write and direct by steve gordon . run time represent 97 minute . classify pg . it be the quintessential comedy of the decade . it win sir john gielgud the academy award . it be even feature in vh1 i love the 80 . and it look just as good today a it do upon it initial release . arthur be the acclaimed comedy classic about a drunken millionaire ( play with enthusiasm and wit by dudley moore in an oscar nominated performance ) who must choose between the woman he love and the life he grow accustomed to . while the basic plot be one big cliche and there nothing trite about this congenial combination of clever dialogue and hilarious farce . arthur bach be essentially nothing more than a pretentious jerk and but you can not help but like him . especially when he deliver line such a and don not you wish you be me . i know i do . he also a delineation from the archetypical movie hero represent unlike most wealthy character we see on the silver screen and he not ashamed of be filthy rich . in one scene and a man ask him and what do it feel like to have all that money . and to which he respond and it feel great . moore lends such charisma and charm to a character that would otherwise be loathe by his audience . and gielgud be simply perfect a the arrogant servant and address his master with extreme condescension in spite of the fact that his salary depends on him . arthur be one of those movie that doesn not try to be brilliant or particularly exceptional represent it just come naturally . the screenplay which also earn a nod from the academy be saturate with authentic laugh out loud dialogue . this be the kind of movie that and when together with a bunch of poker buddy and you quote endlessly to one another . it also look at it character with sincere empathy . there have be a number of comedy that attempt to dip into drama by include the death or illness of a principal star ( include both grumpy old men ) and but few can carry it off because we just do not care . when this movie make the dubious decision to knock off the butler and it actually work and because we genuinely like these people . why should you see arthur . the answer be simple represent because it an all around and non guilty pleasure . at a period in which film be become more and more serious and arthur reminds u what it feel like to go to the movie and just have a good time . classic .