Hobson Distillation

Arthur is a movie I've watched many times and Hobson is one of my favorite characters in film. I have occasional insomnia. I have a Mac. This just happened.

[@Grumpy-Curmudgeon]

Anyone who has a friend and mentor like Hobson is truly blessed.

[@profwaggstaff]

As a projectionist, I got to see this movie many, many times. I always loved Hobson, and named my dog after him. Hobson was my best good dog friend for 15 years.

[@chuckbuckbobuck]

That's a good idea! If I get a second dog I would name it Bitterman after his chaffeur!

[@rotcod2886]

If you and your undershirt would kindly take two steps backwards I could enter this dwelling.

[@gmar7836]

Awww

[@GodsFavoriteBassPlyr]

Great story!

[@mattmischel4842]

And now it's all digital. Not a stich of 35mm print to be seen

[@lowbridge7070]

At the time Arthur came out in the theaters in 1981, I was 12 years old and being raised in an abusive, dysfunctional household. As a result, I turned towards watching LOTS of TV and went to the movies as a way of providing myself with escape and comfort from my misery. Back then I was going to the movies with my then best friend. We were a couple of fanatics about the movies. We talked, read, ate, drank, and slept the movies. And we went to the movies together once a week, every week for a lot of years from the 1970s-1980s. We saw literally hundreds upon hundreds of movies together over the years. We tried to see every new movie that came out regardless of plot, genre (he loved horror films, I preferred comedy), critics reviews, who was starring in it, etc. So there was no particular reason we went to see Arthur. It just happened to be a new movie that was just released. As much as I loved the moviegoing experience in itself regardless of what I saw, as an abused, neglected child, there were a small handful of movies that stood out and managed to hit me in the very right places at the very right time. Arthur was one of those movies. Right from my very first viewing, it quickly became one of my all time favorite movies and remains that to this day. In the following years, whenever Arthur popped up on tv, I'd drop everything to watch it. Today I own the movie on DVD. So, I say to the cast and crew of Arthur, from the bottom of the heart of an abused boy, I thank you all so very, very much.

[@joericci4094]

Me too...In the '70s and '80s The RKO FORDHAM THE UA VALENTINE THE LOEWS PARADISE AND THE UA CAPRI THEATERS were my Escape

[@timmoore9855]

"You feel unloved, well welcome to the world. Everyone is unloved. Now stop feeling sorry for yourself; and incidentally, I love you." came here for that line.

[@Bigtime1998]

That line gives me faith!!!

[@SiriusMined]

Underloved.

[@richardoles1124]

That was a phenomenal line. I guess we all feel unloved @ times.Thank God for His love in Christ.

[@christopherreardon5121]

The amount of love between Arthur and Hobson is extremely palpable. It makes me smile.

[@helbent4]

I rewatched it last night and missed the line "...and incidentally I love you."

[@georgehenderson7783]

And Hobson's kindness to Lisa is very moving.

[@kimshatteen222]

😊

[@blpalv15]

After he dies and he is in the bar, he tells the other guy there ,"my father died". He saw Hobson as more of a father than his actual father

[@mindriot91_96]

@@blpalv15 And rightfully so. Hobson was more of a father than Arthur's biological dad.

[@jameseubanks379]

Usually one must go to a bowling alley to meet a woman of your stature. One of the best lines ever!

[@v-town1980]

Hobson and Aurthor were fantastic together! This is definitely one of the best films to come out of the 1980s. That last line when Hobson tells Aurthor he's a good son always gets me.❤

[@boomer2095]

Gielgud was 76 when he made Arthur, born 1904 and movie released 1981. Like every great cult movie so many actors turned down the part of Arthur and nobody thought it would do well so they let Dudley Moore improvise a lot as did the other members of the cast and it showed everyone had fun making it. I miss the strong smell of popcorn that you had back in the 80’s movies. It was about the experience of having a shared experience with other movie goers and less about the movie itself

[@hibob418]

Cult movie? This was one of the most successful films of the 80’s and put Orion Pictures on the map. You couldn’t get away from it on cable for a couple of decades, and the Oscar winning song never left your radio.

[@XiloChannel]

Hobson was so savage, yet such a real BOSS. anyone would be extremely lucky to have Hobson in their life.

[@dzeliongurung3218]

Ulysses432 lmao Edit: He wouldn't have liked 'lmao' either, would he?

[@voicetube]

@@dzeliongurung3218 "I prefer to be one who retains his ass…" :-)

[@josemorales5117]

That's what a true friend is man

[@lisa.user-xm7kz2tb6x]

my God, yes. 💓

[@lisa.user-xm7kz2tb6x]

@@georgieboy_htown4eva4eva but of course. footmen, et al. you bet.

[@williefufu2985]

Liza Minelli was such a doll and real, I love this movie, it has caring and feelings that movies of today are missing.

[@newmedstudent]

Perhaps we all need a Hobson in our lives

[@xaenon]

I would feel very privileged indeed to have a Hobson in my life.

[@chuckbuckbobuck]

He'd keep us on the straight and narrow that's for sure!

[@jf8461]

Many, many times I wish I did!

[@rickruby_]

it's true

[@markforbus6794]

"Usually one must go to a bowling alley to meet a woman of your stature", love that line.

[@Opheggie54]

No wonder he got an Academy Award for best supporting actor

[@fletchercastoria2338]

Sir John Gielgud. Brilliant artist.

[@RobertGraziose]

Amen. Guilgud made the whole film

[@bt10ant]

"Good luck in prison".....gets me every time.

[@glennstone723]

Yes

[@chuckbuckbobuck]

One must go bowling alleys for such striking conversation!

[@ethanshusband8913]

Spot on! 😂😂

[@v-town1980]

​@@chuckbuckbobuck"to meet a woman of your stature."

[@roberthayes1967]

Freakin' excellent. "If you and your undershirt would kindly take two paces backwards, I could enter this dwelling"...

[@xaenon]

My favorite line.... "Have you seen a doctor?" "Yes. And he has seen ME."

[@mlb6d9]

@@xaenon That's one I like to borrow from time to time, LOL

[@marieh7861]

Oh how I cherish Hobson He broke my heart And he brought my comfort I miss him still

[@heinrichmerkwurdigliebe9471]

“Usually one must go to a bowling alley to meet a woman of your stature.” 😂 It was hilarious the first time I heard it, and it’s every bit as hilarious now. I still LOL at that.

[@anthonycbrown1952]

The delivery of that line was spot-on

[@slayer8actual]

During that same exchange after Linda gets caught shoplifting, Hobson also says this: Arthur : What are you doing later tonight? Linda : Oh, I have plans for tonight. What should I wear? Hobson : Steal something casual.

[@windsorkid7069]

"I want to be younger." As the years pass, we'll all be saying that.

[@enricovankeeken1624]

*I don´t want to be younger ~~ I need or have to change for the better (again) because a new life in my life (in this life) is waiting for me, not too far around the corner*

[@liviechancelucas8166]

I wish to acheive this level of sarcasm before I leave.

[@tonewheel1773]

Please, don`t over overexert yourself. The mantle has already been assumed.

[@lisa.user-xm7kz2tb6x]

@@tonewheel1773 :D sarcasm is the best. if anyone asks, i think of sarcasm as if 'eveyone got the memo' already. if they didn't, it just popped out of me bc i was ticked-off. 🙂✌

[@tonewheel1773]

@@lisa.user-xm7kz2tb6x Hello lisa. I do so enjoy people I can get along with. Stay safe and well cherub. A big hug from Sydney, Australia. Regards: T

[@lisa.user-xm7kz2tb6x]

@@tonewheel1773 aw, tone. so nice to hear from nice folks. hopefully no fires or storms for us both this year. serious. 👍 from me in US 💗

[@tonewheel1773]

@@lisa.user-xm7kz2tb6x I appreciate your concern. No fires this summer... a wet summer thank goodness. I think the covid virus has prevented the fire bugs setting light to our beautiful bush. Stay well lisa. serious!

[@mikefay11]

"Arthur!" Original is so under-appreciated. Lots of early 80's movies remain comedic gold!

[@kayesharples7074]

Agree...like Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Better off Dead...

[@sushicourier]

That execrable remake is UNwatchable!

[@jf8461]

@@sushicourier People who only saw the remake have no idea what they are missing.

[@mindriot91_96]

@@sushicourier Terrible!!

[@GABRIELADAWSON]

@@sushicourierYeah I Know the Remake Sucked Ass I NEVER even bothered to Watch it after Seeing the Trailer of It..Russell Brand Did a Disservice to the Original As much as I Like him.

[@tomkent4656]

Nobody does scorn and sarcasm better than the Brits!

[@richieroma]

except the Irish..

[@shanet5604]

God I hate that brits are great nonsense,you’re either a brit or you haven’t a clue about the Irish !

[@OneMightyandStrong]

New Yorkers are the best. 🗽 🔱

[@Carlito_Brigante93]

⁠@@OneMightyandStrongunfortunately you are a bunch of woke c*nts by now, anyway you never came any where near Brits in that regard to begin with, you don’t have that class that they have

[@v-town1980]

​@@OneMightyandStrongno way. The Brits mop the floor with New Yorkers in those departments.

[@richardwha]

You obviously have a wonderful economy with words, Gloria. I look forward to your next syllable with great eagerness.

[@allys744]

THIs is a robe. Please put it on.

[@johnmac91]

Love that line. That and the one about going to a bowling alley.

[@sedekiman]

@chel3SEY This vintage Wilde. Also I hear her hair has grown quite gold with grief, and Algernon my nephew untruthful?-he was at Oxford!

[@j.kylerains4617]

That set the tone for the whole movie - I had seen the trailer and thought it might be a bad flick - when I heard this I started laughing and didn't stop ...

[@samosullivan1744]

John Gielgud. One of the greatest actors to ever grace this earth.

[@jimklipper6022]

‘I’ve got all of this and I’m on Salary’. Love that line.

[@loveinspired7]

OMG, THE SHADE he throws on Linda's father!!! 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 Still cracks me up to this day! I loved Hobson throughout this entire movie!😂💜

[@BizTechSherpa]

He had two families. He was also Seinfeld's father.

[@vCLOWNSHOESv]

"Yes, and it is a job I recommend highly". 😥 He was only afraid Arthur wouldn't be loved when he was gone.

[@garrison6863]

To say that Gielgud stole this movie is an understatement of cosmic proportions.

[@MrBastilleDay]

He stole it...but he placed it right back where he found it. And dusted it off, a bit.

[@fernandobocadillos]

Absolutley.

[@kamdan2011]

garrison 68, they didn’t give him the Oscar for nothing.

[@davidcole2078]

Well said!

[@tomtrinchera8405]

Yup, walked off with every scene he was in. He must've had a lot of fun doing his lines.

[@sushicourier]

You forgot the best line, "Steal something casual." He lived almost 20 more years after Arthur! Until 2000.

[@christinahall2587]

sushicourier and Dudley died in 2002. 💧

[@MsVirginiaHammer]

Saw n' heard him onstage, London, in "We Three" - hmm, "3 Friends?" I forget exact title - w/ Roy Dotrice & Rosemary Harris - when he was 92 !! (93? unsure) Bobbled a cpl. lines a tiny bit, but every bit as brilliant as always.

[@DMNNORTEL]

Yeah I forgot that line-priceless

[@roach2go]

I listened to his A.A. sobriety story..he was living sober.never drank when he did Arthur.... Awesome actor...amazing human

[@sushicourier]

@@roach2go Very interesting! Thanks 😊

[@nickcurran3105]

"Of course you hate it; people work here." Brilliant!!

[@sheteg1]

I friggin loved this movie. Went with my mom & sister when I was 12. Appreciated more when I got older.

[@BaePlatinum]

my dad said "i'm very pleased" in this tone when i gave him his birthday present this year! he quotes hobson all the time and it always makes me laugh. c:

[@TagCavello]

I say it that way every time I get very pleased. Gielgood's delivery has stayed with me for almost 40 years.

[@bdc-muzik]

The actor’s name was John Gielgud and he won the 1981 Oscar for best supporting actor as this character. All of them were great in it

[@LakeConstan]

Sir John was arguably the most distinguished Shakespearean actor of his time. Films like this were mere trifles at the end of a supremely successful career.

[@lipshamorrissey4636]

Sir John Gielgud was a treasure.

[@davidgrillo9928]

He was great in the movie. He was a tremendous actor

[@v-town1980]

​@@LakeConstanyes, but they're more fun to watch than Shakespeare plays.😊

[@Madisonrvr]

“Of course you hate it; people work here.” Oh god that’s hysterical.

[@scottraustin]

Superb writing by Steve Gordon and superb delivery by a master actor. Thank you Sir John. I see no reason to prolong this conversation unless you're planning to knock over a fruit stand later in the evening; good luck in prison. Unforgettable!

[@randyjoe8253]

“Arthur, I see no reason to prolong this conversation, unless you plan to knock over a fruit stand later on in the evening.”

[@mvol5973]

Usually one must go to a bowling alley to meet a woman of your stature

[@guyhancox4246]

One of the best and funniest scripts ever written, brilliantly performed by one of the greatest actors. Comedy gold, and a richly deserved Oscar for Johnny. 👍👍

[@MrVvulf]

"Would you extend a measure of kindness to me? Please, refrain from ever referring to me as 'Johnny' again." -- Hobson

[@mvol5973]

“You’re miserable? I’ve got all this and I’m on a salary” lmao!!

[@glennstone723]

I used that line all the time

[@keepingitreal71]

You're a good son... Love that line to Arthur... Hobson was more of a dad to Arthur..... I miss sweet Hobby... I feel unloved by most people... I wish I had someone like Hobson...

[@gnewt75]

@3:40 is the most sincere moment between these two characters. Hobson smacks him, and enlightens him into the real world. And it's especially touching because it illustrates that being rich isn't a place to run and find happiness or fulfillment in. "Everyone is unloved" and then "incidentally I love you".

[@markbrown4039]

"You spoiled little bastard!"

[@danwilkerson8374]

A class act. RIP SIR Gielgud.

[@chuckbuckbobuck]

My favorite film and it will always be. The jokes are still hilarious after all these years! One of the best films ever made-period!

[@glennstone723]

I agree with you on everything. Whenever I'm feeling down and out, I will watch Arthur and before I know it I'm laughing out loud like the very first time seeing in the Theater.

[@chuckbuckbobuck]

@@glennstone723 Yes its my favorite movie. Lots of laugh, screwball comedic scenes, visceral dramatic scenes the punch you in the gut by their poignancy, and it's about "the park" of course. You know the bjg park in New York City which at the rime was the greatest city in the world though I am not so sure about that today. Casting was superb and of course "Why don't you forget about the Moose!"

[@glennstone723]

@@chuckbuckbobuck I bet you never run out of ice.

[@ScottALaFollette]

Thank you for putting this together. The world could use more “Hobsons”.

[@mikeclifford8360]

While not the funniest line of Hobson's, his "I'll alert the media" is almost a daily saying of mine.

[@cferg9835]

ME TOO !!!!

[@gabbleratchet1890]

Its my standard response to my children when they tell me what they are about to do.

[@GABRIELADAWSON]

@@gabbleratchet1890Now you can say I’ll Alert Social Media lol.

[@linshanhsiang]

​. They must love hearing it!

[@lowbridge7070]

I feel the need to do that a lot of the time. Such as to badly written book reviews on Amazon. "I bought this book for my Uncle. He liked it." I'll alert the media.

[@MahlerHolic1860]

He was one of THE GREAT actors, but who knew his comic timing was this stunning? Perhaps his Pinter roles?

[@groovygirl23]

He was the heart, soul, spirit & light of the film.

[@sandroscenga3961]

Rarely does being a supreme wiseass sound so damn distinguished. Gielgud was amazing!

[@reddevil9554]

I thought they'd have shown the clip where Hobson said, 'Arthur, I'm frightened', and Arthur immediately gave him the basketball back to hold.

[@SiriusMined]

Hobson is the best part of the movie

[@liviechancelucas8166]

Agreed.

[@dnasty312]

Sir John did capture the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor 🏆

[@Rockin_Ross]

There will never be another like him.

[@voicetube]

One of my favorite movies of all time ... yet, I had forgotten how many freaking great lines Gielgud uttered… Definitely brought a tear or three ...

[@davidhillman1532]

The great Liza Minnelli deserved far more recognition for this movie than got (although she received good reviews). Even Gielgud said so. I cannot imagine this film without Liza.

[@birdzilla106]

Perhaps her performance was underestimated because she didn't look like she was acting. That's how good she was in the role. Moore and Gielgud both played off her and it's one of the best things about this movie.

[@cuckootown9478]

One of our finest, his comic timing and delivery were exquisite, proud to be from the same neck of the woods as Sir John.

[@mirandavinci4146]

Sir John Gielgud was the whole movie. It was sad when he died. He was like a father figure to Arthur and in the sequel he taught him a lesson in life

[@ADAMSIXTIES]

Dudley Moore would be 85 today. John Gielgud was a serious Shakespearian actor who was also in War and Remembrance. This is his only comedic role.

[@tmendez31]

Hobson was the absolute coolest. He had me laughing so much.

[@davidcole2078]

Why on earth did they remake it? Russell Brand wasn't a patch on the fantastic Dudley, and as for Gielgud, a truly great actor.

[@selyts4]

Such a classy guy! He was so sophisticated that he had the ability to absolutely insult someone, but did it so eloquently that they thought he was complimenting them!😂. I have a hard time deciding if I like him or Dudley more in this movie. They played so well together!

[@andrewpeers1726]

I used to have a train exactly the same as this that my beautiful late Mum bought me as a young child and it brought back so many memories of my childhood and it literally brought a lump to my throat!

[@captainh3831]

"You obviously have a marvelous economy with words....Gloria." I look forward to your next syllable with great eagerness."

[@SavageMexicanBoi]

"You purchased a choo-choo?"

[@ericburns9132]

That line cracks me up

[@sherlockwatson3070]

Arthur... *You're a good son*

[@kaveman1021]

That's what hits me in the gut.

[@ericburns9132]

In my opinion Hobson was Arthur's father

[@gigilamoore2656]

@@ericburns9132 That is what Hobson meant. Arthur was a good son to him.

[@Jay-nq7fn]

The music in the scene with Hobson and Linda I dont know it made me sad. And the piano before he says..."you're a good son". What a powerful scene and line. I've always loved this movie.

[@jf8461]

I loved this movie when it came out. And I still love it.

[@mindriot91_96]

"I want to be younger" "Sorry, it's your job to be older" What an incredible movie, so funny and touching in equal parts.

[@Seductive_Psycho]

If I was rich and could afford servants I would love to have a butler like him... He would make me laugh everyday

[@michelethompson2159]

Arthur’s lines were funny also, “Oh you’re a bush!”😂

[@MichaelPReillycircles]

a "hedge," yes!

[@jackndew2]

@@MichaelPReillycircles My favorite line from that scene is "Perry, you're a dead man", and my wife's favorite is "Dontcha hate Perry's wife?" Aahhh such fond memories.

[@glennstone723]

MY HUSBAND HAS A GUN !!!! yes, and far as we know, he could have shot it while you where Shouting . Don't you hate Perry's Wife?

[@hunnyflash]

"There are three books, this is important, take. them. back. to the library ahhh."

[@glennstone723]

Did the lights go out....

[@davidyoung8875]

usually one must go to a bowling alley to meet a woman or your stature. best line in the movie .

[@markmiller3308]

He taught Arthur how to live, how to love, and how to die at peace with it. One of the few times the Academy got it right in giving out an Oscar. Dudley was great but Sir John carried this movie. Did everything in it. Thanks to some amazing writing, he made you laugh, made you cry, and most of all made you think. Rarely in a comedy does that happen anymore. Nothing but raunch and gross out trash in today’s “comedy” flicks.

[@ericburns9132]

My favourite Hobson line is "You purchased a choo choo"

[@englishkernigit8294]

My favourite has to be the slap around the face. Shame you didn't show the build up: "give me your hat" "Why?" "And your gloves" 🤣

[@kd17Burger]

Gielgud was 77 here and lived 20 more years, acting right up until the end

[@jocekhiy626]

He was legit my favorite in the movie ..followed by liza,Arthur and Liza dad.

[@FranssensM]

One of my favourite films. One of my favourite actors. Very talented.

[@johnhunter2294]

No one ever did snide like the great Sir John Gielgud. He did some Paul Masson commercials in the '80s that were just incredibly sarcastic. My favorite was the one where he asked a football player "Do you read?" I still use that line sometimes.

[@Mikey77B]

It was so funny (literally and figuratively) seeing him in this after ONLY seeing him as the hospital administrator in The Elephant Man. VERY FUNNY man. Rest in peace Sir John.

[@rotcod2886]

He won the Oscar for the role.

[@jslasher1]

And richly deserved it.

[@matthewmitcham5218]

Rightfully so

[@andrewphillips8341]

He is the sort of gent that could cripple you with a single word. And cripple you soul with a sentence. he could also make you feel like amazing with his kindness.

[@spinnetti]

wait.. did it miss "Steal something casual"? That's a must have quote.

[@ForbinColossus]

just like Caddyshack needed more Rodney, 'Arthur' needed more Sir John Gielgud

[@maxdominate2481]

@1:00 - Cream suit and purple tie. LOVE IT!

[@stevejones6247]

have you seen a doctor? yes and he has seen me

[@eatadickutubenazis]

What a gem he was. Such rapier wit ! As long as I'm alive a memory of him will be here.

[@VEGANSAM]

WOW!...I surprised myself by the extent to which I enjoyed this. An amalgam of brilliant writing...& acting.

[@SpitefulGoose]

“Usually one must go to a bowling alley to meet a woman of your stature” hahaha I love it

[@soeffingwhat]

Everyone who thinks John Gielgud is good in this (and he is, he's brilliant) should check out the TV series War and Remembrance. He is totally BRILLIANT in that.

[@josemorales5117]

Just love how Hobson slaps him and tells him shit.... that's a true friend

[@shonc8338]

Amazing movie. We went to the thester to see this in 81 I think it was.

[@elianad2083]

This movie is my favorite. I love Hobson. He acts snobby..but deep down he loves Arthur and would do anything for him. Dudley Moore looks so handsome in this movie.

[@marriedkiwi]

Hobson is the closest thing to God. Never condemning, always encouraging. But firm persistent and on the mark

[@davidcole9971]

Can you imagine this film without Sir John? Doesn't bear thinking about and Helen Mirren? what was she thinking , mind you, Dudley was terrific

[@justinjoseph6966]

I think the world would be a much better place if we all had a Hobson in our lives.

[@alanthomas2235]

One of the best movies ever

[@kadybay]

Thank-you as I had insomnia and wanted JUST a Hobson fix whomever you are. you are one of my tribe

[@naaveenmahadeshwar7889]

Brilliant Actors both of them. 👌👌👌👌

[@dantean]

An absolute genius.

[@donmajestic5258]

16 people have overdue library books.

[@sliat1981]

Well deserved Oscar and I usually hate giving them to comedic performances

[@kdohertygizbur]

Comedy is harder than Drama

[@msmilano7091]

Comedy acting isn’t nearly as easy as it looks. Delivery and timing has to be spot on.

[@mindriot91_96]

I would say his performance included both comedy and drama. Gielgud did it brilliantly.

[@robertlauter25]

they cut out the best part as he walks in "how revolting"

[@MichaelPReillycircles]

my bad. It's a great line. I must have just zipped over it.

[@scottnathanphoto]

Best line in the movie.

[@mvol5973]

My favorite line! Walks in and looks around then you see that disgusted look and he says “how revolting...”

[@fezmancomments]

I enjoyed watching these Hobson moments. Wasn’t John Gielgud great as Hobson. Then, oh God, he says the last lines; “You’re a good son.” just as my mum said to me. 😥