Movie Time Community Spotlight Page
The Spotlight Page features an in depth look into popular films and T.V. shows of all genres. Each month a designated title is objectively dissected and analyzed in detail. Even if you do not know some of the selected attractions take a look and you just might discover something that may peak your interest. If you like you can submit comments, questions, or "Spotlight" suggestions for future titles at the bottom of this page.
Clue (1985)
This months Spotlight title is the 1985 Who-done-it murder mystery comedy Clue. The star studded cast of this movie based off the Parker Brothers board game include: Eileen Brennan (Mrs. Peacock), Tim Curry (Wadsworth, the Butler), Madeline Kahn (Mrs. White), Christopher Lloyd (Professor Plum), Michael McKean (Mr. Green), Martin Mull (Colonel Mustard), Lesley Ann Warren (Mrs. Scarlet), Coleen Camp (Yvette, the maid), and Lee Ving as Mr. Boddy. An interesting fact some overlook is that Jane Wiedlin of the Go-Gos has an eight second cameo appearance as the singing telegram girl. Clue was directed by Jonathan Lynn who went on to direct such films as My Cousin Vinny, The Distinguished Gentleman, The Whole Nine Yards, and The Fighting Temptations. John Landis, best known for directing Animal House, Blues Brothers, Trading Places, Spies Like Us, The Three Amigos, Coming to America and the groundbreaking Michael Jackson video "Thriller" as well as many other popular films is credited for writing and being one of the executive producers of Clue.
Clue is a movie about 6 guests, a butler, and a maid, who are all involved in the murders of 6 people. The guests all meet at Hill House, where you learn that Professor Plum works in D.C., where everyone else lives. Colonel Mustard is a client of Miss Scarlet, who is the ex-employer of Yvette, the maid, who had an affair with the husband of Mrs. White, etc. When Mr. Boddy, who is blackmailing each guest, gives the guests each a weapon, he tells them they should kill Wadsworth, the butler, to avoid being exposed. With Mrs. Peacock's craziness, and Mr. Green's clumsiness, the whole group finds themselves tangled in a web of murder, lies, and hilarity. The film is loaded with slapstick humor and one liners. Its lighthearted and does not at all take itself seriously.
When Clue was released at theaters three endings were shot, and a different one shown at each theater. All three are included on video. The DVD, however, aside from all three endings, also offers the option to play the movie with one randomly selected ending. In some cities, the newspaper print ads indicated which version ("Ending A", "Ending B" or "Ending C") was being shown at each theater. A fourth scenario was scripted and filmed, but was very different from the comedic nature of the main plot. It survives in the original novelization of the film and the Clue Storybook, the latter with a single photograph. It has been screened on network television but is not included on the DVD.
Clue received mixed reviews upon its debut in theaters. When moviegoers purchased their tickets to see the movie they also received a slip of paper just like the one used to keep track of the people, places, and weapons in the game. The estimated budget was $15,000,000. On the opening weekend December 15th, 1985 it grossed $2,014,000. The total gross accumulated in the USA in theaters was estimated at $14,643,997. Clue is the first movie based on a board game. Universal Studios has announced that a remake is in the works for 2013.