Following the recent passing of beloved actor Tim Curry, fans of the iconic film *Clue* are yearning for the release of an alternate ending that has been kept under wraps. Curry, who portrayed the memorable character Wadsworth in the 1985 whodunnit, passed away at the age of 80 on August 25. His untimely death has prompted many to revisit the film, which is celebrated for its clever plot and witty dialogue.
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The filmmakers behind the documentary *Who Done It: The Clue Documentary* have taken to social media to urge Paramount Pictures to release the long-sought fourth ending of *Clue*. This alternate conclusion, which has been discussed by both Curry and director Jonathan Lynn in interviews, reportedly features Wadsworth as the true culprit behind the film’s series of murders. The call for the footage comes at a poignant time, as fans and admirers of Curry seek ways to honour his legacy.
*Clue*, a fan favourite featuring an ensemble cast that included Leslie Ann Warren, Madeline Kahn, Christopher Lloyd, and Michael McKean, is known for its unique structure: it was released with three different endings. Each alternate conclusion presents varied scenarios for the guilty party, offering audiences a choice in how the murderous mystery unfolds. However, the elusive fourth ending has never been officially viewed, leaving many enthusiastic fans hoping for its eventual release.
A recent open letter shared by director Jeff Smith through Instagram poignantly addresses Paramount, expressing the desire to see the lost footage made available to the public. The letter reflects on the historical significance of the mystery film and highlights how the fourth ending could serve as a tribute to Curry, elevating it as an essential part of his artistic legacy.
The documentation of the existence of this alternate ending is supported by various sources, including production stills and references in the *Clue* novelisation. Smith’s letter articulates a collective hope among fans that completing the film with this ending could deepen their connection to both the film and Curry’s character. He notes, “It may be buried on a shelf nobody has touched in forty years. It may be mislabeled. It may be sitting in a box way in the back of the Paramount archives.” The sense of urgency in these words reflects a longing to uncover a hidden gem of cinematic history.
Curry himself had expressed fondness for the alternate ending in earlier remarks. During a visit to The Academy’s Margaret Herrick Library earlier this year, he referred to the unseen conclusion as his “favourite,” confirming its intriguing plot twist where Wadsworth is revealed as the murderer. Curry revealed that this scene was never included in the official release, as producers felt it was too predictable.
With the widespread attention from fans and filmmakers alike, there is an increasing chorus of calls for Paramount to act. Smith’s letter concludes by encouraging followers to advocate for the ending’s release, broadening the reach of their request to the film studio. A sense of shared purpose among fans has emerged, united by their desire to witness Curry’s final bow in this role.
As the film continues to garner appreciation in the wake of Curry’s passing, the movement for the release of the fourth ending carries a profound message: it is more than just an alternate sequence—it represents a cherished piece of film history and a celebration of Curry’s enduring impact on cinema. In the world of film fandom, there are whispers of excitement and anticipation about the possibility of seeing Curry’s unparalleled performance one last time.
Ultimately, the fate of the fourth ending lies in the hands of Paramount Pictures and their archives. The community of *Clue* enthusiasts remains hopeful that a concerted effort will lead to the discovery of this hidden treasure, offering fans a new opportunity to celebrate the legendary Tim Curry and his remarkable contributions to the world of entertainment.