Not everyone who drinks is a poet, some of us drink because we’re not.|Jul. 17, 1981|United States|97 Min.|PG
Genre: Comedy;Drama;Romance
Description: Arthur Bach, a wealthy yet irresponsible alcoholic from New York City, enjoys cruising through Central Park in his chauffeur-driven Rolls-Royce. As the heir to a significant portion of his family’s fortune, Arthur is pressured to marry Susan Johnson, a woman from a prestigious background, to secure his inheritance. Though he feels no affection for Susan, his family believes she will help him mature.
During a shopping trip with his valet, Hobson, Arthur encounters Linda Marolla, a young woman caught shoplifting a necktie. He intervenes on her behalf and later asks her on a date. Despite his growing feelings for Linda, Arthur remains torn between his family’s expectations and his heart. His grandmother, Martha, warns him that he will be disinherited if he doesn’t marry Susan.
Hobson, who has been a father figure to Arthur, recognizes his growth and secretly encourages Linda to attend Arthur’s engagement party. There, Hobson confides in Linda, sensing Arthur’s love for her. Linda’s presence disrupts the event, and she and Arthur share a private moment, which both families observe.
When Hobson falls ill, Arthur rushes to his side, vowing to care for the man who has always supported him. After Hobson’s passing, Arthur, who had been sober, spirals into drinking again. On his wedding day, he visits Linda at her workplace and proposes to her. At the church, Arthur calls off the wedding with Susan, leading to a confrontation with her father, Burt Johnson, who attempts to attack Arthur.
Wounded and disoriented, Arthur collapses after declaring the wedding canceled. Linda later tends to his injuries, and the two discuss building a life together, even if it means living in poverty.
Cast director: Robert Greenhut
Cast actor: Dudley Moore, Liza Minnelli, John Gielgud, Geraldine Fitzgerald, Jill Eikenberry, Stephen Elliott, Ted Ross, Barney Martin, Thomas Barbour, Anne De Salvo
Original name: Arthur