly do with all that money when Arthur is considering giving it up for love.
• Arthur: “I understand you have a drinking problem. It’s called not drinking.” – Arthur jokingly responds to someone mentioning he drinks a lot, showcasing his carefree attitude towards alcohol.
• Arthur: “I like you, Linda. You’re a crook.” – Arthur expresses his affection for Linda, highlighting her rebellious and unconventional nature which he finds appealing.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $7,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $95,461,682
• Worldwide Gross: $95,461,682

💥 Arthur Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely adore Arthur! Dudley Moore is brilliant as the charming, drunken millionaire. The film is hilarious, but it also has a real heart. The relationship between Arthur and Hobson is so touching, and I found myself laughing and tearing up throughout the movie. It’s a classic for a reason! The theme song is iconic, and every scene with John Gielgud is pure gold. If you need a feel-good movie, this is it.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic romantic comedies”
  • “Viewers who enjoy witty dialogue and charming characters”
  • “Those who appreciate films set in New York City”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Alcohol abuse”
  • “Mild language”
  • “Some suggestive content”

Professional Reviews

• Rotten Tomatoes: “Arthur is a charming romantic comedy, elevated by Dudley Moore’s delightful performance and John Gielgud’s Oscar-winning supporting role. It’s a feel-good movie with wit and warmth.
• Variety: “Dudley Moore shines as the lovable rogue, making Arthur’s escapades both hilarious and endearing. The supporting cast, especially John Gielgud, adds layers of sophistication and wit. A delightful film.
• RogerEbert.com: “Arthur succeeds because of its heart. Dudley Moore’s portrayal of a man-child struggling with responsibility is surprisingly touching, and the film’s humor is sharp and clever.

Audience Reactions

Viewers loved Dudley Moore’s comedic timing and charm as Arthur.: Most audiences praised the witty dialogue and the heartwarming relationship between Arthur and Hobson.

The soundtrack was a major hit, especially ‘Arthur’s Theme (Best That You Can Do)’.: Many viewers enjoyed the movie’s lightheartedness and found it to be a delightful escape.

Overall Consensus: Arthur is a beloved comedy celebrated for its witty humor, heartwarming moments, and stellar performances, especially by Dudley Moore and John Gielgud.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Supporting Actor)- 1982
2. Academy Award (Best Original Song)- 1982
3. Golden Globe Award (Best Actor – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy)- 1982

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Steve Gordon’s only film as director, he tragically died a year after its release.”
• “Dudley Moore based some of Arthur’s mannerisms on his former comedy partner, Peter Cook.”
• “The role of Linda Marolla was initially offered to Gilda Radner.”

🖥️ How to Watch Arthur?

Arthur is available for rent or purchase on various platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your preferred streaming service for availability. You may also find it on cable on-demand services.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Arthur, you might like these similar films:

• Trading Places (1983): Features a comedic look at wealth, class, and societal roles, with a lighthearted approach.
• My Man Godfrey (1936): A screwball comedy classic about a wealthy socialite who brings a ‘forgotten man’ into her home, with similar themes of class and unconventional romance.
• Crazy Rich Asians (2018): Explores the world of immense wealth and the challenges of navigating love and family expectations within that environment.
• What Women Want (2000): A successful man falls for a woman who comes from a lower social class than himself.

🛒 Arthur Related Products

• Arthur (Blu-ray): Own the classic comedy on Blu-ray with enhanced picture and sound quality. A must-have for any movie collector.
• Arthur: The Album: Download the complete soundtrack featuring Christopher Cross’s iconic theme song, plus other hits from the movie.
• Arthur Bach Funko Pop! Figurine: Add a touch of Arthur’s charm to your collection with this adorable Funko Pop! figurine. Features Arthur in his signature tuxedo and bow tie.
• Arthur Movie Poster: Decorate your space with a high-quality print of the original Arthur movie poster. A stylish way to show your love for this classic comedy.

🎧 Soundtrack

Arthur features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Arthur’s Theme (Best That You Can Do)” – performed by Christopher Cross
• “Money (That’s What I Want)” – performed by Barrett Strong

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

ARTHUR (1981): Best That You Can Do *Arthur’s Theme*

Feeling nostalgic? This tribute to ‘Arthur’ using ‘Arthur’s Theme’ is pure 80s gold! It perfectly captures the film’s spirit, and honestly, it’s impossible not to smile watching it.

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