Other meanings of Arthur 2: On the Rocks
Film
Arthur 2: On the Rocks is a 1988 American comedy film and the sequel to the 1981 hit Arthur, starring Dudley Moore as the lovable drunk millionaire Arthur Bach. Directed by Bud Yorkin, the film follows Arthur's attempts to marry his working-class girlfriend Linda (Liza Minnelli) while facing pressure from his wealthy family to marry a socialite. Despite mixed reviews, the film was a box-office success, grossing over $40 million worldwide.
Arthur Bach (Dudley Moore) is now sober and married to Linda (Liza Minnelli), but his life takes a turn when his wealthy uncle (played by John Gielgud, who reprises his Oscar-winning role as the butler Hobson, though he appears only in flashback) dies, leaving Arthur's fortune in jeopardy. The family patriarch, Burt Johnson (Stephen Elliott), offers Arthur a deal: divorce Linda and marry the socialite Susan (Cynthia Sikes), and he will inherit the family fortune. Arthur refuses, leading to a series of comedic mishaps as he tries to win back Linda, who has left him after discovering his infidelity. The film culminates in a courtroom scene where Arthur must prove his love for Linda, ultimately choosing love over money.
Director Bud Yorkin, who had produced the original, returned to direct the sequel. Dudley Moore and Liza Minnelli reprised their roles, but John Gielgud, who won an Oscar for the first film, appears only in a brief flashback. The role of Hobson was recast with actor Jack Gilford in the present-day scenes, though Gielgud's cameo was a highlight. The film was shot in New York City, with several scenes at the Plaza Hotel, a nod to the original. The screenplay was written by Steve Gordon, who had died before the sequel, so the script was penned by Andy Breckman and others, but it lacked the original's sharp wit.
Arthur 2: On the Rocks received generally negative reviews from critics, who found it a pale imitation of the original. Roger Ebert gave it 2 stars, noting that the film 'tries too hard' and lacks the charm of the first. However, audiences were more forgiving, and the film grossed over $40 million worldwide against a budget of $25 million, making it a moderate commercial success. The film has since become a cult favorite among fans of 1980s comedies, and it is often cited as an example of a sequel that fails to recapture the magic of its predecessor. The film's soundtrack, featuring the song 'Arthur's Theme (Best That You Can Do)' re-recorded by Christopher Cross, was also released.
One of the film's most notable aspects is the casting of a young Kathy Bates in a small role as a woman in a commercial. The film also features a cameo by the actor Paul Benedict as a judge. The original script for the sequel was written by Steve Gordon before his death, but it was heavily rewritten by Andy Breckman, who later created the TV series Monk. The film's title 'On the Rocks' refers to both Arthur's drinking habit and his troubled marriage. Additionally, the film was released in the same year as the comedy 'Coming to America', which overshadowed it at the box office. The film's production was troubled, with reports of on-set conflicts between Moore and Minnelli, and the final cut was significantly altered from the original script.
This article is about the 1988 film. For the original 1981 film, see Arthur (1981 film).
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