Clue (1985)
I was in the mood to watch an absolute classic. This is based off the Parker Brothers board game, originally created by Anthony E. Pratt titled “Cluedo”. It includes an extraordinary all-star cast playing each part and was directed by Jonathan Lynn.
The story for the film was written by John Landis and Jonathan Lynn. If you have never seen this one before, I highly recommend it. This is a film you can enjoy with your family and friends while being entertained. Perhaps afterwards you could even play the board game.
This is a comedy, crime, mystery movie. So, it has different elements to it. I think you will find the ending scenarios interesting, as they explore different possibilities. It is a whodunit type film leaving you guessing who the actual killer was. In some ways; it is a parody and spoof of some older Hollywood classic detective films.
Another example of this would be Trent’s Last Case (1913) this novel introduced the character Philip Trent, who gets everything wrong and goes to investigate a murder at an English millionaire’s home.
The cast of this film is by far one of the best assembled casts in movie history. I thought they complimented one another perfectly, and helped bring another dimension to the film. Tim Curry takes the forward lead playing Wadsworth the butler. He recites a massive amount of dialogue throughout the film which leads to explanation about what might have happened.
Wadsworth (Curry) also reminds each of them they have been given pseudonyms to protect their identities. Eileen Brennan plays Mrs. Peacock who is a senator’s wife that has taken bribes to deliver her husband’s vote. Mrs. White is played by the late great Madeline Kahn. She is there due to a scandal that happened in regards to the death of her husband, who was a Nuclear Physicist.
Professor Plum is played by the talented Christopher Lloyd, who is a psychiatrist that has had affairs with his female patients. Miss Scarlet is played by the lovely Lesley Ann Warren who apparently operates an illegal bordello (brothel).
Colonel Mustard is portrayed by Martin Mull who is a war profiteer that made his money on the black marketplace. Mr. Green is played by Michael McKean who works for the state department with a secret of his own.
Mr. Boddy is played by Lee Ving. Colleen Camp plays the French maid Yvette and the cook is played by Kellye Nakahara. There are three other visitors that appear at the estate which include: The stranded motorist played by Jeffrey Kramer, a police officer played by Bill Henderson, and the singing telegram girl played by musician Jane Wiedlin best known as the guitarist from the band The Go-Go’s.
The bottom line is this film is about six people and six murders. They all seem to experience quite an evening together while trying to make the most out of it.
The film was originally theatrically released on December 13, 1985 and it remains a classic film to date. Some critics enjoyed it while other didn’t “get it”. This one is a real treat to see. Check this one out for sure.
