Hollywood Flashback: Dudley Moore's 'Arthur' - A Comedy Classic Born of Unlikely Success

It's been 45 years since Dudley Moore took to the big screen as the charismatic, yet hard-drinking, playboy Arthur Bach in the comedy classic 'Arthur.' Despite a relatively quiet release in 1981, this film has stood the test of time, earning its place as one of the top 100 comedies of all time, as recognized by the American Film Institute. With a script full of clever jokes and a cast of memorable characters, it's no wonder that 'Arthur' continues to entertain audiences to this day.

Background & Context

Before Moore brought Arthur to life, the film's script was penned by Steve Gordon, who had previously worked with Carl Reiner on the 1978 comedy 'The One and Only,' starring Henry Winkler. Gordon was tasked with directing his own script for Orion Pictures, and he initially considered George Segal and John Belushi for the title role. However, it was Moore's success in the 1980 film '10,' where he starred opposite Bo Derek, that ultimately led to his casting as Arthur.

The film's unique blend of humor and heart was a key factor in its enduring success. At the time of its release, Moore praised the script for its abundance of jokes, stating that it was "ten laughs a page, instead of one laugh every 10 pages." This emphasis on humor was a deliberate choice by Gordon, who aimed to create a comedy that would leave audiences laughing long after the credits rolled.

Key Details

Arthur centers around the story of a wealthy playboy who is threatened with disinheritance by his family unless he marries a woman he doesn't love. Moore's performance as Arthur is both charming and poignant, bringing depth and nuance to the character. The film also features a memorable supporting cast, including Liza Minnelli as the working-class Linda, and John Gielgud as the witty and wise butler Hobson.

One of the most interesting aspects of the film is Moore's decision to keep his British accent, despite the character being written as American. Moore has stated that he convinced Gordon to let him keep his accent, saying that if he tried to do an American accent, it would be the most distorted performance. This choice has become an integral part of the film's charm, adding to its unique and endearing quality.

The film's success was not immediate, with 'Arthur' struggling at the box office in its early weeks of release. However, word of mouth soon spread, and the film became a huge hit, earning four Oscar nominations and winning one for John Gielgud's supporting role. The film's soundtrack, featuring the Academy Award-winning song 'Best That You Can Do' by Christopher Cross, also reached the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

What Experts Say

Anne DeSalvo, who played the role of sex worker Gloria in the film, has spoken highly of Moore's warm and gentlemanly nature on set. "Dudley would be playing the piano, and he'd say, 'Good morning, Anne,'" she recalls. "He was such a gentleman." This kind of behind-the-scenes insight into Moore's personality and work ethic only adds to our appreciation of the film and its star.

Moore's performance in 'Arthur' has been widely praised, and he has even stated that it was his favorite role. This is a testament to the enduring power of the film, and the impact that it has had on audiences over the years. As a comedy classic, 'Arthur' continues to entertain and inspire new generations of film lovers.

Key Takeaways

• 'Arthur' has become a comedy classic, recognized as one of the top 100 comedies of all time by the American Film Institute.
• The film's unique blend of humor and heart has made it a beloved favorite among audiences.
• Dudley Moore's performance as Arthur is both charming and poignant, bringing depth and nuance to the character.
• The film's success was not immediate, but word of mouth soon spread, and it became a huge hit.

What This Means For You

For fans of comedy and classic films, 'Arthur' is a must-see. Its unique blend of humor and heart makes it a timeless classic that continues to entertain and inspire audiences today. Whether you're a longtime fan of the film or new to its charms, 'Arthur' is a movie experience that you won't want to miss.

So why not take a trip down memory lane and revisit this beloved comedy classic? With its talented cast, witty script, and unforgettable performances, 'Arthur' is a film that will leave you laughing and feeling good for hours to come. So grab some popcorn, get cozy, and enjoy this hilarious and heartwarming comedy classic - 'Arthur' is a movie experience that you won't want to miss!