Arthur 2: On the Rocks (1988) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

The story takes place primarily in two contrasting worlds: the opulence of the Bach family's luxurious home and Burt Johnson's yacht, followed by the starkly different environments of a cramped, squalid apartment and a humble hardware store where Arthur works after losing his fortune.

• setting
• locations
• luxury apartment
• hardware store
• yacht
• bach family

The film is set five years after the events of the first movie, depicting a period where Arthur must transition from unchecked wealth to precarious living while battling his alcoholism.

• time period
• era
• sequel
• five years later
• 1980s

Wealth drives the power dynamics throughout the narrative, Burt Johnson uses his money to manipulate Arthur into an unwanted marriage, while Arthur's fortune serves as both an allure and a trap. The film critiques how financial control can distort love, loyalty, and personal choices.

• wealth
• money
• power
• burt johnson
• manipulation
• financial control

Arthur's alcoholism is depicted as a recurring cycle that undermines his best intentions, threatening the life he wants with Linda. The arc shows him cycling between relapse and sobriety, using addiction as a lens to explore self-discipline, accountability, and ultimately redemption.

• alcoholism
• addiction
• sobriety
• recovery
• redemption
• arc

Family loyalty is tested by wealth and hardship. Linda agrees to adopt after learning she cannot have children, prioritizing love over status. The adoption plot drives Arthur's emotional arc and represents his path toward redemption and building a meaningful future.

• adoption
• family
• parenthood
• marriage
• Linda
• canby

Arthur Bach is a wealthy, whimsical heir whose life has been defined by luxury and impulsive pranks. Devoted to his wife Linda, he resists Burt Johnson's coercive demands and the lure of the Johnson fortune, ultimately choosing sobriety to pursue adoption and rewrite his future.

• arthur bach
• protagonist
• heir
• wealthy
• alcoholic
• dugley moore

Linda Marolla Bach is Arthur's wife who discovers she cannot have children and agrees to adopt. She initially succumbs to Burt's pressure and moves away, but later returns with renewed commitment. Her pregnancy at the end brings new hope to their relationship.

• linda marolla
• liza minnelli
• wife
• adoption
• pregnancy

Burt Johnson is a vindictive billionaire who merges with the Bach company and attempts to force Arthur to divorce Linda and marry his daughter Susan. He uses wealth as a weapon to manipulate and control others, though he ultimately faces consequences for his schemes.

• burt johnson
• billionaire
• villain
• antagonist
• manipulation
• extortion

Hobson serves as Arthur's ethereal guide, appearing as a visionary figure who urges him not to give up. He hints at a meaningful future and provides Arthur with the resolve to pursue redemption and parenthood, acting as a whimsical spiritual mentor.

• hobson
• guide
• vision
• mentor
• ghost
• spiritual
• john gielgud

Susan Johnson is Burt Johnson's daughter and Arthur's former fiancée who desires a life with children. She initially pressures Linda to leave Arthur for a stable future, but later asserts herself when her father's schemes threaten Arthur, ultimately supporting his regain of wealth.

• susan johnson
• burt johnson daughter
• former fiancee
• children

Martha Bach is Arthur's grandmother who reveals that Burt has many enemies and helps uncover the fraud behind the extortion plot. Her involvement contributes to Arthur's realization that wealth is not the sole measure of worth.

• martha bach
• grandmother
• geraldine fitzraud
• help
• uncover fraud