With his performance as the bizarre Dr. Frank-N-Furter in The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Tim Curry became a Hollywood legend. After all, the movie, which recently celebrated its 50th anniversary, became a cult classic, and Curry's role went down in history as one of the most scandalous and rule-breaking characters of all time. But while that's all true, Curry's had quite a few memorable roles throughout his career. In fact, just 10 years after Rocky Horror, Curry shined in Clue, a hilarious whodunnit film based on the classic board game.
Much like the board game, Clue follows six eccentric characters called Mrs. Peacock (Eileen Brennan), Professor Plum (Christopher Lloyd), Mrs. White (Madeline Kahn), Colonel Mustard (Martin Mull), Miss Scarlet (Lesley Ann Warren), and Mr. Green (Michael McKean). After they all arrive at a mansion under suspicious pretenses and have dinner together, the host, Mr. Boddy (Lee Ving), is murdered and everyone needs to come together to solve who did it. But, as they continue their investigation, the dead bodies start piling up.
Tim Curry Was Unstoppable as Wadsworth in 'Clue'
Tim Curry as Wadsworth the butler standing in a billiards room while soaking wet in Clue.
While Clue is certainly an ensemble comedy, with heavy-hitting comedic actors as the dinner guests, it's Curry as the butler, Wadsworth, who truly shines. After all, while all the dinner guests attend the dinner in extravagant clothing and pasts filled with deep, buried secrets, Curry's unassuming character is funny, witty, dry, and not afraid to press a button or two. Among one of his funniest lines, for example, Colonel Mustard asks what exactly he does as a butler. "I buttle, Sir," he says, deadpanned.
Another one of Curry's most iconic scenes is when Wadsworth pieces it all together and frantically reenacts the events of the evening at an unhinged speed. Running from room to room, Curry screams out his sharp, crisp lines while showing what physical comedy is all about. "I was in the hall," he says at one point in his explanation. "I know because I was there." At another moment, he uses physical comedy yet again by attempting to break down a door. But, instead of breaking it open, Wadsworth ricochets back and falls to the floor. Decidedly, Wadsworth's manic energy and quick wit made for a character who's endlessly entertaining, both for viewers and the dinner guests themselves.
1985's 'Clue' Was Iconic in More Ways Than One
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Tim Curry and Lesley Ann Warren standing in a doorway as other characters group up behind them in Clue.
Michael McKean, Martin Mull, Eileen Brennan, Christopher Lloyd and Lesley Ann Warren standing next to each other in Clue (1985)
Wadsworth (Curry) and Mr. Boddy (Ving) admiring Yvette (Camp) serving dinner in Clue
Madeline Kahn and Michael McKean standing in a kitchen staring accusingly at a nervous Martin Mull in Clue.
While Curry's performance in Clue is certainly one of his best, the film is known for being ground-breaking because of its three distinct, thought-out endings. In each of them, a different character is found guilty, with their own set of motives, explanations and endings. So, when the movie was first released in theaters, viewers would see one of three different endings to the movie. Unfortunately, critics and the average moviegoer at the time weren’t exactly on board with the slapstick, screwball-style comedy, and found the gimmick to be more of a hassle than a draw. Luckily, time has been on Clue’s side, and now the movie's innovative ending is seen as way ahead of its time.
With the three-ending gimmick aside, Curry's performance as Wadsworth makes the film well worth watching. While delivering his quippy dialogue with ease and precision, he gives a true masterclass in comedic acting and physical comedy. Of course, that was only enhanced by a cast of comedic actors who could keep up with him, and a production that kept viewers guessing. Clue is a true cult classic, and is further proof as to why Curry is a true Hollywood legend.
