Sometimes, you just have to laugh.

The Bachs are among the wealthiest families in New York society. And Arthur Bach (Dudley Moore) does his best to spend a chunk of the riches that his father and the others have somehow amassed. He races cars, he chases women and he drinks far too much. His bad-boy reputation regularly puts him in the newspapers and, as a result, his family insists that he marry Susan Johnson (Jill Eikenberry), who hails from another influential family. Otherwise, they will cut him off from the fortune.

But Arthur refuses to marry Susan. In spite of his indulgent public behavior, he claims that he wants to hold out for love. Then again, he has to consider the $750 million....

Arthur is conveniently kept in a state of perpetual adolescence, in part because he's well taken care of. Two special employee-friends look out for and protect him. Bitterman (Ted Ross) is his personal chauffeur. But it's Hobson (John Gielgud), Arthur's valet, who steals the show. Many of the best lines are delivered in Hobson's measured and formal voice. (My favorite one is: "I'll alert the media.") No wonder Sir John Gielgud won an Academy Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for this performance.

When Arthur accidentally bumps into Linda Marolla (Liza Minnelli), he is fascinated by her. She's a no-nonsense waitress who lives with her father in Queens. Her life is quite the opposite of the Bachs' and the Johnsons' more opulent lifestyle. Still, Arthur is both intrigued and confused by her. Maybe he even loves her. Can he figure out a way to land both the money AND the right girl?

This film showcases not only Moore's acting ability as a drunk, but also his musical talents at the piano. And while we're on the subject of music: Burt Bacharach was responsible for the score. The movie opens with the signature theme sung by Christopher Cross. (Remember him?) And when you hear that once-so-familiar refrain about getting "caught between the moon and New York City," you may nod and say, "Oh, right, I remember this time." The movie even won an Academy Award for Best Music and Original Song. So there.

Arthur is just a lot of fun to return to. Even if it means that your head will ring with Christopher Cross's crooning for the next seven days. Because the movie ends with the song playing over the closing credits, too.