List of Cluedo characters

The board game Cluedo (Clue in North America) and the associated 1985 film Clue, contains six murder suspects, all of whom survived into the final 2002 edition of the game. They typically represent "types," or stock characters, of European and American high society, as typified in the murder mysteries pioneered by Agatha Christie. The characters have also become stock types in pop culture, and served as the basis for an Australian advertising campaign by photographer Richard de Chazal, with each character being photographed with one of the weapons and in one of the rooms from the game. In addition to the basic enduring six characters, numerous variations of the original characters have been introduced for spin-off games and international versions. Several new official characters have since been introduced by Waddington's, Parker Bros, & Hasbro for various spin-off games and other licensed media as well. With the addition of the new characters, they were also given elaborate backgrounds for the first time, greatly expanding the Cluedo canon and establishing an often complex and contradictory chronology with each update to the game and new media production.

Characters

According to the original patent filed by Anthony E. Pratt, there were to be ten original characters in his invented game that eventually became trademarked as Cluedo. Of the original ten characters, only six of them (Dr. Black, The Rev. Mr. Green, Professor Plum, Miss Scarlet, Nurse White, & Colonel Yellow), survived in some fashion into the first published game. Of the remaining four characters (Mr. Brown, Mr. Gold, Miss Grey, & Mrs. Silver), all but Mr. Gold, who has never been officially used, were later incorporated into the game spinoffs in revised personas. Mrs. Peacock was the only completely new character (and colour) added following the submission of the patent to debut with the original game. While the original game made provision for ten characters, only eight could actually participate in the game, while one was to be removed at the start of the game as "The Victim", leaving any unclaimed characters as suspects only. By the first published game, this had been reduced to only six characters who doubled as players and/or suspects, with Dr. Black being relegated to the role of permanent victim.^[1][2][3] With the addition of subsequent expansion games and ancillary media, several additional official characters were eventually added as well. In accordance with Cluedo tradition, each new character is attached to an often eponymous colour.

Miss Scarlett

Miss Scarlett is the resident femme fatale in Cluedo. She is typically portrayed as young, cunning, and highly attractive. Originally spelled Scarlett in both the US & UK Games, the US versions changed to the alternate spelling Scarlet with the 1963 version. She rolls first in the game.

Miss Scarlet

200px Janet Wong as the sultry Miss Scarlet from the VCR game. The file File:Miss Scarlet thumbnail.jpg has an uncertain copyright status and may be deleted. You can comment on its removal.

In Film, Television, Books and Computer Games

Clue the Movie: Miss Scarlet was played by Lesley Ann Warren. Her portrayal is that of a snarky, sarcastic madam who runs a secret escort service in Washington. She is given the Candlestick as a gift from Mr. Boddy.

Clue the VCR Game: Miss Scarlet, played by Janet Wong, is once again portrayed as an Asian, and now an international spy who specializes in freelance espionage. Under the pseudonym of the Crimson Lady, she’d be more successful if not for her accomplice, Colonel Mustard. She is Mr. Boddy’s knitting partner.

Cluedo TV-series: Vivienne Scarlett is the stepdaughter of Mrs. Peacock. She is usually having disastrous affairs with many men, including Col. Mustard. 1990 – Tracy Louise Ward, Christmas Special – Toyah Wilcox, 1991 – Koo Stark, 1992 – Lysette Anthony, 1993 – Jerry Hall.

SNES Game: The usual beautiful and charming Miss Scarlet. She is given a rather saucy music theme.

Book series: Miss Scarlet is portrayed in the books as a flirtatious woman who is vain in appearance and often seeks the attention of the men by swooning into their arms.

Clue: Murder at Boddy Mansion/Fatal Illusion: Miss Scarlet takes on the role of a B-movie actress whose career is crumbling. In Fatal Illusion, she takes on a prominent role and hinted love-interest for the protagonist.

Colonel Mustard

Colonel Mustard is the stock character of a great white hunter and colonial imperialist. He is usually a military man both dignified and dangerous. Originally patented as Colonel Yellow, his name was changed prior to the first edition of the game. He rolls second in the game.

Colonel Mustard

In the board game

1949 UK: Colonel Mustard makes his debut as a 30 to 40 year old stiff-lipped gentleman, given a clean-cut British look with straw-coloured hair and moustache. Head mounted on a yellow pawn.

1949 US: Identical to UK, except now given a body.

1963 US: Cartoon caricature of a young clean-shaven soldier in full-out regalia.

1972 US: Portrayed in photograph as an elderly buffoon, wearing a tweed suit and sporting white fuzzy mutton chops and moustache. He wears a monocle for the first time and has an exaggerated uptight expression.

1986 US: Similar to his 1949 counterpart, though a little more plump. His hair greys around the sides. On the box, he is wearing a tweed suit and white shirt, but on the card wears a black blazer with a plaid shirt.

UK Super Challenge: Artistically updated version of the original Col. Mustard; now given a body.

Master Detective: Here, Col. Algernon Mustard is portrayed as a distinguished elderly gentleman who had had a history of glittering achievements and has traveled far to see Mr. Boddy on a matter of grave importance. He is a crack-shot and sleeps with a revolver under his pillow.

1992 US: Similar to Master Detective, an aged gentleman sporting his monocle and retaining his dignified look. On the box, he is examining a Lead Pipe through a magnifying glass.

1996 US: Mustard is still old and has grown more facial hair than ever before. His face is almost hidden behind his handlebar moustache and is wearing a more elaborate uniform than the more casual wear seen in previous editions.

1996 UK: Similar to his 1949 counterpart, he is given an updated and more psychotic look. He wears a yellow tuxedo and is an expert in weapons and conspiracy.

2000 UK/Super Cluedo/Passport to Murder: Now younger than ever, Mustard is seen a blonde-haired, blue-eyed stoic soldier, retaining a strong build, and a polished uniform.

2002 US: A more cubist rendition of 1996 US Mustard, Michael Mustard is a retired military man trying to pen his autobiography to supplement a dwindling income.

Discover the Secrets: Col. Mustard had been completed reinvented as Jack Mustard, an ex-football player come sports pundit.

In Film, Television, Books and Computer Games

Clue the Movie: Mustard was played by Martin Mull. Here, Mustard is portrayed as a stubborn militant American who deep down is rather weak-hearted individual, having stolen essential radio parts during war-time and sold them on the black market to supplement his income. He had been given the Wrench from Mr. Boddy.

Clue the VCR Game: Mustard was played by Walter Covell. In the VCR game, Col. Mustard is the henchman of Miss Scarlet who together work in espionage. He is Mr. Boddy’s hunting partner, has a fondness for booze, and despises the metal plate in his head.

Cluedo TV-series: Usually shown as a suave, ex-SAS gentleman, Mike Mustard juggles the affections of Miss Scarlet and Mrs. Peacock. 1990 – Robin Ellis, Christmas Special – David Robb, 1991 – Michael Jayston, 1992 – Lewis Collins, 1993 – Leslie Grantham.

SNES Game: The usual monocle, middle-aged Mustard. In the game, he is given the theme of a military march.

Book series: Col. Mustard is characterized in the books as a man with a spicy temper. He will respond to any sort of conflict by challenging the offender to a duel.

Clue: Murder at Boddy Mansion/Fatal Illusion: Once again, Mustard is portrayed as an elderly, garrulous, militaristic Brit. He is plagued with rumours of profiteering during wartime.

Mrs. White

Mrs. White is usually the stock portrayal of a frazzled servant, but has also had a couple of divergent characterizations; the movie portrays Mrs. White as a fellow resident guest. Originally patented as Nurse White and changed prior to publication of the first edition. She rolls third in the game.

Mrs. White

Cheryl McMahon as the intrusive Mrs. White from the VCR game.

In the board game

1949 UK: Mrs. White was first portrayed as a mean-looking cook with an apple shaped face and cook’s cap. Head mounted on a white pawn.

1949 US: Identical to UK, except now given a body.

1963 US: Cartoon caricature of a cheerfully plump middle-aged cook with red hair, holding a rolling pin in her hands.

1972 US: Portrayed in photograph as a skittish domestic servant shown to be rather timid and having a lot to hide.

1986 US: Mrs. White by now had gone from a pudgy old cook to nasty looking young maid. Here, she has a shoulder-length cut of a blonde bob and retains a scowl on her face.

UK Super Challenge: Artistically updated version of the original Mrs. White; now given a body.

Master Detective: Mrs. Blanche White has aged drastically again, being a long serving housekeeper of Boddy Manor over the course of years. She claims to have seen many wars come and go and gets an eye squint from spying in keyholes.

1992 US: Mrs. White has settled to a middle-aged look where her expression shows a possible sarcastic grudge against her employer. On the box, she is working a noose of a Rope in her hands, made from the curtain pull.

1996 US: Mrs. White takes on a grandmotherly appearance as she is now older than ever.

1996 UK: The rather manly looking Mrs. White is portrayed looking as demented as the rest as the group, wearing a white cooking ensemble and sporting a grey bob of hair. While claiming to have loved her employer, she is reported to be no longer happy in her work.

2000 UK/Super Cluedo/Passport to Murder: Mrs. White in these editions looks aged, but not quite elderly. She is portrayed as a stiff matronly housekeeper, who wrinkles her nose in her own displeasure such as having to ride in a third-class coach with rowdy passengers.

2002 US: A more cubist rendition than before; Blanche White is shown with short hair and a sinister expression. She is the long time nanny and cook to Mr. Boddy/Dr. Black.

Discover the Secrets: Mrs. White had been completely reinvented as Diane White, an aspiring former child actress waiting for her day of recognition.

In Film, Television, Books and Computer Games

Clue the Movie: White was played by Madeline Kahn. Her portrayal is that of a pale and tragic widow who allegedly murdered her previous five husbands. Though shown as quiet and proper, deep down she is a jealous soul who despises anyone who gets in her way. She receives the Rope tied in a noose as a gift from Mr. Boddy.

Clue the VCR Game: White was played by Cheryl McMahon. She is the long time maid (and later revealed secret lover) of Mr. Boddy. Together they created a love-child, Sgt. Grey who shares White’s colour-blindness. She discreetly keeps tabs on the fellow guests in her diary.

Cluedo TV-series: Mrs. Blanche White is the resident domestic at Arlington Grange. Loyal to Mrs. Peacock, and a nurturing figure to Scarlett, she is almost part of the family. 1990 – June Whitfield, Christmas Special – Joan Sims, 1991 – Mollie Sugden, 1992 – Pam Ferris, 1993 – Liz Smith.

SNES Game: Mrs. White is the usual plump, scowling maid. She is given rather sinister theme music.

Book series: In the books, Mrs. White is shown as a jealous two-faced servant who smiles politely when serving the guests, while giving hateful sneers behind their backs.

Clue: Murder at Boddy Mansion/Fatal Illusion: White is the overweight nanny figure to Mr. Boddy. She is shown as a jumpy old soul who is nervous about everyone and everything.

Rev./Mr. Green

The character of Green has been given two different personas in the Cluedo world. Originally patented as The Rev. Mr. Green, in Britain, he is Reverend Green, a hypocritical vicar who weakens when it comes to the Sixth commandment, murder. In North America, he is Mr. Green, who has taken many money-oriented roles from mobster to businessman. Parker Brothers insisted on the name change as they thought the American public would object to a parson being a murder suspect.^[4] He rolls fourth in the game.

Mr. Green

In the board game

1949 UK: Reverend Green was first portrayed as a plump, middle-aged vicar with a withdrawn expression. He is wearing the traditional white collar of a vicar. Head mounted on a green pawn.

1949 US: Identical to UK, with the exception of now being called Mr. Green and now having been given a body.

1963 US: Cartoon caricature of a snobbish, decadent playboy wearing a green housecoat and smoking a cigarette on a holder.

1972 US: Portrayed in photograph a sweaty looking crook, with a bald head, surrounded by black patches of hair. His expression is less than charming.

1986 US: Mr. Green is portrayed as a plump, pompous looking business man with grey hair. On the box, he is wearing a grayish suit with a green tie, but on his card, his suit is brown.

UK Super Challenge: Artistically updated version of the original Rev. Green; now given a body.

Master Detective: Mr. Thallo Green is clearly defined as a mobster in this edition. He is shown as a fat, balding family king-pin, smoking a cigar and brandishing his lucky pinkie ring. He is apparently a mathematical whiz and good with numerical figures.

1992 US: Mr. Green is given a more youthful appearance compared to previous incarnations. His hair, while receding is now returned to his head, and he now has a skinnier figure than usual. However, his personality seems to indicate cunningness and deceit in his expression. On the box, he is shown wiping clean a Wrench.

1996 US: Mr. Green is similar in appearance to his 1992 counterpart, except his hair has returned to a balding state and he is wearing a sharp, deep green pinstripe suit.

1996 UK: The psychotic Reverend Green is shown with a horrified expression on his face. Apparently, the church coffers were low on funds which inspired him to respond to his invitation to see Dr. Black.

2000 UK/Super Cluedo/Passport to Murder: Reverend Green is shown with a youthful appearance, albeit grey-haired. Super Cluedo claims he’s a defrocked priest, turned tycoon.

2002 US: Cards and suspect pawns still show a slight difference for the characters of Reverend Green (2003 UK) and Mr. Green (2002 US), although the starting space is for Rev. Green on the 2002 US board, which is explained by giving Mr. Green the past of a former ordained minister. They are both given cubist facelifts. John Green is shown as an evangelical minister with a heavy build who has a reputation from fraud, money laundering and smuggling.

Discover the Secrets: Mr. Green is given a complete reinvention as Jacob Green, a go-to guy with all the ins. This edition also marks only the second time in Cluedo's history, in which a primary character has also changed race (not including international adaptations), in this case from Caucasian to that of African descent (the first was Miss Scarlet from Caucasian to Asian in 1972 editions).

In Film, Television, Books and Computer Games

Clue the Movie: Green was played by Michael McKean. He is portrayed as a hapless homosexual who must keep his orientation a secret so he can keep his government position. However, in one of the three different endings of the film he is actually an undercover F.B.I. agent and might be married to a woman. He is given the Lead Pipe by Mr. Boddy.

Clue the VCR Game: Green was played by Barry Doe. He is portrayed as an underworld mobster who dabbles in business for which he refuses to elaborate on. He acts as a bully where he often intimidates the others to do his bidding. He is also Mr. Boddy’s business partner. Mr. Green is one of only two characters in the Clue VCR game whose first name (Lyman) is revealed.

Cluedo TV-series: Rev. Jonathan Green is the vicar of the village and a family friend to the residents of Arlington Grange. The first season gave him an environmental angle where he pursued his own charity; Save the Moles. This was dropped in later seasons. 1990 – Robin Nedwell, Christmas Special – Derek Nimmo, 1991 – Richard Wilson, 1992 – Christopher Biggins, 1993 – Nicholas Parsons.

SNES Game: Mr. Green is the usual bullying mobster. He is given an old-time gangster music theme.

Book series: In the books, Mr. Green is a greedy, conniving guest of Mr. Boddy, who never lets the chance slip away to make a quick buck.

Clue: Murder at Boddy Mansion/Fatal Illusion: Mr. Green is portrayed as a shady young aristocrat who had lost his family fortune in the Stock Market Crash.

Mrs. Peacock

Mrs. Peacock is the stock character of a grande dame, an elderly yet still attractive woman who maintains her dignity in almost all cases in most versions. She is the only original character to debut with the game who was created after the original patent was filed by the inventor. She rolls fifth in the game.

Mrs. Peacock

Betty Lee Bogue as the sinister Mrs. Peacock from the VCR game.

In the board game

1949 UK: Mrs. Peacock is first shown as an elderly, yet elegant aristocrat who bears a Queen-like resemblance with her tiara. Head is mounted on a blue pawn.

1949 US: Identical to UK, but now given a body.

1963 US: Cartoon caricature of a middle-aged, decorated socialite wearing a hat mounted with peacock feathers.

1972 US: Portrayed in photograph as a gnarly old busybody. She wears a tweed suit and hat, grasps a cane in her hand with her spectacled face pinched in a sour expression.

1986 US: Mrs. Peacock is a little younger than the 1970s version and lacks the sour expression. Otherwise, she is still a puffy busybody wearing a tweed suit, white gloves, and a blue ascot. On her card, she is simply wearing a blue ensemble.

UK Super Challenge: Artistically updated version of the original Mrs. Peacock; now given a body.

Master Detective: Mrs. Henrietta Peacock is given a more intellectual upbringing than before as she is now an elderly ornithologist with a specialty in birds of prey. She comes beseeching Mr. Boddy to turn his manor into a bird sanctuary. Peacock is given a stylishly scientific look with a light cyan blazer and spectacles on a chain.

1992 US: Once again, Mrs. Peacock has returned to being a stylish socialite with an elegant hairdo and blue evening gown. She is shown on the box sitting, clutching some papers with a Revolver resting on the table next to her.

1996 US: Mrs. Peacock is given a more widow-esque look with a dark navy ensemble, a fur wrap and a wild headpiece full of peacock feathers.

1996 UK: Mrs. Peacock is portrayed looking almost as young as Miss Scarlett. She is known for being outrageous with her flamboyant life-style.

2000 UK/Super Cluedo/Passport to Murder: Mrs. Peacock once again is a younger woman, though more of a fading rose with age catching up. Super Cluedo sets her occupation to be an ornithologist, much like the Master Detective Peacock.

2002 US: A more cubist rendition than before; Patricia Peacock is the usual classy social butterfly, and now also the mother of Miss Scarlet. She had previously suffered three disastrous marriages resulting in the husband’s death.

Discover the Secrets: Mrs. Peacock has been completely reinvented as Eleanor Peacock, a manners-freak with a nose for politics.

In Film, Television, Books and Computer Games

Clue the Movie: Peacock was played by Eileen Brennan. She is portrayed as the talkative wife of a corrupt senator. Mrs. Peacock had assisted her husband's political game by accepting secret bribes. She receives the Dagger as a gift from Mr. Boddy. She is also afraid of silence.

Clue the VCR Game: Peacock was played by Betty Lee Bogue. Taking the role of a black widow, Mrs. Peacock had thirteen husbands all of whom had met deaths under mysterious circumstances. She is also a kleptomaniac, taking pleasure from pick pocketing the belongings of others. Nicknamed Ma Bluebird, she is Mr. Boddy's bridge partner.

Cluedo TV-series: Mrs. Elizabeth Peacock takes head role of the series as the proprietor and hostess of Arlington Grange. Each episode revolves around her and the social gatherings of herself and her closest friends, plus one other visitor who usually doesn't last for long. 1990 – Stephanie Beacham, Christmas Special – Kate O'Mara, 1991 – Rula Lenska, 1992 – Susan George, 1993 – Joanna Lumley.

SNES Game: Mrs. Peacock is the usual social priss. Her thematic music is light and airy.

Book series: In the books, Mrs. Peacock is notable for her overbearing attention to the social etiquette of her fellow guests. Often calls the others out on their rudeness, much to their annoyance.

Clue: Murder at Boddy Mansion/Fatal Illusion: Mrs. Peacock is portrayed as a husky adulteress who had been involved in messy political love triangles while living in London. She is on constant move to avoid scandal.

Professor Plum

Professor Plum is the stock character of an absent-minded professor. Often depicted as either a young or middle aged fellow with a bow tie and glasses, he is widely seen as the intellectual. He rolls last in the game.

Professor Plum

In the board game

1949 UK: Professor Plum was first depicted as an aged pontificating scientist with similar features to Albert Einstein. Head mounted on a purple pawn.

1949 US: Identical to UK, but now given a body.

1963 US: Cartoon caricature of a rotund, snooty-looking professor sporting a purple tail coat, spectacles and a large mustache.

1972 US: Portrayed in photograph as a young, smarmy looking University professor, who gives off a sort of a leer. For the first time, he is wearing his classic bow tie and glasses. He also is smoking a pipe; a trait that would also be associated with Plum over time.

1986 US: Professor Plum has now become a middle-aged man, while still retaining the pipe and glasses, has now also lost hair, but gained a mustache.

UK Super Challenge: Artistically updated version of the original Professor Plum; now given a body and glasses.

Master Detective: Professor Edgar Plum has taken the profession of a shady archeologist with a dubious past. He claims he is on the verge of a earth-shaking discovery that he can feel in his bones. His depiction is similar to the 1986 Plum though his facial expression appears influenced by the contents of his pipe.

1992 US: Almost identical to the 1986 Plum in almost every way though appears to have been given an alarmed expression. On the box, he stands clutching a book, while hovering over a table that has a Knife jabbed into it.

1996 US: Professor Plum has returned to a more youthful age that is more akin to the 1972 Plum. Gone is his smoking pipe and moustache, but he still keeps the bow-tie and glasses. His expression is dumbfounded and his hair is short, black and disorganized.

1996 UK: Once again Plum has become an archeologist who is seeking the proper funding for his next expedition to Egypt. He is wearing a purple tuxedo and is no less crazy looking than the rest of the characters from the same edition.

2000 UK/Super Cluedo/Passport to Murder: Almost identical the 1996 US Plum, he appears to be a little more refined with his hair more neatly combed. However, he still keeps the head-in-the-clouds expression.

2002 US: A more cubist rendition than before; Peter Plum was a curator at a reputed museum before having his position terminated on the grounds of plagiarism. His appearance now gives him red hair that is completely disheveled with a flyaway look.

Discover the Secrets: Professor Plum has been completely reinvented as Victor Plum, a self-made video game designer.

In Film, Television, Books and Computer Games

Clue the Movie: Plum was played by Christopher Lloyd. Plum’s personality is that a psychiatrist whose intelligence is blundered with his buffoonery. He used to work in the health branch of the UN before having his license revoked due to improper conduct with a patient. Lloyd’s Plum is rather lewd and comes off as a womanizer, making sexual passes on Miss Scarlet, Mrs. Peacock, Yvette and Mrs. White. He received the Revolver from Mr. Boddy.

Clue the VCR Game: Plum was played by Jack Neary. Once again, he takes on the appearance of a balding middle-aged college professor whose intelligence is tempered with homicidal tendencies as he killed his wife out of desperation to complete an experiment. He is an expert on many poisons and was Mr. Boddy's son-in-law.

Cluedo TV-series: Professor Peter Plum is shown as yet another family friend of Mrs. Peacock, with an intellectual background. His portrayals have ranged from a young American businessman to a middle-aged mad inventor. 1990 – Kristoffer Tabori, Christmas Special – Ian Lavender, 1991 – David McCallum, 1992 – Tom Baker, 1993 – John Bird.

SNES Game: Professor Plum is the usual absent-minded klutz. He is given a disoriented music theme.

Book series: In the books, Professor Plum is shown to have an abnormally high degree of forgetfulness that has often gotten the gang into sticky situations. For example in one scenario, he accidentally brought a live bomb as a birthday gift, and then forgets where he put it.

Clue: Murder at Boddy Mansion/Fatal Illusion: Professor Plum is once again a respectable archeologist who had made controversial claims over unexplained theories revolving Egyptian history, for which is a subject he is ever so much the expert on.

Dr. Black/Mr. Boddy

Dr. David Black (UK)/Mr. John Boddy (US) is the owner of Tudor Close (later Tudor Manor and Tudor Hall), who takes the stock character of a generic victim. In Cluedo, he is the unseen host who is murdered or injured, which inspires the premise to discover who murdered him, with what implement, and where the crime scene took place in his mansion. Dr. Black was listed in the original patent filing as one of the 10 characters created for the game, in which one character was randomly drawn from the suspect cards to serve as the new victim prior to the start of each game. Therefore, the victim was never intended to be the same character each game, nor were the player assignments. However, prior to the publication of the first edition, Dr. Black was relegated to the role of permanent victim in the UK, and Mr. Boddy in North America.

Dr. Black

In the board game

Standard Cluedo/Clue: In all regular versions of Cluedo and Clue, Dr. Black/Mr. Boddy is stated to have been the victim of foul play. In Cluedo, his body is found at the bottom of the cellar stairs by Miss Scarlett.^{[citation needed]} Aside from being murdered, his role in the standard games ends here. Dr. Black makes his first appearance in a board game on the box cover of the 1996 Cluedo edition, as a photograph in a newspaper. He appears as an older, somber man with unkempt hair.

Master Detective: Though once again unseen, Boddy's character is slightly more fleshed out through the descriptions on the playing cards. From most of the info gathered, Mr. Boddy collects memoirs of famous spies as well as art, had an ex-secretary by the name of Madame Rose and supposedly has painted an exotic beauty several times in his Studio.

2002 US: Wealthy anthropologist, Mr. John Boddy, died just short of his 30th birthday. He had often been nicknamed Dr. Black in reference to his more well-known uncle, Sir Hugh Black.

Cluedo/Clue Mysteries: Dr. Black makes only his second appearance in this game, his first as Mr. Boddy. He is drawn as a young, cheerful man wearing a trench-coat and glancing at his pocket-watch. For the first time, he is a player as well as a victim of a crime, though no one is murdered in this game.

Discover the Secrets: Mr. Boddy/Dr. Black is completely replaced with an unnamed and unseen millionaire mogul.

Clue the Card Game Mystery at Sea: In this spinoff of the board games on a yacht, Mr. Boddy appears for the second time only, in an unfinished portrait as a distinguished older gentleman, wearing a Van dyke beard and a monocle. He is not, however, relegated to the role of the obligatory corpse, but may instead, with the luck of the draw, play as a suspect.

In Film, Television, Books and Computer Games

Clue the Movie: Mr. Boddy appears for the first time ever, played by Lee Ving. Mr. Boddy is the ultrapatriotic McCarthy supporter and blackmailing owner of Hill House. Contrary to the image of the suave playboy or dignified doctor offered in previous incarnations, this Boddy is a stereotypical wise guy with slicked back hair and designer stubble who dresses in solid black.

Convinced that the six main characters are "all thoroughly un-American," he has been blackmailing them for some time. The motive for his murder, therefore, was to stop the blackmail. However, his plan backfires, and he is shot with the revolver in the study. Or was he? Later, his body appears a second time with candlestick wounds. He is killed by different suspects in each of the endings, but always with the candlestick in the hall. In the film's third ending, it is revealed that the mansion's butler (Tim Curry) is the real Mr. Boddy, and that Mr. Boddy is actually the butler, the two men having assumed one another's identities in order to draw out would-be assassins. Shortly after this revelation, the real Mr. Boddy pulls a gun on his guests and holds them hostage, but is shortly thereafter shot and killed by Mr. Green, who reveals himself as an FBI agent sent to infiltrate and break-up Boddy's extortion ring.

Clue the VCR Game: Mr. Boddy is already dead before the events in the video occur. The gathering revolves around his death and the reading of the will he left behind. The first will stipulates that the last surviving guest in the house will win his fortune. After the guests nearly kill each other, the will is burnt. Turns out, Boddy had a second will that lists off individuals who are guaranteed a share of the case. When it seems like Sgt. Gray and Miss Peach would be left out, Monsieur Brunette, Boddy's lawyer had attached a false codicil that indicated that fortune should go to his last surviving relative. Miss Peach, who is in on the plan, fraudulently reveals herself to be daughter of Boddy, until Boddy's ex-flame Mrs. White gets suspicious. Finally, Boddy had stashed away a third will that stated his fortune would go to the individual who could uncover the most secrets. In the end, the guests are driven mad to the point of attempting to kill each other. Needless to say, the wills were as insane as Boddy himself; a trait shared with his sister Madame Rose, and his son Sgt. Grey.

Book series: In the book series, Mr. Reginald Boddy is a well-meaning but incredibly naive billionaire playboy. The suspects are all his "friends," a small group of close-knit yet antagonistic opportunists who remain close to Boddy in hopes of exploiting his friendship for financial and material gain. Boddy is aware of his "friends'" greed, but in his naivete writes it off as simply being a part of their colorful personalities. At the end of every book, one of them attempts to murder him; in the next book, an outlandish excuse is offered, which Boddy readily accepts, no matter how far-fetched or unlikely.

Fatal Illusion: Mr. Alexander Boddy makes a rare visual appearance in the computer game, Fatal Illusion. He plays the role of the antagonist who disguises himself as the eccentric billionaire, Ian Masque. At the end of the game, he is pushed off a cliff by his ex-accomplice Mr. Green.

Clue: Master Detective

In 1985, Parker Bros. released the Clue VCR Mystery Game, introducing the first new official characters in the Cluedo world in 36 years. These characters would appear in a number of other spin-off games and licensed products as well, and become the first of many new characters which would be created for subsequent games and products.

Miss Peach

Miss Peach is the stock character of a Southern Belle. Her character is usually one who manipulates others using her sweet, innocent charm. However, this is far from the case. She is appropriately represented by an orange-coloured token.

Miss Peach

Clue the VCR Game: Peach was played by Mara Flash. Making her first appearance in the Clue world, Miss Melba Peach arrives purely by ‘accident’ when her car breaks down on the bridge connecting Boddy Mansion with the rest of the world. She really came to the mansion on purpose, on request of her father, M. Brunette in order to con the others out of their earnings in Boddy’s will.

Master Detective: Arriving at Boddy Manor, Miss Georgia Peach claims to be the long-lost step-niece of Mr. Boddy. However, these claims do not go unquestioned for which she claimed to have been taking a long vacation in the country on short notice. She is presented as a blonde-haired gal wearing a large pastel orange hat, and her favourite flower is the deadly nightshade.

UK Super Challenge: Miss Peach is introduced for the first time in Britain. Unlike her American counterpart, this Miss Peach is more like a quiet, reserved school matron.

Super Cluedo/Passport to Murder: Miss Peach makes another appearance in Britain’s Super Cluedo and Passport to Murder. Her appearance is similar to her depiction in Super Challenge with the short brown hair, yet she has regained a more bubbly personality. However, in Super Cluedo, her colour inexplicably changes to pink, as Mme Mystique (Rose) instead assumes orange.

Clue FX/Cluedo SFX: Miss Peach would later make another appearance in Clue FX. Her personality and looks are very similar to that of her Master Detective counterpart. She sports some daisies as a hair decoration, and carries a parasol.

Clue Mysteries: The final appearance of Miss Amelia Peach so far has been in Clue Mysteries. Here, she is portrayed as a bitter law school dropout who had her share of bad luck in life. She is seen wearing a pair of horn-rimmed glasses and is erroneously dressed in pink.

Monsieur Brunette

M. Brunette is the stock portrayal of a foreign con artist. In most of his incarnations, he is a deceitful Frenchman out to con others for his own personal gain. Brunette's name is derived from one of the oldest originally created and filed in the patent as that of Mr. Brown, but not previously used in a published game and appropriately represented by a brown-coloured token.

Monsieur Brunette

Clue the VCR Game: Brunette was played by Michael Dell'Orto. Making his first appearance in the Clue world, M. Brunette arrives announcing himself as Mr. Boddy’s lawyer. He takes it upon himself to brief the others of Boddy’s wishes during the will reading. However, he is secretly a conman who hopes to cheat the others out of their earnings along with his foster daughter, Miss Peach. Not surprisingly, he also isn’t really French. He always wears an eye patch that he allegedly needs.

Master Detective: Appearing once again, this time M. Alphonse Brunette portrays a fraudulent art and arms dealer. His works for which he had sold have come under fire due to questionable authenticity. His inept abilities at being genuine are clearly illustrated by his failure to notice the difference between Monet and Manet.

Super Cluedo/Passport to Murder: Once again, Brunette makes his first appearance in Britain. Although the character is the same as his Master Detective counterpart, his name had been changed and he was now called Mr. Brown in Passport to Murder and even stranger, called Mr. De’Ath in Super Cluedo. Nonetheless, the character is no longer visually a French stereotype.

Madame Rose

Madame Rose represents the stock character of a fortune teller. The question is whether she predicted the murder, or caused it? She is represented by a pink-coloured token.

Madame Rose

Clue the VCR Game: Rose was played by Mara Clark. For her first appearance in the world of Clue, Rose is presented as Mr. Boddy’s psychic sister. She is the one who invites his old friends back to the mansion so that she could hold a séance and connect with the spirit of her deceased brother. Like her brother Mr. Boddy and nephew Sgt. Grey, Madame Rose shares the main Boddy family trait…insanity.

Master Detective: Recurring in Master Detective as Madame Rhoda Rose, this time she is Mr. Boddy’s ex-secretary from East Grinstead, though of Hungarian heritage. Her name was originally Rhoda Rosengarten before moving back to Hungary to set up her paranormal business. She took the first Budapest tramp steamer to see her old employer after a vision of a dark cloud over him. She is portrayed as an overweight and heavily jeweled middle-aged woman looking startled while holding up a candlestick .

Super Cluedo: Madame Rose returns once more in Britain’s Super Cluedo, however her name had been inexplicably changed to Mme Mystique and her colour went from pink to orange. Other than that, she is the same character as Rose, though she is portrayed slightly younger and thinner than before.

Sergeant Gray

Sgt. Gray takes the stock role of a corrupt cop. His abidance to the law which he enforces is questionable. The name "Grey" was originally used as one of ten characters created and filed with the original patent for the game. "Miss Grey", along with "Mrs. Silver", represent one of the oldest color-names associated with the game which went previously unused in a published edition. It would also prove to be one of the most enduring names in subsequent editions representing completely different characters. He is appropriately represented by a grey-coloured token.

Sergeant Gray

Clue the VCR Game: Gray was played by Richard McElvain. For his first appearance in the world of Clue, Gray arrives at Boddy Mansion purely on the basis that the bridge connecting the mansion with the rest of world had been washed out in the storm’s flood, and that it is his job to warn the locals. However, in reality he is a crazed mental patient who escaped from the asylum and assumed the identity of a police officer due to his amnesia. He is the result of love affair between Mr. Boddy and Mrs. White, and like his mother, he too is colour blind.

Master Detective: Sgt. Gray returned again, only to become a serious, no-nonsense cop in the village who claims to have stumbled onto the crime scene while collecting funds for the Police Blackmail Awareness Program. He is corrupt at his job and unimaginative in his methodology.

Super Cluedo/Passport to Murder: Sgt. Gray presumably returns to the Clue world once more in Britain when he appeared in Super Cluedo. However, his appearance had been changed to a much older man, and his rank had been upgraded to have him called Inspector Grey. A more matured title suited his older look better. He appeared again in Passport to Murder, though he inexplicably became Earl Grey. Otherwise, his appearance was the same as the Inspector persona. Possibly, he is undercover.

Cluedo Super Challenge and Super Sleuth

In 1986, Super Cluedo Challenge was released in the UK, followed by Super Sleuth, marking the second wave of new official characters to appear for the board games.

Captain Brown

Super Cluedo Challenge: A sea captain, Captain Robert Brown hasn't appeared in anything else but is visualized as a lower class, drunk, seaman who came to the mansion under mysterious circumstances and is represented by a brown token.

Mr. Slate-Grey

Super Cluedo Challenge: A lawyer or financial advisor, Mr. Graham Slate-Grey is visualized as a middle class lawyer (financial advisor) who doesn't really fit in at the mansion, other than to talk with the host. He is represented by a grey-coloured token.

Inspector Grey

Super Sleuth: The inspector is a non-playable character that blocks spaces.

Hogarth

Super Sleuth: Hogarth is the butler and is a non-playable character that blocks spaces.

The Black Dog

Super Sleuth: A large breed of dog is a non-playable character that blocks spaces.

Clue FX/Cluedo SFX

Released in 2003, Clue FX is an electronic talking version with audio voices and clues. The victim in this version is no longer Mr. Boddy or Dr. Black but is Mr. Meadow-Brook. Along with it came some new characters.

Lady Lavender

Clue FX: A herbalist who possibly poisoned her husband, Lord Lawrence Lavender, Lady Lavender is an honorable lady who tends to be a slight bit of a trouble-maker at times. Her Asian heritage is reminiscent of the earlier Miss Scarlet's (Circa. 1972–1992). In Clue FX, she was an innocent investigator of the death of Mr. Meadow-Brook. Her herbal business makes her successful, wealthy, and entertained, and also quite spoiled, but it is also stated that she wants even more and concocts plants to spice up her life. She is appropriately represented by a lavender token. Interestingly, in the Clue Junior book series, there is a stock character named Mrs. Lavender.

Clue Mysteries: She is given the name Su Sian.

Mr. Meadow-Brook

Clue FX: The murder victim. Married to Jane Meadow-Brook, he served as Dr. Black's/Mr. Boddy's lawyer. He has never been depicted in any game.

Clue Mysteries: He is given the name Miles, but is alive and well, practicing law and is occasionally the victim of a theft.

Mrs. Meadow-Brook

Clue FX: Wife of the deceased Mr. Meadow-Brook whose murder investigation was headed by Miss Peach with the aid of Lady Lavender, Prince Azure, and Lord Grey. She is situated on a turquoise base, correlating with her Namesake (Meadow/Green, Brook(e)/Blue). She is the local gossip according to Clue canon, and she and Mr. Meadow-Brook were strongly implied to have severe marital problems.

Clue Mysteries: She is given the name Jane.

Prince Azure

Clue FX: An art and arms dealer, possible partner to M. Brunette, Azure has both an elusive royal lineage and a knack for cashing in on it. This indicated a master fraud and manipulator. He is known to have a rivalry with Colonel Mustard, and an intense dislike for Mr. Boddy, but he is not a suspect in anybody's deaths thus far. He is the first black character in official Clue canon. He is represented by an Azure blue token.

Clue Mysteries: He is given the name Philippe.

Rusty Nayler

Clue FX, Clue DVD Game: Crusty, Bitter and old Rusty is the gardener at Tudor Mansion. He makes his first appearance in Clue FX as a suspect in the murder of Mr. Meadow-Brook. He returned in the Clue DVD Game. Not much is known about this character, save minor details hidden throughout the games. It is strongly implied that Rusty, is soon to retire on a pension set aside for him.

Clue Mysteries: He is given the surname Nayler. He is typically referred to by his first name: "Rusty", as "Nayler" has no colour connection, but rust is a shade of orange with some tint of brown.

Lord Gray

Clue FX: Gray is a hard color for Clue to decide how to use, as Master Detective gave us "Sgt. Gray" and FX gave us "Lord Gray" (Lord Grey in UK editions), an investigator who looked more like a journalist.

Clue Mysteries: He is given the name Alfred.

Children's editions

Several variants of the game have been developed for children, most notably Clue and Cluedo Jr., which usually involve the disappearance of something or someone, rather than a murder. For the most part, these variants use the standard six surnames with different first names or titles, often changing the gender of the original character. However, there a few notable exceptions.

Cluedo Jr.

Typical of the first name changes, the UK edition introduced the first animal player/suspect: Samantha Scarlett, Mustard the Dog, Wendy White, George Green, Polly Peacock, Peter Plum.

Cluedo Junior Detective

This edition introduced Inspector Cluedo, and his trusty bloodhound Watson, who invites his 8 nephews and nieces, including the six younger versions of the standard six characters, and for the first time, a young Miss Beth Peach, and the young Dr. Tom Black – who is an investigator for the first time and not a victim.

Film and DVD

1985 marked a milestone year for Cluedo as it not only began expanding its character roster, but also became the premise for a major motion picture, itself adding numerous characters to the game's canon, as well as the start of Clue's multi-media development.^[5][6]

The Butler

The butler is rarely used in Clue, but when he is, he is usually a character that is most connected with the watching audience. Though sometimes unnamed, the character has made appearances under the names Wadsworth, Didit, Ashe and Hogarth.

Clue the Movie: The butler was the lead character in the 1985 film Clue: The Movie, and was played by Tim Curry. He appeared as an Englishman named Wadsworth, who was always ever so neat and tidy with his buttling. He mentions to have been Mr. Boddy's former butler and that he had resigned after Mr. Boddy's blackmail had caused his wife to commit suicide (she had had socialist friends, which would've had dire consequences under the context of McCarthyism). There might be more to him however than there seems: in two of the endings he is an FBI agent, and in one of the endings, the character turns out to be the actual Mr. Boddy (and is eventually shot by Mr. Green in the hall with the revolver). Because he organized the whole gathering, he appoints himself as the de facto leader of the group.

Clue the VCR Game: Also in 1985 the butler appeared in the VCR games. This time named Didit, he provided interaction with the audience to describe the rules and gameplay.

Computer Games: The butler has also made unnamed appearances in the computer games. In recent editions the butler has made prominent appearances as Mr. Ashe. The butler also appears for a humorous moment or two in the movie clip sequences.

Cluedo Super Sleuth: The butler was called Hogarth and was not a suspect. Instead he was there to either help or thwart players. He is called Ashe in the Australian version.

The Inspector

The Inspector typically works for Scotland Yard, and is mentioned in a couple of Clue games. Though often unnamed, this character has made appearances under the names: Pry, Brown and Gray.

Clue the Movie: The 1985 film has two policeman characters arrive at the mansion. The first is The Cop, a middle-aged, off-duty police officer. The Cop arrives at Hill House ostensibly looking for the owner of the Motorist's abandoned car. Like the Motorist (see below), he is murdered (with the lead pipe in the library by Miss Scarlett in endings A and C) while using the telephone. He is later revealed to be a dishonest police officer in the Washington area. He has been taking bribes from Miss Scarlett to keep quiet about her brothel, and at the same time informing on her to Mr. Boddy. He is played by Bill Henderson.

The second police character, usually known as The Chief, initially seems to be a gag character, an evangelist who comes to the door talking about "the Kingdom of Heaven." However, in all three endings he acts as the film's deus ex machina, turning out to be an undercover police chief who arrests the murderer or murderers. He is played by Howard Hesseman in an uncredited role. The Chief is accompanied by three unnamed cops in credited non-speaking roles, played by Will Nye, Rick Goldman, and Don Camp.

Clue the VCR Game II: The priggish Inspector Pry is the narrator for the game.

Cluedo SFX, Clue Mysteries, Clue DVD Game: The narrator is Inspector Brown.

Cluedo Super Sleuth: The character is now Inspector Gray who either helps or thwarts the players.

Yvette

Clue the Movie: A young and rather revealingly-dressed French maid, she appears in the 1985 movie. She speaks English only passably and with an accent. Although she is murdered in the billiard room by either Miss Scarlett, Mrs. Peacock, or Mrs. White with the rope late into the movie, she is still considered a prime suspect (in one ending, she is even revealed by Wadsworth to be the one responsible for the murders of Mr. Boddy and Mrs. Ho), and her French accent is ultimately shown to be a ruse. Her character also acts as connecting character for many instances. She worked in Miss Scarlet's brothel and slept with a customer who happened to be Colonel Mustard. Not only that, she also had an affair with Mrs. White's husband. She was played by Colleen Camp.

Mrs. Ho

Clue the Movie: The chef at Hill House was cast as Mrs. Ho, or more commonly, The Cook. Here, she is shown as a robust Asian woman with a penchant for cooking exotic gourmet meals (she prepares shark's fin soup, and a Cantonese monkey brain dish in the movie). She appears in two brief but memorable scenes: her infamous "knife pointing" scene and her bashing the gong (which frightens Mr. Green). Her unwieldy corpse gets much more screen time, as she is stabbed with the dagger in the kitchen early in the film. Later, she is revealed to have been Mrs. Peacock's cook at one point. She was played by Kellye Nakahara.

The Motorist

Clue the Movie: The first "outsider" to arrive at Hill House, the Motorist seems to be an unfortunate middle-aged man who seeks shelter from the rain as his 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air has broken down. However, he is murdered (with the wrench in the lounge) while making a telephone call. He is revealed later as one of Mr. Boddy's informants who had the goods on Colonel Mustard since he was Mustard's chauffeur during the War. He is played by Jeffrey Kramer.

The Singing Telegram Girl

Clue the Movie: She is something of a gag character. While the Motorist and the Cop are killed not long after their arrival at the mansion, she is shot in the chest with the revolver on the porch (second to last bullet) almost immediately, before she can even complete her singing telegram. She is later revealed to be a former patient and lover of Professor Plum. She was portrayed by Jane Wiedlin of The Go-Go's.

Television

In 1990, Cluedo spawned several television game-show dramas, which in addition to the standard six characters, created a number of additional characters, primarily victims.The most notable recurring character in the UK series was Mr. White. The Australian Series introduced a regular additional inspector named Det. Sgt. Stanley Bogong. This character was also incorporated into the series format by the French, German and Swedish versions as well.

UK Series 1

1.1 Count Henri de Beauchamp – A sleazy French con-man who attempts to woo and wed Mrs. Peacock for her wealth.

1.2 Mr. Hall – A property developer wishes to drain the local pond to build a discothèque.

1.3 Mrs. Janet Hope – The wife and fellow partner-in-crime with Mr. Jeremy Hope. Both are bridge hustlers.

1.4 Peregrine Talbot-Wheeler – A smarmy antiques collector and host of a popular television show, "The Antique Treasure Trail," visits to revalue Mrs. Peacock's valuables.

1.5 Mr. David Chapman – Prof. Plum's boss and an ambitious politician up against the bid for MP alongside with Col. Mustard.

1.6 P.C. Jones – The local constable who keeps his eyes on the fete dressed as a dragon.

UK Christmas Special

C.1 Ken the Chauffeur – The son of a Judge who owned Arlington Grange comes for Christmas disguised as a chauffeur while he has his associate pretend to be him instead.

UK Series 2

2.1 Simon Charles – An investment broker who manages to dupe everybody else into investing in a faulty deal that later collapsed.

2.2 George Biddle – An insurance assessor visits to re-insure the valuables in the Grange.

2.3 Marieanne Kray – Famed actress visits to shoot a new movie on location at the Grange.

2.4 Ben the Window Cleaner – A private detective disguises as a window cleaner to keep his eye on the valuables in the Grange.

2.5 Dave the Hippie – Miss Scarlett's latest boyfriend camps with his commune next to Rev. Green's church; disaster ensures.

2.6 Jack Peacock – Mrs. Peacock's second husband returns from the grave and wishes to reclaim his property.

UK Series 3

3.1 Gordon Ferrar – An activist shows up beaten on the Grange doorsteps after a catastrophic day at a fox hunt.

3.2 Miss Terry – Due to Mrs. White's paranoia over ghosts, Prof. Plum hires a psychic to calm her soul.

3.3 Max Gold – A multi-millionaire buys Arlington Grange with the intentions to turn it into a theme park.

3.4 Sister Concepta – Mrs. Peacock's long lost stepsister arrives claiming to be the real heir of Arlington Grange and hopes to turn it into a God-fearing convent.

3.5 David Stringer – A journalist shows up to write an article on country living, but becomes a little too interested in the house occupants.

3.6 Clive Moxton – Miss Scarlett's new fiancee is not all whom he appears to be.

UK Series 4

4.1 Jake Swithin – A crass fortune hunter who strikes it rich after discovering an incredible claim for lost treasure.

4.2 Sir Nigel Hussey – A government MP who plans to destroy the grounds surrounding Arlington Grange to put up a sex theme park.

4.3 Candice Costello – A celebrity journalist who visits the Grange, but her nosy research lands her on cold ice.

4.4 Marjory Hunt – Close friend of Mrs. White, who also happens to have psychic intuition. Her predictions cause worry amongst the guests.

4.5 Terrence Radcliffe – Mrs. White's new financial advisor who is a little too eager for business.

4.6 Roger Morgan – A smut writer comes to the Grange seeking some racy details for his biography on Princess Katherine. However, it is him who gets shelved instead.

Books

Clue Jr., a "Let's Read and Play" book, written by Sara Miller and illustrated by Jim Talbot, introduced five new suspects in 2004: The Butler, The Cook, The Gardener, The Maid, and The Repairman.

Other media

Mobil £5 Million Cluedo Mystery

In the first half of 1985, Mobil Oil partnered with Cluedo to introduce three new characters as part of its contest game: Sir Peach (orange), Lady Oakwood (brown), and Dr. Prussian (Prussian blue). These characters were added along with three additional murder weapons in order to balance out the game's need for equal playing elements. Of the three, only the name Peach would be re-used for other official characters.

Clue Chronicles: Fatal Illusion

The short lived interactive video game series from Hasbro introduced five new characters alongside the usual six: Ian Masque, Marina Popov, Martin Urfe, Sabata, and Dr. Julia Kell.

See also

• Clue, computer game

References

1. ^ The Independent, Mr Pratt, in the old people's home, with an empty pocket, 11/12/1998 retrieved 10/11/2009
2. ^ European Patent Office, GB586817 (A), 1947-04-01, retrieved 10-10-09
3. ^ Jack Mustard, in the spa, with a baseball bat by Kate Summerscale, The Guardian, Saturday 20 December 2008, retrieved 10/20/2009
4. ^ The Waddingtons Story: From the Early Days to Monopoly, the Maxwell Bids and into the Next Millennium, p.81, by Victor Watson, Jeremy Mills Publishing, November 11, 2008.
5. ^ Jonathan Lynn (Director) (1985). Clue (Film). USA: Paramount. 
6. ^ Landis, John; Jonathan Lynn (1985). "Clue (script)". AwesomeFilm.com. http://www.awesomefilm.com/script/clue.html. Retrieved 2006-07-25. 

External links

• Clue official web site
  • Suspect bios (official site) Discover The Secrets edition
  • 50th Anniversary web site official 1999–2000 product line (from Archive.org)
• International Cluedo / Clue from Cluedofan.com Comprehensive list of foreign edition character name variations
• IMDB Clue film 1985 Movie production credits
• IMDB UK Cluedo 1990–93 Series production credits
• IMDB Australian Cluedo 1992 Series production credits
• Clue the Musical cast list (from Archive.org)
• TheArtofMurder.com Extensive Clue Collection and Fan Discussion Forums