← Back to results
Arthur
1981 97 min United States of America PG 12+
★7.6
Comedy, Drama, Romance
Director: Steve Gordon
Trailers
Description
Arthur is a 30-year-old child who will inherit $750 million if he complies with his family's demands and marries the woman of their choosing.
Budget:
$7M
US Gross:
$95.46M
Worldwide:
$95.46M
Starring
Dudley Moore
Actor
Liza Minnelli
Actor
John Gielgud
Actor
Awards
Golden Globe 1982
— Best Actor (Comedy or Musical)
Academy Awards 1982
— Best Supporting Actor
Golden Globe 1982
— Best Picture (Comedy or Musical)
Golden Globe 1982
— Best Picture (Comedy or Musical)
Academy Awards 1982
— Best Screenplay
Academy Awards 1982
— Best Original Song
BAFTA 1982
— Anthony Asquith Award for Film Music
Golden Globe 1982
— Best Original Song
Golden Globe 1982
— Best Actress (Comedy or Musical)
Golden Globe 1982
— Best Supporting Actor
BAFTA 1982
— Best Supporting Performance
Key opinion
Arthur is widely remembered as a cult comedy defined by the iconic, award-winning chemistry between Dudley Moore and John Gielgud. While the performances of the leads and the film's classic status are celebrated, the romantic subplot and Liza Minnelli's contribution receive significant criticism for their lack of depth and impact.
| Acting | John Gielgud’s refined and witty portrayal of the mentor Hobson serves as the film's standout performance and emotional anchor. | |
| Theme | The narrative explores the conflict between wealth-driven obligation and the pursuit of authentic personal agency. | |
| Screenplay | The romantic thread is frequently criticized for being naive, predictable, and lacking a genuine connection. | |
| Acting | Liza Minnelli's acting is viewed as a major weakness that distorts comedic timing and lacks engagement with the material. | |
| Acting | Dudley Moore's portrayal of Arthur divides opinion: some view his performance as an iconic embodiment of an over-indulged heir, while others find the character irritating and ego-driven. | |
| Humor | The film's blend of slapstick humor and polish is polarizing; fans appreciate the lively, fast-paced tone, while detractors find the comedy artificial and bordering on a circus-like atmosphere. |