20 Reasons Why the Original Arthur is the Greatest Comedy of All Time

By Tim Rich /

7. Tuesday Weld

Ok, so Tuesday Weld wasn't in Arthur, but she almost was. She turned down the role of Linda Marolla. How much better would this movie have been with the real life mother of Dudley Moore's child as the love interest? Imagine the chemistry. Others considered for the role of Linda were Mia Farrow, Farrah Fawcett, Goldie Hawn, Barbara Hershey, Diane Keaton, Jessica Lange, Bette Midler, Gilda Radner, Susan Sarandon, Cybill Shepherd, and Meryl Streep. Frankly, I'd rather see ANYONE else in the role of Linda than Liza Minelli. She didn't do a bad job, but I just couldn't buy her portrayal of the character as authentic. She pulled my focus away from so many scenes and I never bought the idea that she truly loved Arthur Bach. As great as this movie is, it could still have been even better. Oh well.

8. Bitterman

Ted Ross, perhaps better known for his Tony award winning performance as the Lion in The Wiz, is outstanding in his role as Bitterman, the chauffeur.

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The role isn't a large one, but supporting characters are what makes a movie work, and Ted Ross makes his role memorable.