Tim Curry Was Taken to the Hospital While Shooting “Clue”’s Multiple Endings

Tim Curry, the distinguished actor best known for his diverse roles across film and theatre, recently shared fond memories of his time on the set of the cult classic “Clue” during a visit to The Academy’s Margaret Herrick Library. At the library, he explored materials from his illustrious career, including some unique artefacts from the 1985 film.

In a conversation with archivist Louise Hilton, Curry reflected on various incidents during the filming of “Clue”, which co-starred a talented ensemble including Leslie Ann Warren, Madeline Kahn, Christopher Lloyd, and Eileen Brennan. The film is notorious for featuring multiple endings that each provided a different twist on the mystery of who the murderer was among the guests at the dinner party. Curry portrayed Wadsworth, the comical yet anxious butler overseeing the chaotic evening.

One particularly intriguing revelation came when Hilton shared an entry from the archives. It noted that Curry had been taken to the hospital after filming on July 25 due to high blood pressure. The memory elicited a wry smile from the actor, who explained that on that day he was tasked with a challenging scene that required him to run throughout the mansion. “That was the day that we shot me running around, demonstrating each murder,” Curry said, recalling the exhausting experience with a sense of nostalgia.

The scene in question is one of the more memorable moments in the film, featuring Wadsworth zealously illustrating the various ways the murderer could have manoeuvred through the mansion without being detected. “It was exhausting, and I was verklempt,” Curry added, a term that highlights both his emotional and physical state during the filming.

The conversation also shed light on the film’s production complexities. Hilton noted that while four endings were scripted for “Clue”, only three were ultimately released to audiences. Curry eagerly revealed that one of the lost endings depicted his character as the killer, a revelation he claimed was his personal favourite. “They never released that ending because they thought it was too obvious,” he explained, indicating that certain narrative choices can be contentious in the editing room.

In a twist of fate that surprised even Curry, Hilton mentioned that he was almost cast as Mr. Green, a role that eventually went to Michael McKean. In an alternative version of the casting, Carrie Fisher was originally slated to play Miss Scarlet, with Warren taking on the part of Mrs. White—an interesting divergence from the final film and an insight into the creative processes behind casting decisions.

“Clue” is just one highlight in Curry’s extensive repertoire of roles. He gained significant acclaim for his portrayal of Dr. Frank-N-Furter in “The Rocky Horror Picture Show”, a performance that has become iconic in the realm of musical cinema. He also earned lasting recognition for his role as Pennywise in the 1990 miniseries “It,” based on Stephen King’s renowned novel, and as King Arthur in the celebrated stage adaptations of “Spamalot”.

Tim Curry’s visit to the Margaret Herrick Library serves as an evocative reminder of his contributions to film and theatre. As he reminisces about his experiences on set—and the unique challenges that come with a multifaceted character like Wadsworth—Curry not only entertains but also enlightens us about the creative process behind some of our favourite films.

His engaging anecdotes, coupled with the sense of history captured within the library’s archives, paint a vivid picture of an artist whose talents have left an indelible mark on the entertainment landscape. As he continues to share his stories, audiences are reminded of the intricate work that goes into creating such beloved characters and narratives.

Curry’s ability to navigate various roles and embody diverse characters showcases his remarkable range as a performer. His ongoing legacy is not just found in the films he has starred in, but also in the laughter and joy he continues to bring to audiences around the world.