I have a rather strange memory of 1981’s Arthur. I saw this for the first time in the early 90s, it was on TV one Saturday afternoon and then on another station just after Arthur ended was The Burbs. The Burbs is one of my favorite movies of all time and while I liked Arthur, it was kind of lost in the shuffle and swept to the side by The Burbs. However, over the years, I have seen Arthur a few times and it is one of those movies that I have enjoyed a little bit more each time I have watched it.
How to Download Arthur (1981)
Arthur was released on July 17, 1981. You can download or stream the film from a digital platform. Click on the Download button at the end of this review and make your choice.
The Movie Review
A Comedy Classic That Defined an Era
To be honest, this does not make me special at all. Arthur is an absolutely beloved classic and easily the movie that made America really fall in love with Dudley Moore if you ask me. Arthur was a massive success, not just at the box office, it won a few Academy Awards, and Golden Globes as well as many other awards too. Even to this day, Arthur is a movie that millions of people all over the world hold in very high regard.
Dudley Moore’s Iconic Performance
Dudley Moore plays the role of the charming and also pretty much alcoholic Arthur Bach. Arthur is from a very wealthy family and he spends his days just doing what he wants and screwing with his valet Hobson who is played by Sir John Gielgud who won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. Arthur would also win the Academy Award for Best Original Song for the iconic, Arthur’s Song.
A Rich Playboy’s Romantic Dilemma
Arthur is really like a big kid as he has never had to grow up and really do anything with his life. However, Arthur’s life is complicated by the fact that his parents want him to marry a woman called Susan (Jill Eikenberry) who is from another very wealthy family. Arthur is going along with this, but he really does not want to do it.
Things get even more complicated when Arthur meets a waitress called Linda who is played by Liza Minnelli. Linda and Arthur are from two different worlds, but she is a very positive influence on his life and the two spend more and more time together, eventually falling in love. No spoilers, just in case you have never seen Arthur, but the plot is pretty predictable if I am being honest. However, the way that we get to the ending is just fantastic.
What Makes Arthur So Special?
The Chemistry Between the Cast
A huge part of the reason that this movie is so good is because of how likable Dudley Moore is. Dudley Moore has amazing chemistry with Sir John Gielgud and the father/son style relationship the pair have is heartwarming and also heartbreaking. He also has amazing chemistry with Liza Minnelli and the relationship the two of them have feels very real and you truly do want them to get together. While the movie is predictable, there are a couple of moments that do make you question if Arthur really will do the right thing.
A Comedy That Stands the Test of Time
If I had to guess, I would say that I have probably seen Arthur a dozen times since the first time I saw it in the early 90s and it honestly never gets old. It is the kind of movie that you can fire up and just have a fun time with and it will leave you with a big smile on your face.
Why Arthur Deserves a 4K Release
I have this on Blu-Ray and I am always checking to see if this has been announced as getting a 4K restoration, you know it is kind of crazy that it has not.
Should You Watch the Sequels?
This is a must watch, but just stick with this one. Arthur 2 is not very good and the Russel Brand remake from 2011 is truly horrible!
