Independent Films, Film Profiles

Arthur (film)

Arthur (1981) film set in New York City which tells the story of drunken millionaire playboy Arthur Bach (Dudley Moore), who is on the brink of an arranged marriage to a wealthy heiress, Susan Johnson (Jill Eikenberry).The movie was written and directed by Steve Gordon, and was based in part on the characters Jeeves and Wooster, created by P. G. Wodehouse.Arthur earned over $82 million at the box office in the United States, placing it fourth on the box office charts for the year. It was notable for its title song, "Arthur's Theme (Best That You Can Do)", co-written and sung by Christopher Cross. It was followed by a 1988 sequel, Arthur 2: On the Rocks.This film is number 10 on Bravo's "100 Funniest Movies," and was number 53 on the American Film Institute's 100 Years...100 Laughs.Arthur Bach is a spoiled playboy, and the heir to a vast fortune which he is told will only be his if he marries Susan. He does not love Susan, but his family thinks that she will make something of him. Arthur heeds to his family's needs and proposes to Susan but then meets a poor working-class woman, Linda Marolla (Liza Minnelli) and falls in love with her. When his family threatens to cut off Arthur's inheritance if he does not marry Susan, Arthur asks his valet, Hobson (John Gielgud), to help out.