I always associate ‘Arthur’ with Christmas, slow sluggish evenings, a dieing fire and a late night showing of this gem of a movie. What got me thinking of it this late June was mention of the film and a piano performance by Dudley Moore in the titular role on the panel quiz show QI. The film was a huge success in 1981 on its release, earning John Gielgud, now also sadly passed on, an Oscar. The films second Oscar went to the Original Song attached to the movie – ‘Arthurs Theme, Best That You Can Do’. For your viewing and reading pleasure here is said song, a number of fantastic quotes which need no context to be funny (though having seen the movie will obviously help you enjoy them more and I suspect you will be a more rounded human being having seen it) and a clip from the movie.

Hobson: Thrilling to meet you, Gloria.
Gloria: Hi.
Hobson: You obviously have a wonderful economy with words, Gloria. I look forward to your next syllable with great eagerness!

Burt Johnson: I don’t drink because drinking affects your decision-making.
Arthur: You may be right. I can’t decide.

[in a department store, Arthur and Hobson see Linda putting a tie in her bag]
Arthur: Hobson, did you see that?
Hobson: [wearily] Yes.
Arthur: That girl just stole a tie!
Hobson: Yes.
Arthur: Girls don’t wear ties! It’s the perfect crime! All right, some girls wear ties, it’s not the perfect crime – but it’s a pretty good crime!
Hobson: Yes; if she murdered the tie, it would be the perfect crime.

Arthur: You’re a hooker? Jesus, I forgot! I just thought I was doing GREAT with you!