STEVE GORDON

Bil’s rating (out of 5):  BBBB

USA, 1981.  Orion Pictures, Jack Rollins & Charles H. Joffe Productions.  Screenplay by Steve Gordon.  Cinematography by Fred Schuler.  Produced by Robert Greenhut.  Music by Burt Bacharach.  Production Design by Stephen Hendrickson.  Costume Design by Jane Greenwood.  Film Editing by Susan E. Morse.  

Dudley Moore is terrific as the spoiled heir to a vast fortune who is told that unless he marries beautiful Jill Eikenberry, the money he is expecting to inherit will not be given to him. Regardless of whether or not he loves her, Moore is required to bring respect to the family name through this marriage, but he is anxious to avoid it if possible. When he meets fun, earthy, free-spirited Liza Minnelli, he finds a woman that he really clicks with, but his family is too snobby to accept her. This wonderfully funny, expertly written romantic comedy is heightened by a scene-stealing performance by the great John Gielgud, whose dry witticisms as the constantly drunk butler perk up every scene that he is in.

Academy Awards:  Best Supporting Actor (John Gielgud); Best Original Song (“Arthur’s Theme-Best That You Can Do”)
Nominations: Best Actor (Dudley Moore); Best Original Screenplay

Golden Globe Awards:  Best Picture-Musical/Comedy; Best Actor-Musical/Comedy (Dudley Moore); Best Supporting Actor (John Gielgud); Best Original Song (“Arthur’s Theme-Best That You Can Do”)
Nominations: Best Actress-Musical/Comedy (Liza Minnelli)