The 1985 crime comedy Clue, based on the iconic board game, holds the unique distinction of being released in theaters with three possible endings. This innovative and ultimately perplexing theatrical experiment became a defining characteristic of the film, cementing its place in cinematic history and sparking enduring debate amongst moviegoers.
The Genesis of a Triple Finale
How did this unusual production choice come about? The idea stemmed from the producers’ desire to emulate the unpredictable nature of the board game itself. Clue, the game, has six possible suspects, six possible weapons, and nine possible rooms. Replicating that inherent randomness in a cinematic format seemed an insurmountable task at first. However, the solution they arrived at was both ingenious and controversial: to film three distinct endings and distribute them randomly to theaters across the country.
The goal was to create a unique viewing experience, one where audiences might discuss the film afterward and discover that they had witnessed different resolutions. This early form of interactive storytelling, albeit passive, foreshadowed later developments in video games and other media that allowed for direct audience participation. The novelty of this approach guaranteed attention and fueled box office intrigue, despite the uneven critical reception.
The Three Endings Explained
Each ending reveals a different murderer, motive, and method. Here’s a breakdown:
- Ending A (Mrs. Peacock Did It): Mrs. Peacock, motivated by blackmail relating to her corrupt political connections, kills Mr. Boddy. She uses the candlestick in the library.
- Ending B (Professor Plum Did It): Professor Plum, fueled by his medical license being revoked after being blackmailed by Mr. Boddy, kills Mr. Boddy. He uses the revolver in the study.
- Ending C (Miss Scarlet Did It): Miss Scarlet, seeking to protect her brothel from Mr. Boddy’s blackmail, kills Mr. Boddy. She uses the rope in the billiard room.
Ultimately, the video release of Clue revealed a fourth ending, which combined all three individual endings and unmasked all the guests as culpable parties in various schemes, each contributing to Boddy’s death. This “supercut” ending became the canonical conclusion, effectively resolving the mysteries presented in the separate theatrical versions.
The Impact and Legacy of Clue
Despite initial mixed reactions, Clue has since garnered a cult following. Its clever dialogue, slapstick humor, and ensemble cast, featuring iconic performers like Tim Curry, Madeline Kahn, and Christopher Lloyd, have contributed to its enduring appeal. The theatrical release strategy, though initially criticized for being confusing and frustrating, has also become a significant part of the film’s lore.
A Marketing Ploy or Artistic Innovation?
The decision to release Clue with multiple endings remains a subject of debate. Was it a cynical marketing ploy designed to generate buzz and drive repeat viewings? Or was it a genuine attempt to push the boundaries of cinematic storytelling and offer audiences a more engaging experience? The answer likely lies somewhere in between. The film certainly benefited from the publicity surrounding its unique release, but it also demonstrated a willingness to experiment with narrative structure in a way that was rarely seen at the time.
The Influence on Future Filmmaking
While Clue didn’t spawn a widespread trend of films with multiple theatrical endings, it did pave the way for more sophisticated forms of interactive storytelling. Video games, in particular, have embraced the concept of player choice and multiple outcomes, building upon the foundation laid by Clue‘s unconventional approach. It also influenced the development of “choose your own adventure” style narratives in other mediums like television and streaming services.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Clue
Here are some of the most common questions surrounding the film Clue and its unique release:
1. How did theaters decide which ending to show?
Theoretically, the reels containing each ending were distributed randomly to theaters. However, some theaters apparently coordinated with each other to ensure that audiences could see all three endings by visiting different locations. Others simply played the same ending for the entirety of the film’s run.
2. Was there any way to know which ending a theater would show?
In some locations, newspapers and local listings would occasionally advertise which ending a particular theater was showing. Word-of-mouth also played a role, as moviegoers would share information about the endings they had seen. But often it was a lottery.
3. Which ending was considered the “official” ending?
The “official” ending is the one that combines all three separate endings into a single conclusion, revealing that all the guests were involved in Boddy’s death. This ending was included on the home video release.
4. Did the multiple endings affect the film’s box office performance?
While difficult to quantify directly, the multiple endings certainly generated buzz and curiosity, likely contributing to the film’s box office success. However, it also alienated some viewers who found the experience frustrating or confusing.
5. Was the director of Clue happy with the multiple endings?
Jonathan Lynn, the director of Clue, has expressed mixed feelings about the multiple endings. While he understood the reasoning behind the decision, he also felt that it detracted from the overall narrative cohesion of the film.
6. Could you buy a DVD or Blu-ray with the different endings?
The DVD and Blu-ray releases of Clue typically include the combined “supercut” ending as the main feature. Some special editions also include the three individual endings as bonus content.
7. Was this approach used in any other movies?
While not exactly the same, some films have explored alternative endings or branching narratives. However, Clue remains the most well-known example of a film being released in theaters with entirely different conclusions.
8. Is Clue based on a true story?
No, Clue is not based on a true story. It is based on the popular board game of the same name, which was first released in 1949.
9. What makes Clue a cult classic?
Several factors contribute to Clue‘s cult status: its clever dialogue, its ensemble cast of comedic actors, its unique release strategy, and its enduring appeal to fans of the board game.
10. Are there any sequels to Clue?
There have been attempts to develop sequels or reboots of Clue over the years, but none have materialized. However, a new adaptation, unrelated to the 1985 film, is currently in development.
11. Who played the iconic characters in Clue?
The film stars Tim Curry as Wadsworth, Madeline Kahn as Mrs. White, Christopher Lloyd as Professor Plum, Michael McKean as Mr. Green, Lesley Ann Warren as Miss Scarlet, and Eileen Brennan as Mrs. Peacock.
12. Where can I watch Clue today?
Clue is often available for streaming on various platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and Paramount+. Check your local streaming services for availability. It is also available for purchase on DVD and Blu-ray.