Home / Arts and Entertainment / Arthur: The Unlikely Comedy Hit That Endured
Arthur: The Unlikely Comedy Hit That Endured
15 Aug
Summary
- Arthur, released 45 years ago, became a comedy classic despite a quiet debut.
- Dudley Moore starred as an alcoholic playboy, Arthur Bach, who falls for Liza Minnelli's character.
- The film earned Oscar wins for Best Supporting Actor and its theme song.
Released 45 years ago on July 17, 1981, the comedy classic Arthur began its journey with a quiet debut. Despite marketing challenges and a slow box office start, word of mouth propelled the film, making it the year's fourth-highest-grossing title. Arthur centers on the life of alcoholic playboy Arthur Bach, whose inheritance is threatened if he doesn't marry a woman he dislikes. His plans are complicated when he falls for Linda, portrayed by Liza Minnelli.
Dudley Moore, who embodied Arthur, was praised for his comedic timing and convinced the director to allow him to use his natural British accent. The film garnered four Oscar nominations, ultimately winning for John Gielgud's performance as the butler Hobson and for Christopher Cross's theme song, "Best That You Can Do."
Director Steve Gordon, who penned the script, passed away a year after Arthur's release at age 44, making it his sole feature film. While a sequel followed in 1988 and a remake in 2011, neither achieved the enduring success of the original. Arthur remains a celebrated comedy, recognized by the American Film Institute.
