Episode 100 - Retro Rewind - Arthur (1981) Review

Flick Flops

This week, we’re popping champagne with Arthur (1981), the story of a drunken billionaire charmer who must choose between his fortune and his true love. This 1981 comedy was directed by Steve Gordon and stars Dudley Moore, Liza Minnelli, and John Gielgud. Does this comedy classic still hold up as a hilarious and heartfelt exploration of love and privilege or is it just a stodgy old party that stinks of cigars, whiskey and regret? Let’s find out!

#flickflopspodcast #moviereview #retrorewind #arthur #arthur1981 #dudleymoore #lizaminnelli #johngielgud #sirjohngielgud

"Arthur" is a 1981 romantic comedy film written and directed by Steve Gordon. The film stars Dudley Moore as Arthur Bach, a wealthy and perpetually inebriated playboy who is pressured into an arranged marriage with a wealthy heiress but falls in love with a working-class woman from Queens. The film also features Liza Minnelli as Linda Marolla, Arthur's love interest, and John Gielgud as Hobson, Arthur's sharp-tongued butler.

**Release Date:** July 17, 1981

**Director and Writer:** Steve Gordon

**Main Cast:**

- Dudley Moore as Arthur Bach

- Liza Minnelli as Linda Marolla

- John Gielgud as Hobson

- Geraldine Fitzgerald as Martha Bach

- Jill Eikenberry as Susan Johnson

**Fun Facts:**

- The role of Arthur Bach was initially considered for several prominent actors, including Al Pacino, Jack Nicholson, John Travolta, Richard Dreyfuss, and James Caan, before Dudley Moore was cast.

- Similarly, the role of Hobson was considered for Alec Guinness and David Niven before John Gielgud took on the part.

- The film's theme song, "Arthur's Theme (Best That You Can Do)," performed by Christopher Cross, won the Academy Award for Best Original Song.

- John Gielgud won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of Hobson.

- The film was a commercial success, grossing over $95 million domestically, making it the fourth highest-grossing film of 1981.

**Interesting Details:**

"Arthur" was the only film directed by Steve Gordon, who tragically passed away in 1982 at the age of 44. Gordon originally envisioned the character of Arthur as an American and considered several American actors for the role. However, Dudley Moore's portrayal, with his natural English accent, added a unique charm to the character, and Gordon allowed him to retain the accent, which became a defining feature of Arthur Bach.

The film's production faced challenges, including initial reluctance from Paramount Pictures, which eventually dropped the project. Orion Pictures stepped in to produce the film. Promoting the film also proved difficult, with six advertising campaigns discarded before settling on a final approach.

The casting process for "Arthur" involved considering various actors for key roles. Debra Winger reportedly turned down the role of Linda, and other actresses like Goldie Hawn, Diane Keaton, Gilda Radner, and Meryl Streep were also considered. Ultimately, Liza Minnelli's performance as Linda Marolla was widely praised and contributed significantly to the film's success.

The film's soundtrack, composed by Burt Bacharach, played a crucial role in its popularity. Christopher Cross was initially asked to score the film, but due to his lack of experience in film composition, Bacharach took over. Cross, however, co-wrote and performed the iconic "Arthur's Theme," which became a hit and earned the Academy Award for Best Original Song.

"Arthur" received critical acclaim for its witty screenplay, memorable performances, and charming portrayal of a man torn between wealth and love. The film's success led to a sequel, "Arthur 2: On the Rocks," released in 1988, and a remake in 2011 starring Russell Brand.

Social Links:

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/groups/flickflopspodcast

instagram:https://www.instagram.com/flickflopspod/

X:https://twitter.com/flickflopspod

TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@tummytwinsmedia

YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@tummytwins