Jonathan Lynn, the creative force behind the 1985 film “Clue,” candidly shared his initial scepticism about the project in a recent episode of the “It Happened in Hollywood” podcast. The director and writer recounted how he found himself pitched the idea of adapting the board game into a screenplay, which struck him as “the silliest idea” he had ever encountered.
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Lynn’s journey began in London when he was approached by producer Peter Gruber. This unexpected encounter led to an intriguing proposition: to write a film based on “Clue.” Though the concept initially failed to ignite Lynn’s interest, the allure of visiting the West Coast and flying first class persuaded him to explore the opportunity further.
Upon arriving in Los Angeles, Lynn met with John Landis, who was at that point slated to direct the film. It turned out that Lynn was the sixth screenwriter to be considered for the project, a fact that only deepened his initial concern about the viability of the film. Celebrities such as Tom Stoppard and Stephen Sondheim had all been approached before him, leaving Lynn wondering about the already rocky path the film had taken.
Landis provided an exuberant pitch for the movie, and the energetic manner in which he outlined the storyline left Lynn feeling both amused and bewildered. He recalled, “I’ve never seen a pitch like that. In England, everything is much more subdued.” Landis had envisioned that the character of the butler, portrayed by Tim Curry in the film, would eventually unveil the identity of the murderer, although he himself had yet to determine the culprit—an inquiry for which he sought Lynn’s expertise.
Tasked with transforming the mere colours of the game’s characters into fully developed personas, Lynn faced the challenge of conceptualising their motives and secrets. The breakthrough moment came when he realised that all of the characters needed aliases for a reason; this discovery allowed him to craft engaging backstories that added layers of intrigue to the narrative.
Excited by Lynn’s ideas, Gruber and Landis initially welcomed his fresh take. However, shortly thereafter, Landis departed to work on another film, leaving Lynn to take on directorial responsibilities—an impressive feat for someone who primarily had a stage directing background. Before committing to the project, Lynn was informed that the producers intended to experiment with multiple endings. He devised four conclusions, of which three made it into the final version.
Despite his efforts, the film failed to resonate with audiences and critics upon its release in December 1985. It was deemed a box office failure, with many suggesting that the film’s multiple endings left viewers confused rather than entertained. Lynn expressed regret about this at the time, wishing he could turn back the clock on certain aspects of production.
Interestingly, about 40 years later, Lynn has shifted his perspective on “Clue.” He now appreciates how the film’s unique structure allows for a clever twist, where all three endings make sense when viewed together. He noted that many viewers discover the film through home video, cable, or streaming services, and that it has grown into a beloved cult classic over the years.
Much of “Clue’s” enduring appeal can be attributed to its iconic cast, including Tim Curry, Eileen Brennan, Madeline Kahn, Christopher Lloyd, Michael McKean, Martin Mull, and Lesley Ann Warren. Lynn fondly remarked that younger generations who previously watched “Clue” on television continue to enjoy it as adults, transforming the film into a cultural phenomenon.
Lynn has retained a successful career in the film industry, directing notable titles such as “My Cousin Vinny” in 1992 and “The Fighting Temptations” in 2003. Reflecting on the journey of “Clue,” he encapsulates the film’s improbable success story—one that began as a seemingly ludicrous concept and ultimately blossomed into a cherished piece of cinematic history.