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Clue is a 1985 American mystery comedy film based on the board game of the same name. Directed by Jonathan Lynn and written by John Landis and Lynn, the film features an ensemble cast of comedic actors, including Eileen Brennan, Tim Curry, Madeline Kahn, Christopher Lloyd, Michael McKean, Martin Mull, and Lesley Ann Warren. The film takes place in 1954 and follows six strangers invited to attend a dinner party at a mysterious mansion owned by Mr. Boddy (Lee Ving). The guests are identified only by their color-coded pseudonyms: Mrs. White (Brennan), Professor Plum (Lloyd), Miss Scarlet (Warren), Mr. Green (McKean), Colonel Mustard (Mull), and Mrs. Peacock (Kahn). Once they arrive, they are informed that they will be participating in a game where they must solve a murder mystery in order to win a cash prize. However, when Mr. Boddy is found dead, the guests realize that the game is real and that they are in danger.

The rest of the film revolves around the guests frantically trying to solve the murder while also trying to survive as they are picked off one by one. They are aided by a butler named Wadsworth (Curry) who reveals that he has been hired to keep an eye on them by an anonymous employer. As the night progresses, the guests discover that they all have a connection to Mr. Boddy and that they are all suspects in his murder. They also discover that there are multiple weapons hidden around the house, which could be used to kill them.

Throughout the film, the characters all have their moments to shine with hilarious and witty dialogue. Eileen Brennan’s portrayal of the sardonic and dry Mrs. White is particularly entertaining, particularly in her interactions with Martin Mull’s Colonel Mustard. Madeline Kahn’s portrayal of Mrs. Peacock, a shrill and melodramatic socialite, is also a standout in the film.

Tim Curry’s performance as Wadsworth is undoubtedly the highlight of the film. He imbues the character with a frenetic energy that keeps the film moving, even during its slower moments. Curry plays the character with a mix of mischief and authority that perfectly complements the tone of the film. His delivery of the famous “explanation scene” towards the end of the film is particularly noteworthy as he manages to deliver the tongue-twisting dialogue with ease and without losing the audience’s attention.

The film is shot in a unique manner, with the action taking place in various rooms of the mansion. The camera work, particularly in the scenes of the characters running through the house, is clever and fast-paced. The set design and costumes also add to the charm of the film, with each character having an exaggerated and distinct look.

The film has three different endings, each of which is shown during the film’s theatrical run. This gives the audience a chance to experience different outcomes, depending on which theater they went to. While this concept was criticized by some as being gimmicky, it also adds to the film’s overall charm and playfulness.

Clue has become a cult classic since its release in 1985, due to its witty dialogue, strong cast, and unique take on the murder mystery genre. The film has inspired board game adaptations and a musical, which premiered on Broadway in 2019. Despite its initially mediocre box office performance, Clue remains a beloved film for audiences of all ages.

Clue is a 1985 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 34 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2 and a MetaScore of 41.