Clue (1985)

 

Startling as it was to me, I realized I don't think I've ever watched Clue (1985) in its entirety! It's a madcap murder mystery ensemble comedy, showcasing an incredible cast, multiple deaths, fast exchanges, secret passageways, blackmail, secrets unveiled, broad (deliberately) exaggerated acting, hyperactive music cues and soundtrack, and this astounding recap blitz from Curry at the end with the participants having to keep up with him as he explains "the game". Debra Hill's production of the popular board game--a game my family has played for years and years (good times)--had multiple endings, with a fantastic house with all the recognized rooms and the cast members were named after characters of "Clue". The treatment of corpses (that keep accumulating!) put in the study by the cast is often ghoulish (the telegram girl shot dead is just dropped while others were used as "makeout props" to fool a cop!), while Curry spends quite some time revealing details about the murders and those gathered in the house. Curry's stage genius is put to full use in this film as he runs around while machine-gunning dialogue a rat-a-tat-tat. Curry and Lesley Ann Warren debating number of bullets is just one of many amazing acting pieces. 

The cast itself is an absolute blast: Christopher Lloyd (Professor Plum), Warren (Ms. Scarlett), Eileen Brennan (Ms. Peacock), Curry (the butler), Colleen Camp (the maid), Michael McKean (Mr. Green), Martin Mull (Col. Mustard), Madeline Kahn (Mrs. White), Bill Henderson (the cop), and Howard Hesseman (as the chief, working in concert with Curry). War profiteering, jealousy for adultery, communism, fusion bomb secrets, and league of spies with an assortment of weapons, such as guns, rope, dagger, wrench, and the pipe factoring into plenty of murdering. I like how the film makes sure all the characters kill somebody! There are plays on misspoken words/phrases or words/phrases taken out of context. I think the "oops" and "shucks" responses to mistakes made cracked me up. This film, when it picks up, is like a locomotive. Warren is absolutely stunning...I swear I don't know how her cleavage stays in her dress with those straps down her arms and no neck line. Speaking of boobs, Camp's bosom is very much emphasized in her maid outfit...they certainly pop out, just not quite enough. While Camp was right at her delicious peak, Warren has rarely ever been more sultry...she's dynamic. With so many zany greats in the cast, known for comic gold, it is not surprising "Clue" is a cult classic. So many of these films in the 80s weren't big hits on release and nevertheless gained popularity during longevity. But Curry is just so amazing as "Wadsworth", pulling out all the stops. I couldn't help but "Bravo!" in my mind at his great work. 4/5

***that the *real* ending has the reenactor revealing himself as the mastermind behind the death of his spies so that he could blackmail the others without their interference is a brilliant twist!***

***the film really depends on the cast to react according to whatever developments and details confront them, and no one reacts quite like Kahn. Brennan, also, makes sure she isn't lost among the likes of Lloyd, McKean (who is also quite awesome), and Mull***