Clue Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A bunch of colorful weirdos get invited to a party, and then everyone starts dying, but like, in a funny way, maybe.

🍿 Clue: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Summons to Hill House

In 1954 New England, six strangers receive mysterious invitations to a dinner party at Hill House. Each guest is assigned a colorful pseudonym: Miss Scarlet, Colonel Mustard, Mrs. White, Mr. Green, Professor Plum, and Mrs. Peacock. Upon arrival, they are greeted by the enigmatic butler, Wadsworth, and the alluring maid, Yvette.

Blackmail and Murder

The host, Mr. Boddy, reveals himself and exposes the guests’ darkest secrets, all of which he has been using to blackmail them. He provides each guest with a weapon – a candlestick, rope, lead pipe, wrench, knife, and revolver – suggesting they kill Wadsworth to avoid exposure. When the lights go out, a gunshot rings out, and Mr. Boddy is found dead.

The Investigation Begins

With Mr. Boddy dead and everyone a suspect, Wadsworth takes charge, attempting to uncover the murderer. As the guests search the mansion for clues, more bodies begin to pile up, including the cook, a stranded motorist, a police officer, and a singing telegram girl. Each death deepens the mystery and increases the suspicion among the remaining guests.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Wadsworth (Tim Curry): The frantic and knowledgeable butler who tries to unravel the mystery of the murders at Hill House.
• Miss Scarlet (Lesley Ann Warren): The seductive and quick-witted madam with a hidden agenda and a sharp tongue.
• Mrs. Peacock (Eileen Brennan): The eccentric and paranoid wife of a senator who is desperate to protect her reputation.
• Professor Plum (Christopher Lloyd): The intellectual psychiatrist with a secret that could ruin his career.
• Mr. Green (Michael McKean): The clumsy and seemingly inept state department worker who may be more than he appears.
• Colonel Mustard (Martin Mull): The blustering and traditional military man hiding a scandalous secret.
• Mrs. White (Madeline Kahn): The grieving widow suspected of murdering her late husband who is known for her dark humor.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Wadsworth: “I’m going to have to stop you right there. Blackmail is a very nasty word. I prefer extortion. The ‘x’ makes it sound…exotic.” – Wadsworth tries to downplay the severity of their situation with a touch of dark humor.
• Mrs. White: “Husbands should be like Kleenex: soft, strong and disposable.” – Mrs. White expresses her cynical view of marriage, hinting at her past.
• Mrs. White: “Flames… flames on the side of my face…” – Mrs. White’s dramatic outburst after being accused, showcasing Madeline Kahn’s comedic talent.
• Wadsworth: “Okay, so we’ve established that he has a motive, why would he want to kill her?” – Wadsworth asks as they start piecing the events together
• Colonel Mustard: “That’s how I got out of Burma.” – After being discovered in a compromising position in the secret passage, Colonel Mustard attempts a nonchalant, though absurd, explanation.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $15,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $14,643,997
• Worldwide Gross: $14,646,188

💥 Clue Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely adore ‘Clue’! The rapid-fire dialogue and the over-the-top performances always have me in stitches. Tim Curry IS Wadsworth. The way he explains everything at the end? Iconic! I remember watching this movie a million times as a kid, trying to guess who did it, and then being surprised by all the different endings. It’s pure chaotic fun and brings back so much nostalgia. Mrs. White’s “flames on the side of my face” rant is just PERFECTION. A real comfort film.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of murder mystery comedies”
  • “Tim Curry fans”
  • “People who enjoy ensemble casts”
  • “Those familiar with the board game Clue”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild violence”
  • “Suggestive humor”
  • “Some thematic elements related to blackmail”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Clue’s clever concept and strong performances make it a fun watch. It’s a quirky, fast-paced romp that leans heavily on its comedic cast. The multiple endings are a neat gimmick, but the mystery itself is secondary to the humor.
• The New York Times: “While Clue’s ambitious premise of adapting a board game to the big screen is admirable, it ultimately falls short. The humor is hit-or-miss and the plot, despite its twists, feels convoluted. Still, Tim Curry’s performance is a highlight.
• Chicago Sun-Times: “Clue is a mixed bag, but ultimately an enjoyable one. The performances are strong, especially from Tim Curry and Madeline Kahn. The plot is convoluted, and the humor can be broad, but its charm and energy make it a worthwhile watch.

Audience Reactions

Tim Curry’s performance as Wadsworth is unforgettable and hilarious.: The cast chemistry and comedic timing are exceptional, making it a laugh-out-loud experience.

The multiple endings add a unique and replayable element to the movie.: It’s a cult classic that blends mystery and comedy seamlessly.

Overall Consensus: A quirky and comedic murder mystery with a strong cast and unique multiple endings, though its humor may not appeal to everyone.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film was originally conceived as a five-character mystery, but the studio insisted on including all six characters from the board game.”
• “Director Jonathan Lynn had never directed a film before; his background was in British television comedy.”
• “The multiple endings were a unique marketing strategy. Theaters received one of three endings, encouraging repeat viewings to see all possibilities.”
• “Carrie Fisher was considered for the role of Miss Scarlet.”
• “During initial screenings, audience reaction cards were distributed to gauge which ending was most satisfying.”

🖥️ How to Watch Clue?

Clue is available for streaming rental or purchase on various platforms. You can find it on Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your preferred platform for current pricing and availability. Physical copies (DVD/Blu-ray) are also widely available for purchase from retailers like Amazon and major stores.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Clue, you might like these similar films:

• Murder by Death (1976): A comedic murder mystery that spoofs famous fictional detectives and their methods, featuring a star-studded ensemble cast.
• Knives Out (2019): A modern whodunnit with a quirky ensemble cast and clever plot twists, playing on classic mystery tropes.
• Gosford Park (2001): A more serious, but still witty, take on the murder mystery genre, set in a British country house with a large cast of characters and hidden secrets.
• The Pink Panther (1963): A comedic crime caper that relies on slapstick and outrageous antics.
• A Shot in the Dark (1964): A zany comedy that is part of the Pink Panther series.

🛒 Clue Related Products

• Clue Secrets & Lies Board Game: A new, revamped version of the classic Clue board game, offering fresh secrets and lies to uncover in the mansion, with all new secrets and lies. An intriguing twist on the timeless mystery!
• Clue (Blu-ray): Own the classic film in high definition, featuring all three original endings and special bonus features. A must-have for collectors.
• Clue: A Novelization: Relive the thrilling experience and mystery in a paperback novelization, with all its hilarity.
• Wadsworth’s Butler Uniform T-Shirt: Show your love for the iconic butler with this comfortable and stylish t-shirt featuring Wadsworth’s classic uniform. A subtle nod to a favorite character.

🎧 Soundtrack

Clue features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Sh-Boom” – performed by The Crew Cuts
• “Main Title” – performed by John Morris

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Clue – Mrs White (Madeline Kahn)

Relive the iconic line delivered by Madeline Kahn as Mrs. White in this unforgettable scene from the classic film Clue. Prepare to laugh out loud as she exclaims, ‘Flames!’

Weird Versions of Clue

Get ready to delve into the wacky world of Clue! This video takes you on a bizarre journey through various versions of the game, from unexpected settings to peculiar characters. Join the adventure and see how far the Clue universe extends.

Clue: Murder at Boddy Mansion – PC Game Review – brutalmoose

Step into the virtual world of Clue with this entertaining review by brutalmoose. Join him as he unravels the mysteries of the PC game, uncovering its hilarious glitches and challenging puzzles. Prepare for a nostalgic trip down memory lane!

✨ Rate