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

9. Character Development

The majority of comedy movies tend to focus on one, small part of the leading character's personality in order to allow that character to grow. Arthur was different. It focused on its main character not just growing as a person, but actually growing into an adult - and the film pulled it off in a grand way. Arthur transforms from a childish, self-centered, drunk to a loving, caring, drunken adult. Along the way he deals with death, stands up to his relatives, realizes money isn't everything, and risks his life (well, kinda') for the woman he loves. Not bad for a comedy.

10. Rich vs. Poor

There are few scenes in the world of movies that so succinctly touch on EVERY aspect of the "Can money buy happiness?" question, but the closing scene in Arthur nails it perfectly. When Arthur is making his decision about taking his inheritance, a series of classically-simple arguments are uttered. Arthur: "I've always been rich and I've never been happy" Linda: "...I've always been poor and I've usually been happy" Martha: "...I've always been rich and I've always been happy" I couldn't have summed it all up any better. Although I would like to put the "always been rich" part to the test.
Contributor

Tim is a varied character. He's lived on three continents. He hates ice cream. He has been a highly-paid computer programmer. He invents collectible card games. He is a coffee shop owner. He has had fantasy stories published in magazines. Eventually he wishes to retire from life and become a professional 10-pin bowler who writes articles while living in his RV and traveling from bowling tournament to bowling tournament with his faithful wife in tow. And of course, Tim is a major horror and science fiction fan.