Clue
Clue is a comedic mystery about a group of guests invited to a mansion that end up trying to figure out a murder. Based on the board game of the same name (originally released in England in 1949 and is the first board game to have a film made out of it), the film and cast are held together by the role of Wadsworth the Butler played by Tim Curry. He had recently been in Legend (also in 1985, fantasy starring Tom Cruise), Annie (1982 comedy drama with Albert Finney), and in Clue played an over the top (everyone in this film was to comedic effect), energetic host with a dry British wit. The film is rated PG, was filmed in California, and while it did not have financial success in theatres, it has built a cult following since being released on home video (including 3 alternate endings). If you have played the game, then you know most of the varied characters, the rapid pace of the plot and delivery of laughs helps to not take the film seriously. Clue was Jonathan Lynn’s first credit for directing, followed by Nuns on the Run (1990 crime comedy with Eric Idle), both of which he wrote and he also directed My Cousin Vinny (1992 crime comedy with Joe Pesci). The ensemble comedic cast that portray the 6 suspects from the game include Eileen Brennan (Private Benjamin, 1981-1983 comedy series with Lorna Patterson), Madeline Kahn (City Heat, 1984 comedy with Clint Eastwood), Christopher Lloyd (Back to the Future, 1985 adventure comedy with Michael J. Fox), Michael McKean (This is Spinal Tap, 1984 comedy with Rob Reiner), Martin Mull (Mr. Mom, 1983 comedy with Michael Keaton), and Lesley Ann Warren (Victor Victoria, 1982 comedy, she was nominated for the Best Supporting Actress Oscar).
1985, PG, 1h 34m
Distributor – Paramount
Budget / Worldwide Box Office (in millions) – $15 / 14
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