Arthur was educated at Eton College, Berkshire. He began his acting career on the London stage at the age of 25 years old in 1892 appearing in many popular theatre productions.
From 1920 he became a regular character film performer often playing sophisticated elderly gentleman in more than 70 drama, comedy and crime movies, making his film debut as Sir Crispin Vickrey in 'The Great Gay Road' starring Stewart Rome for the Broadwest Film Co. His best known films include 'Fox Farm' (1922) Eileen of the Trees' (1928) 'The Scarlet Pimpernel' (1934) ' Jamaica Inn' (1939) and 'Love on the Dole' (1941) est.