Monday Monologue: You Spoiled Little Bastard.
Monday, April 4, 2011 at 9:38PM 
Jose here. With the Arthur remake arriving in theaters this weekend, now's a good opportunity to remember what made the original one of the most beloved movies of the 80s. The answer: John Gielgud.
The legendary British actor set the standards for what would become a subcategory of acting during the following decades: brilliant actors playing wise sidekick to rising stars.
His performance as valet/father figure Hobson, to Dudley Moore's irresponsible title millionaire, won him the Best Supporting Actor Oscar and with reason. He's truly unforgettable. In one of his best scenes, he gives Arthur a life lesson he probably would never forget.
After Arthur has finished racing his car, he exits the vehicle complaining about his life. The loyal Hobson, asks him to hand over his helmet and goggles.
After this he slaps him while calling him a "spoiled little bastard".
Without giving Arthur a chance to say anything, Hobson begins:
You're a man who has everything, aren't you. But that's not enough!
You feel unloved Arthur? Welcome to the world. Everyone is unloved!
Now stop feeling sorry for yourself...
Incidentally... I love you.
Marry Susan, Arthur. Poor drunks do not find love Arthur.
Poor drunks have very few teeth, they urinate outdoors, they freeze to death in summer.
I can't bear to think of you that way.
Gielgud's spitfire delivery makes this monologue touching, hilarious and surprising. Best of all is the way in which Moore reacts to Gielgud. He seems to be in awe of this man's capacity.
The camera follows Arthur and Hobson as the latter continues his speech. Arthur just nods in agreement and for the first time in what seems an eternity shuts up completely.
We understand that Hobson's relationship to his employer has transcended any expectations. They have bonded and have learned to love each other.
Just as Arthur begins to speak again, telling his friend how he's fallen in love for the first time, Hobson, who has undoubtedly been devising a plan magically adds,
Perhaps fate will lend a hand...
How do you think Dame Helen Mirren will fare playing this iconic role? Do you think anyone will ever live up to Gielgud's beautiful performance?
Dudley Moore, John Gielgud, Oscars (80s), monologue
Reader Comments (9)
i was *just* watching this the other day. What a treat to see it featured here. And I hadn't seen it since i was a kid so i had next to no memory of it and for the first 15 minutes or so I kept thinking Gielgud won for this? It's just the smartass help. But the longer the movie went on the deeper I thought he took this "help" character.
we all need someone to slap us once in awhile and then remind us that we're loved.
Dame Mirren did okay in what was otherwise a subpar film. Technically, he still has a valet played by Luis Guzman. But, yes, Mirren is the mother figure. She even has one scene with Vanessa Redgrave.
No one could replace Gielgud, so the filmmakers were smart to change gender, and give us another legend-in-the-making with Dame Helen.
I just watched Russell Brand's comedy special. His brain is full of smart stuff. How many potty-mouthed comedians can reference Foucault and Britney in the same monologue? I have hopes that this Arthur might actually be good.
For some reason, I want the remake to be good. I like all of the people involved, Brand+Mirren+Garner+Gerwig, and I want Gerwig's mainstream debut to give her a boost.
In 1981 supporting actor line up i would have gone howard e rollins in ragtime.
Now I want to see the original "Arthur"! That was a fine article about Sir John Gielgud, Jose. I'm a sucker for these kinds of films about unlikely father figures.
This new remake with Russell Brand seems like trash though. I'm sad that Helen Mirren is wasting her precious time and talent with something like this. But maybe there's something worthwhile there. I don't know since I won't pay to see it.
I really want to see the original Arthur now :) I've never seen the whole movie before. I think that Helen Mirren could make the remake a little better, but if the whole movie is like the trailer, I'll probably skip it.
Meghan -- but you lose Liza in the remake so I say NO. :)
And you also miss the great song by Christopher Cross, plus Dudley playing the piano in one scene!