Clue (1985): A Cult Classic

This has been one manic evening of thrills and games.

“Clue” arrived in movie theaters in 1985. A group of strangers is invited to a dinner party at an old mansion. Someone is murdered. As they run in circles to figure out clues, they realize the murderer is among them.

“Clue” is one of my favorites to watch every October. The film didn’t merit its rightful praise when it was released, but in its forty+ years, it has gained a cult following. “Clue” is a fast-paced murder mystery filled with absurd characters, physical comedy, and the mystery of who the killer is.

The late Tim Curry (I can’t believe I have to say that now) was a treasure to this world. “Clue” was Curry’s favorite film he worked on. He was a natural in comedy and embodied any character. Curry plays Wadsworth, the butler, who recounts the whole tale while racing throughout the mansion. Curry commented that he became so out of breath in the third act. 

The cast brings together iconic 80s actors. Credits include Eileen Brennan, Madeline Kahn, Christopher Lloyd, Michael McKean, Martin Mull, Lesley Ann Warren, and Colleen Camp. Several other actors were considered for roles, like the late Carrie Fisher and Gene Wilder. 

The actors are what make “Clue” so enjoyable. They all play off each other with striking chemistry, constantly bickering. Actors even threw in their own ad-libs. They all get a chance in the limelight.

In contrast to their characters’ heated rivalry, the actors got along well, even collapsing in laughter at some funny moments. During breaks from shooting, they would compete in pool on set. 

The mansion itself is also a character. Its interior includes several rooms leading upstairs, downstairs, and many hallways. With all the hidden rooms, you never know where the characters will end up next. While the entire mansion was a set, only the ballroom was filmed on-location at a real mansion in Pasadena, California.

The movie uses physical comedy exceptionally well, with characters constantly running between rooms, discovering bodies and accidentally revealing secrets.  

John Landis originally was set to direct, but moved on to another film. Jonathan Lynn thought adapting a board game into a film was an absurd idea, until he changed his mind and also wrote the screenplay. He filmed in chronological order until scheduling conflicted, and he had to film scenes consecutively. 

Lynn’s greatest strength is “Clue’s” humor. The dialogue is fast-paced, the reactions are exaggerated, and the characters attempting to maintain their composure become increasingly amusing as events spiral out of control. 

One moment I always laugh at is a character arguing with Wadsworth over his past tense. It’s little things like these that bring the comedy out. The murders may be outrageous, but the movie knows what it is doing. The production team paid close attention to the original game.

My favorite part of the film is the characters running in every direction in the third act. I always wonder how many rehearsals and takes it took for the actors to catch their breath.

One aspect of “Clue” that was unique for its time was the different endings. The film was shot with three different endings, and different theaters received different versions. That is genius. I would love to travel back to the 80s to see the film in theaters, only to discover in conversation that there was a different ending. 

“Clue” is my go-to every October. It’s funny and keeps you guessing. Play the game while you are at it and watch the movie with friends. You can find it streaming on Pluto TV.