Clue

Clue

Year: 1985

Runtime: 94 min

Language: English

Director: Jonathan Lynn

MysteryThrillerComedyCrime

A group of strangers is invited to a remote mansion for a mysterious dinner party. When one of the guests turns up dead, the remaining attendees realize they're all suspects in a bizarre and comedic murder mystery. As they search for the killer, they uncover shocking secrets and unexpected twists, encountering familiar characters like Colonel Mustard, Miss Scarlet, and the astute butler, Wadsworth. The investigation is filled with laughter and suspense, keeping everyone guessing until the final, surprising reveal.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Clue yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Clue (1985) – Full Plot Summary & Ending Explained

Read the complete plot breakdown of Clue (1985), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.

In the year 1954, a peculiar gathering unfolds at Hill House, a remote and eerie mansion nestled in New England. On this fateful evening, six unsuspecting strangers receive mysterious invitations to a dinner party, where they are greeted by the enigmatic butler, Wadsworth. As an air of uncertainty prevails, Wadsworth assigns each guest a pseudonym, ensuring that nobody is identified by their true name. The eclectic group includes Colonel Mustard, Mrs. White, Mrs. Peacock, Mr. Green, Professor Plum, and Miss Scarlet. Their meal is served amidst tension and curiosity, accompanied by Yvette, who plays the role of the maid.

Just as dinner begins to unfold, a seventh participant enters the scene—Mr. Boddy. What begins as a seemingly ordinary dinner takes a dark turn when Wadsworth reveals the true purpose of their gathering: Mr. Boddy has been blackmailing them for an extended period, taking advantage of their deepest secrets, along with those of Wadsworth and his deceased wife. The guests have come together to confront this manipulative figure and to ultimately turn him in to the authorities.

However, a chilling reminder emerges from Mr. Boddy himself, as he warns them that if he is apprehended, the scandal surrounding their own lives will inevitably be exposed. In a shocking twist, he presents each guest with a different weapon—an ominous candlestick, a sharp dagger, a heavy lead pipe, a sleek revolver, a length of rope, and a sturdy wrench—and suggests that perhaps one of them should take the drastic measure of eliminating Wadsworth instead to preserve their secrets. As the lights abruptly go out, a deafening gunshot rings through the air, and when illumination returns, Mr. Boddy’s lifeless body is discovered, devoid of any discernible cause of death.

Wadsworth steps forward to explain the unfathomable events that have transpired. He reveals that he orchestrated this gathering to confront Mr. Boddy, motivated by his wife’s tragic suicide, a consequence of Boddy’s vile tactics. Burdened with a purpose, Wadsworth sought to liberate the group from the chains of blackmail. However, the night spirals into further chaos when a cook, Mrs. Ho, is found dead—stabbed with the aforementioned dagger—while Mr. Boddy’s body mysteriously reappears, this time with injuries caused by the candlestick.

In a desperate attempt to regain control, Wadsworth locks the weapons away, poised to discard the key when an unexpected intruder—a stranded motorist—enters the lounge only to become another victim of the calamity, meeting his end at the hands of the wrench. As the chaos escalates, a police officer arrives at the mansion, but the situation becomes increasingly dire as the power goes out again, leading to further murders involving Yvette, the officer, and a telegram girl—all dispatched in a manner that capitalizes on the very weapons that were introduced earlier.

As the story unfolds, Wadsworth gathers the remaining guests to piece together the night’s horrors, surmising the identities of the perpetrators behind the earlier murders. Just when the tension reaches its zenith, various twists and turns diverge into three possible endings:

Ending A unveils a shocking truth—Yvette, under the influence of Miss Scarlet, orchestrated the murders to protect her illicit business. However, Wadsworth reveals himself as an undercover FBI agent, foiling her plans.

Ending B suggests that Mrs. Peacock, gripped by secrets of corruption, commits all the murders to safeguard her illicit activities. Yet, the twist comes with Wadsworth’s assertion of his role as a spy, now exposed to the law.

Ending C provides the most intricate revelation: each murder is attributed to a different guest, culminating in Mr. Green exposing his true identity as a federal agent who takes out Mr. Boddy. This unexpected hero leads the charge against the others, determined to put an end to the chaotic night.

In the chilling words of Mr. Green, > “I’m gonna go home, and sleep with my wife,” underscoring the complexity and layered intrigue of their evening at Hill House, which proves to be much more than just a dinner party.

Last Updated: January 18, 2025 at 14:36

Unlock the Full Story of Clue

Don't stop at just watching — explore Clue in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Clue is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Clue Timeline

Track the full timeline of Clue with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Clue Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in Clue

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Clue. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Clue

More About Clue

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Clue: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Clue

Similar Movies to Clue

Discover movies like Clue that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.