Clue is a 1985 American live-action movie inspired by the popular board game of the same name. The film brings to life the classic murder mystery game with a mix of comedy, suspense, and clever storytelling. Set in a secluded New England mansion, the story unfolds in 1954, where six strangers gather after receiving mysterious invitations. These guests, who are mostly government employees from Washington, D.C., are greeted by the butler Wadsworth and given aliases corresponding to the classic characters from the game: Colonel Mustard, Mrs. White, Mrs. Peacock, Mr. Green, Professor Plum, and Miss Scarlet.
The movie’s production took great care in creating an authentic atmosphere, with interior sets filmed at the Paramount lot, decorated with genuine 18th and 19th-century furnishings borrowed from private collectors. Notably, the ballroom scenes and driveway exteriors were shot on location at a mansion in South Pasadena, California, which was later destroyed in a fire in 2005. The attention to detail in the set design adds to the immersive experience, drawing viewers into the mysterious and suspenseful environment.
The Unique Filming Approach and Multiple Endings
One of the most intriguing aspects of Clue (1985) is the multiple endings filmed for the movie. Unlike most films, Clue has three different endings—referred to as Clue A, Clue B, and Clue C—that were shown in different theaters. This unique approach gave each screening a fresh experience and encouraged audiences to see the movie multiple times to discover all possible conclusions. The DVD release allows viewers to watch all three endings sequentially or have one play at random, adding to the film’s appeal as a mystery with many possible outcomes.
A fourth ending was reportedly filmed but cut because it was considered not very good. This deleted ending involved Wadsworth, the butler, committing all the murders by poisoning champagne, only to meet his demise after being attacked by dogs hidden in a stolen police car. However, memories about this ending vary among the cast and crew, with some actors recalling different versions. This uncertainty adds another layer of mystery to the film’s production history.
The Setting and Premise of the Movie
The story begins with six strangers arriving at the mansion, each with a secret to hide. Wadsworth assigns them their aliases as they enter, and the guests quickly discover that many of them already know each other. The tension rises as Mr. Boddy, the seventh person expected, arrives and reveals himself as the blackmailer who has been coercing each guest for their secrets.
Each character is implicated in scandalous or illegal activity, which Mr. Boddy threatens to expose if they do not comply. Professor Plum lost his medical license due to an affair, Mrs. Peacock accepted bribes related to her senator husband, Miss Scarlet runs a brothel, Colonel Mustard profited from war by selling plane parts on the black market, Mrs. White has a dark past with missing husbands, and Mr. Green faces risk due to his sexuality in a conservative work environment. These backgrounds set the stage for a complex web of motives among the guests.
The Beginning of the Mystery
Wadsworth claims to have already alerted the police and possesses evidence against all the guests, including recordings of their conversations. Mr. Boddy suggests killing Wadsworth to avoid arrest, as he controls the mansion’s key. Weapons from the board game are distributed among the guests: a candlestick, a noose, a lead pipe, a wrench, a revolver, and a knife.
When the lights suddenly go out, chaos ensues with sounds of moaning, thuds, and a gunshot. Once the lights return, Mr. Boddy is found dead, setting off a chain of events as the guests try to figure out what happened and who among them is the killer.
Suspicion and Rising Tensions
Professor Plum insists he did not use the revolver and points out the lack of a bullet wound in Mr. Boddy’s body, suggesting poisoning might have been the cause of death. This upsets Yvette, the maid, since she drank the same cognac as Mr. Boddy. Wadsworth then explains how he was forced into serving Mr. Boddy due to blackmail involving his late wife and that he had hoped to hand over the blackmailer to the police.
The group soon discovers the body of the cook hidden in the freezer with a knife in the back, deepening the mystery and fear among the guests. Mrs. Peacock denies involvement, noting that she dropped a knife in the study earlier. The guests decide to move the cook’s body to the study to keep all the evidence in one place, only to find Mr. Boddy’s body missing from there. It is later found near the bathroom by Mrs. Peacock, who is now injured.
The Search for the Killer
To prevent further deaths, Wadsworth gathers all the weapons and locks them in a cupboard, throwing away the key. The arrival of a stranded motorist seeking to use the phone adds another unexpected element. Wadsworth locks the motorist in the lounge, but soon after, the motorist is found murdered with a wrench.
Colonel Mustard and Miss Scarlet discover a hidden passage connecting the greenhouse to the lounge, trapping them inside. Meanwhile, Yvette shoots the lock open with the revolver from the cupboard, revealing that someone else had unlocked it previously.
The group decides to split into pairs to search the mansion thoroughly, agreeing that if a partner dies, the surviving member will know the murderer. They draw lots to determine pairings and which parts of the house each pair will search, adding an organized but tense atmosphere to the investigation.
This first part of the story sets the scene for a thrilling and humorous journey filled with twists, secrets, and unexpected alliances. The blend of a classic murder mystery with the playful tone of the original board game makes the movie a unique experience that keeps audiences guessing until the very end.
The Investigation Deepens
As the guests split into pairs to search the mansion, the tension and suspicion rise. Colonel Mustard and Miss Scarlet, trapped in the greenhouse, try to find a way out while the others roam through the dark hallways and rooms. Each pair is determined to uncover clues that will reveal the identity of the killer. The mansion, with its secret passages and dimly lit rooms, feels like a trap designed to heighten their anxiety. The hidden corridors offer both escape routes and deadly surprises.
Meanwhile, back in the lounge, the group is dealing with the shocking discovery of the motorist’s murder. The wrench, one of the weapons from the game, was used to bludgeon him. This violent act confirms that the killer is still among them, willing to eliminate anyone who might interfere. The group grows increasingly paranoid as they realize that the danger is far from over.
Wadsworth tries to keep order, reminding everyone that they must stick together and share information. However, old grudges and secrets make cooperation difficult. Mrs. White is visibly nervous, and Mr. Green appears distracted. Professor Plum tries to act rational and composed, but the pressure weighs heavily on everyone’s nerves. The sense that any one of them could be the murderer looms over every conversation.
The Role of Wadsworth and the Guests’ Motives
Wadsworth, the butler, emerges as a key figure in the unfolding drama. His knowledge of the mansion and its secrets puts him in a unique position, but his motives are unclear. While he claims to want to catch the killer and bring justice, his past involving blackmail by Mr. Boddy casts a shadow over his integrity. The guests begin to question whether Wadsworth can be trusted or if he might have a hidden agenda.
Each guest’s motive becomes more apparent as the story unfolds. Their backgrounds of scandal and crime suggest that many had reasons to kill Mr. Boddy or silence others. Colonel Mustard’s involvement in war profiteering, Mrs. Peacock’s political corruption, Miss Scarlet’s secretive brothel, Mrs. White’s suspicious past with missing husbands, Mr. Green’s hidden sexuality risking his career, and Professor Plum’s loss of his medical license create a complex web of potential guilt.
The discovery that they were all being blackmailed by Mr. Boddy provides a strong unifying motive but also fuels distrust. As the guests try to piece together what happened during the blackout, accusations fly, and alliances shift. The mansion becomes a pressure cooker where every secret threatens to explode.
Unexpected Twists and New Discoveries
During the search of the mansion, several unexpected twists occur. One pair finds a clue that suggests someone has been manipulating the evidence. The locked weapons cupboard was tampered with before Yvette opened it with the revolver. This means the killer is clever and has been planning the murders carefully.
In addition, the cook’s murder remains a chilling mystery. Her body hidden in the freezer indicates that the killer is ruthless and willing to silence anyone who gets in the way. This discovery adds urgency to the guests’ efforts to uncover the truth.
A dramatic moment arises when Mrs. Peacock is found bleeding after a blow to the head with a candlestick. This attack increases the stakes and raises the question of whether the killer is trying to eliminate witnesses or if the violence is spreading beyond the initial victim. The guests realize that their survival depends on their ability to think clearly and act quickly.
The Dynamic Between Characters
The interaction between the characters provides both tension and humor. Wadsworth’s quick wit and sarcastic remarks lighten the mood at times but also serve to highlight the absurdity of the situation. Miss Scarlet’s charm and cunning contrast with Mrs. White’s nervousness and Mrs. Peacock’s dignity, creating a diverse group dynamic.
Colonel Mustard’s military background brings a strategic mindset, but his bravado masks deeper fears. Professor Plum’s scientific approach clashes with Mr. Green’s cautious demeanor. These contrasting personalities add depth to the story and keep the audience engaged.
As suspicions grow, the guests’ true natures are revealed. Trust is scarce, and everyone watches their backs. The possibility that the killer is among them turns the mansion into a cage of paranoia.
The Hidden Passages and Their Significance
The mansion’s hidden passages play a crucial role in the story. These secret routes allow the killer to move unseen, creating confusion and fear among the guests. Colonel Mustard and Miss Scarlet’s discovery of a hidden door in the greenhouse leading to the lounge with the motorist’s body is a key moment. It shows how the killer uses the mansion’s architecture to their advantage.
The passages also symbolize the layers of deception and secrets each character hides. Just as the mansion has secret doors and corridors, so do the guests conceal their true motives and past actions. This parallel adds a rich thematic element to the story, emphasizing that appearances can be deceiving.
The Arrival of Additional Characters and Further Complications
The arrival of the stranded motorist introduces an outsider’s perspective, though his fate quickly turns tragic. His recognition of one of the guests as his “old boss” hints at even more hidden connections and past entanglements. This unexpected connection deepens the mystery and suggests that the story’s web extends beyond the mansion’s walls.
Yvette, the maid, also becomes a more significant figure. Her actions in shooting the lock open and her knowledge of the weapons cupboard’s status create questions about her involvement. Is she merely a bystander caught in the chaos, or does she have a deeper role to play? Her presence adds another layer of suspense.
The Growing Danger and the Race Against Time
As the story progresses, the danger to the guests escalates. More violent acts and attacks increase the urgency of solving the mystery. The group’s plan to search the mansion in pairs is a risky but necessary move to identify the killer. The drawing of lots to assign partners and locations adds a sense of fate and chance to the proceedings.
Each guest faces the possibility of death, and the suspense builds as they navigate dark corridors, locked rooms, and secret doors. The movie’s mix of humor and tension keeps the atmosphere unpredictable. Moments of levity are quickly replaced by shocking revelations and attacks, maintaining a fast pace that keeps viewers hooked.
The Importance of Evidence and Clues
Throughout the film, clues are carefully placed to guide the investigation. The weapons, the blackmail files, hidden passages, and the timing of the murders all provide pieces to the puzzle. Wadsworth’s role as the butler who holds much knowledge is central to piecing these clues together.
The guests’ attempts to gather evidence and question one another highlight the classic detective story elements. The movie invites the audience to play along, trying to solve the mystery before the final revelation.
Unveiling More Secrets
As the evening unfolds, the mansion becomes an increasingly dangerous place. The guests remain trapped, with the killer still on the loose. Each character’s secrets continue to surface, adding layers to the intrigue. The discovery of the motorist’s body raises the stakes significantly. No longer is this a simple blackmail scheme gone wrong—it is now a series of murders, each more brutal than the last. The atmosphere grows heavier, with fear and suspicion gripping everyone.
Wadsworth, the butler, struggles to maintain control amid the chaos. His calm demeanor is challenged by the mounting violence and distrust. The guests grow more desperate for answers and protection, but every new clue seems to deepen the mystery rather than resolve it. Their conversations are tense, full of veiled accusations and defensive remarks.
Meanwhile, the mansion’s architecture continues to play a key role. Hidden passageways and locked rooms are explored cautiously, as any step could bring them closer to the killer or into a trap. The secret corridors are more than just physical pathways—they symbolize the many hidden truths among the guests.
The Psychological Pressure Mounts
As time passes, the psychological strain on the guests becomes evident. The uncertainty of who to trust causes cracks in their composure. Colonel Mustard, once confident, shows signs of frustration and anxiety. Miss Scarlet uses her charm to manipulate others, while Mrs. Peacock struggles to maintain her composure under pressure.
The group dynamics shift constantly. Temporary alliances form and break as suspicions rise. Wadsworth’s leadership is both relied upon and questioned. His knowledge of the mansion and the situation makes him a central figure, but his role as butler complicates his position in the eyes of the guests.
Professor Plum’s scientific mind is focused on logical deductions, but even he cannot escape the growing paranoia. Mr. Green appears increasingly nervous, often trying to avoid confrontation. Mrs. White’s fear and guilt become more noticeable, suggesting she may have more knowledge about the murders than she admits.
The mental toll is evident as they face the reality that the killer might be among them, hiding in plain sight. Every gesture and word isscrutinized, and the guests are forced to confront their oasts and motives.
The Role of the Blackmail Files
The blackmail files discovered earlier remain a central element in the unfolding drama. Each guest’s past is revealed to contain scandals or crimes that Mr. Boddy used to control them. This common thread explains why so many have a motive to murder him, but it also complicates their relationships with one another.
The files are not just proof of wrongdoing; they represent power and manipulation. The guests realize that their secrets make them vulnerable, and this realization heightens the tension. They suspect that the killer might be trying to recover or destroy these files to cover their tracks.
Wadsworth’s efforts to keep the files safe add another dimension to his character. His involvement in the blackmail scheme suggests conflicting loyalties. He tries to convince the guests that working together is their only chance to survive, but trust is in short supply.
The Impact of the Murders on the Group
The murders affect the group deeply, altering their behavior and interactions. The sudden and violent deaths cause panic, but they also force the guests to confront their fears. The discovery of the cook’s body in the freezer is particularly unsettling. It serves as a grim reminder that no one is safe, and the killer is ruthless.
Mrs. Peacock’s injury after being hit with the candlestick is another turning point. It demonstrates that the violence is escalating and that the killer is willing to attack anyone who might pose a threat. This injury intensifies the urgency to solve the mystery quickly.
The survivors’ reactions vary widely. Some become aggressive, others retreat into silence. Miss Scarlet’s calculating nature emerges strongly, while Mrs. White becomes more erratic. Colonel Mustard attempts to take charge, but his authority is challenged by the circumstances.
The psychological impact of the murders also brings out hidden strengths and weaknesses. The guests are forced to rely on each other despite their suspicions, creating a tense but necessary cooperation.
The Use of Humor Amidst Tension
Despite the dark events, the story balances suspense with moments of humor. Wadsworth’s witty remarks and the absurdity of the situation provide relief from the intense drama. This blend of comedy and mystery is a signature element, making the narrative more engaging and unpredictable.
The characters’ quirks and reactions often lead to humorous exchanges, lightening the mood without undermining the seriousness of the situation. For example, the way the guests bicker or try to outsmart each other brings a human element to the story.
This balance helps maintain a dynamic pace, allowing moments of laughter before tension quickly returns. It also reflects the complexity of human nature, where humor can coexist with fear and suspicion.
The Final Search and Confrontation
As the night progresses, the guests decide to conduct a final search of the mansion. The growing list of victims and the lack of clear answers push them to take drastic measures. The drawing of lots to assign search partners heightens the sense of chance and fate.
During this search, important discoveries are made. The hidden passages are revisited, revealing new evidence and potential escape routes. The manipulation of weapons and locked rooms comes under scrutiny again, hinting that the killer’s plans were carefully orchestrated.
This phase leads to a climactic confrontation. The tension between characters peaks as accusations fly and truths are revealed. Wadsworth’s role becomes clearer, and the guests realize that the situation is far more complicated than they imagined.
The final confrontation is filled with surprises, as the identities and motives of those involved come to light. The story’s multiple endings offer different perspectives on how the mystery resolves, keeping the audience guessing until the very end.
The Role of the Multiple Endings
One of the unique features of this story is its multiple endings. Each version provides a different resolution to the mystery, changing the identity of the killer and the fate of the characters. This approach invites the audience to consider various possibilities and keeps the intrigue alive even after the film ends.
The multiple endings also emphasize the complexity of human nature and morality. In some conclusions, unexpected characters reveal darker sides, while in others, the butler or other guests take on surprising roles.
This narrative device allows for a richer exploration of themes such as guilt, deception, and justice. It challenges viewers to think critically about the clues and their assumptions.
The Symbolism Within the Story
Throughout the narrative, symbolism plays an important role. The mansion itself represents a closed system where secrets and lies fester. The hidden passages symbolize the hidden truths within each character. The weapons, taken from a familiar board game, are transformed into deadly tools, symbolizing how playfulness can turn dangerous.
The recurring theme of blackmail highlights the power of secrets and manipulation in human relationships. Each character’s past haunts them, affecting their present actions and alliances.
This symbolic layer adds depth to the story, encouraging reflection on themes of trust, betrayal, and the masks people wear.
Conclusion:
This part of the story brings the tension and mystery of the mansion to new heights. The characters’ interactions, the unfolding murders, and the growing psychological pressure create a captivating atmosphere. The blend of suspense, humor, and complex character development makes the narrative compelling.
The use of secret passages, blackmail, and multiple endings enriches the mystery, providing both entertainment and thoughtful commentary on human nature. As the guests face their darkest moments, the story explores themes of trust, deception, and survival.
This section sets the stage for the final resolution, where the ultimate truth will be revealed, and the fate of the characters decided. The journey through the mansion is a thrilling experience full of surprises, making the story a memorable classic in the mystery genre.