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"What Do You Mean, Murder?" Clue and the Making of a Cult Classic
When the film Clue came out in 1985, audiences were baffled. A movie based on a board game, with three different endings, and you had to pick which one to go see? Bad reviews compounded the problem, and instead of choosing one ending, most people stayed away entirely. Clue, outgrossed at the box office by films that had been released months earlier, quickly faded away. When it unceremoniously premiered on Showtime a year after its theatrical debut, there was no sign it was destined for anything other than obscurity, another flop bound to be forgotten. Instead, Gen Xers and millennials, raised on pop culture and cable TV in an era long before the streaming wars, discovered this zany farce about a group of six strangers locked in a remote house with a killer. The movie appealed to kids. The creepy mansion and eerie music contrasted with slapstick gags and double entendres, deflating the tension. Today, almost forty years later, Clue is the epitome of a cult classic, with midnight screenings, script readings for charity, cosplaying fans, and a stage play. "What Do You Mean, Murder?" dives deep into the making of Clue and walks fans through the movie they know and love. From producer Debra Hill's original idea of Detective Parker bumbling around a mansion to Carrie Fisher's casting as Miss Scarlet, from Madeline Kahn's iconic "flames" ad-lib to the legendary deleted fourth ending, it's all here. With asides on fandom, Gen X nostalgia, and at how movies were made in the 1980s, the book offers plenty to chew on for die-hard buffs and casual fans alike.
256 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 7, 2023
18 people are currently reading
371 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
January 1, 2025
holy shit, this guy is talking about FONT CHOICES in the opening title credits. this deep dive making me swoon like
October 9, 2025
What a delightful book about a supremely entertaining movie. It's a crime this book has so few ratings and reviews, small press or not. I'm going to watch CLUE tonight. FIVE STARS.
January 6, 2024
I highly recommend this to any Clue fan! It was incredibly interesting and engaging. It pointed out countless little details I had never noticed despite all my viewings of the movie.
November 12, 2023
I remember renting Clue on video when I was around 12 years old. I loved the board game, I loved murder mysteries and I loved spoofs (Spaceballs also another favorite from that time). I always come back to this movie from time to time and still laugh at it. It’s not the greatest work of cinema but it’s funny and easy to watch. I wasn’t sure about reading this book but I felt nostalgic enough about the film that I thought I’d give it a go. It was really interesting to read about the process of making the film and get an insight into how it came about and why it wasn’t the typical hit. I’m glad it found its cult following. The book is really good, probably one for fans.
December 26, 2023
I loved this book! Parts of it were slower, but my overall takeaway was happiness learning about how the movie came to be and all of the behind the scenes details.
December 17, 2023
I could read 800 more pages about the making of this perfect film.
October 14, 2025
Did you know that this year is the 40th anniversary of the movie Clue? Because it is!
“What Do You Mean Murder?” Clue and the Making of a Cult Classic is the definition of a deep dive. The book is broken down into three sections, the first is about the pre-production process of getting the movie written, financed, and greenlit. I think this was my favorite section because the story of how Clue came to be is a bit unique, it is after all the first movie to be based on a board game. The second section is about the production of the movie, and it reads like a commentary track a bit since Hatch works through the movie sequentially talking about how various shots were made, what edits happened, and how exactly the script was interpreted – which was rather faithfully as the writer was also the director. The third section is the shortest, as Clue was a flop on arrival and some of its production choices probably fed into it not landing with audiences at the time. Hatch hits on the idea that Clue works best with multiple viewings and the home video version with all three (available) endings.
Hatch spent the time to find so many primary resources and a slew of secondary ones as well (the bibliography of this is chef’s kiss). Hatch uses archival documents from John Landis, Tom Stoppard, and Jonathan Lynn – including multiple versions of the script – to illuminate the story of the movie. He also had lots of things from the production company, including the document they sent out to reporters which laid out the details of how the sets were decorated which brings in so much additional detail. Hatch also talks about the font choice and music cues used in the movie and all that adds. So good!
If you love Clue than this is a book you should read. Even if you just like movies from the 1980s. If I enjoyed it so much why then is it only four stars for me? Because I felt that the beginning was very repetitive and I did eventually get reading fatigue in the second section. But I still kept coming back to it and was glad to read it and am passing it off to a friend who also loves the movie.
“What Do You Mean Murder?” Clue and the Making of a Cult Classic is the definition of a deep dive. The book is broken down into three sections, the first is about the pre-production process of getting the movie written, financed, and greenlit. I think this was my favorite section because the story of how Clue came to be is a bit unique, it is after all the first movie to be based on a board game. The second section is about the production of the movie, and it reads like a commentary track a bit since Hatch works through the movie sequentially talking about how various shots were made, what edits happened, and how exactly the script was interpreted – which was rather faithfully as the writer was also the director. The third section is the shortest, as Clue was a flop on arrival and some of its production choices probably fed into it not landing with audiences at the time. Hatch hits on the idea that Clue works best with multiple viewings and the home video version with all three (available) endings.
Hatch spent the time to find so many primary resources and a slew of secondary ones as well (the bibliography of this is chef’s kiss). Hatch uses archival documents from John Landis, Tom Stoppard, and Jonathan Lynn – including multiple versions of the script – to illuminate the story of the movie. He also had lots of things from the production company, including the document they sent out to reporters which laid out the details of how the sets were decorated which brings in so much additional detail. Hatch also talks about the font choice and music cues used in the movie and all that adds. So good!
If you love Clue than this is a book you should read. Even if you just like movies from the 1980s. If I enjoyed it so much why then is it only four stars for me? Because I felt that the beginning was very repetitive and I did eventually get reading fatigue in the second section. But I still kept coming back to it and was glad to read it and am passing it off to a friend who also loves the movie.
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October 15, 2025THIS IS SO AMAZING!! truly, from going thru details on title sequence fonts / type design, to not a detail ignored (from stunts, extra scenes, additional jokes, & more)! &, how the hell could they cut the scenes of Tim Curry on roller skates‽
seeing Clue at least once is required, but you might want to play it multiple times during reading/listening to this. my first time watching it was sometime in the 90s when I was a kiddo, but repeat watching (didn’t know I was adhd/audhd at the time) when I was struck with a horrible physical illness one semester in grad school for two weeks, & imbd was still new (plus years before the pandemic & deep dives), & couldn’t stop (still can’t) quoting it & suggesting it to others… 🎶 I am your singing telegram! 🎶 (by the guitarist of The GoGos!)
[apparently—bc imbd-ed it only briefly of course—there is a remake in the works, but don’t see how Jason Bateman could possibly improve on this classic… (nothing against Bateman) but Clue (1985) is a film that the national treasure that is Tim Curry has even said is a favorite of his films! & that’s saying a lot!]
seeing Clue at least once is required, but you might want to play it multiple times during reading/listening to this. my first time watching it was sometime in the 90s when I was a kiddo, but repeat watching (didn’t know I was adhd/audhd at the time) when I was struck with a horrible physical illness one semester in grad school for two weeks, & imbd was still new (plus years before the pandemic & deep dives), & couldn’t stop (still can’t) quoting it & suggesting it to others… 🎶 I am your singing telegram! 🎶 (by the guitarist of The GoGos!)
[apparently—bc imbd-ed it only briefly of course—there is a remake in the works, but don’t see how Jason Bateman could possibly improve on this classic… (nothing against Bateman) but Clue (1985) is a film that the national treasure that is Tim Curry has even said is a favorite of his films! & that’s saying a lot!]
November 11, 2025
3.75⭐
Murderously informative
I absolutely love the movie "Clue," and the author clearly shares that sentiment. While reading this account of events, you can see that John Hatch truly adores this movie as much (if not more) than the average fan. Each part of this book puts in great detail the time, attention, and processes that went into making this well-beloved film.
While I enjoy the inner workings of how a film is made, there are some extraneous details that felt borderline unnecessary. For instance, what started as interesting factoids about how many takes it took to get a shot, slowly became redundant and tiresome. Similarly, though the distribution and rights negotiations are key to any film's release, I don't know if it was warranting so many pages. I'm sure the author was doing his due diligence and giving as much information as he could humanly put down; but there is something to be said about glossing over the minutiae.
Overall, I'd say this is a great book for a fan of the film and are curious as to how a cult classic came to be.
Murderously informative
I absolutely love the movie "Clue," and the author clearly shares that sentiment. While reading this account of events, you can see that John Hatch truly adores this movie as much (if not more) than the average fan. Each part of this book puts in great detail the time, attention, and processes that went into making this well-beloved film.
While I enjoy the inner workings of how a film is made, there are some extraneous details that felt borderline unnecessary. For instance, what started as interesting factoids about how many takes it took to get a shot, slowly became redundant and tiresome. Similarly, though the distribution and rights negotiations are key to any film's release, I don't know if it was warranting so many pages. I'm sure the author was doing his due diligence and giving as much information as he could humanly put down; but there is something to be said about glossing over the minutiae.
Overall, I'd say this is a great book for a fan of the film and are curious as to how a cult classic came to be.
July 24, 2024
This was an interesting insight into how the Clue film came to be made after years of stumbles. While it delivered on its promise of a chronological recount of its journey from script to screen, it lacked something I can’t put my finger on. But if you enjoy the film (or even the game), I highly recommend
August 18, 2024
DNF - need to return to the library. I struggled getting through the first chapter, which is disappointing because I was looking forward to reading this book. I wonder if there should have been some tighter editing in spots. Will try again later.
January 15, 2024
My mother rented this movie from the A&P grocery store in PA. We all sat around eating popcorn watching it instead of the Duke of Hazard and we all laughed and loved it. It’s still great to this day and our family watches it yearly for the start of the Halloween season. It’s one of our favorites.
Every person that has seen this movie, seems to have a story around it.
This book is very insightful into not just how a movie is made but also how a cult classic becomes a cult classic. If you love Clue then this book is for you.
P.S. there are no red herrings.
Every person that has seen this movie, seems to have a story around it.
This book is very insightful into not just how a movie is made but also how a cult classic becomes a cult classic. If you love Clue then this book is for you.
P.S. there are no red herrings.
February 8, 2024
A wonderful look back and deep dive into a kooky and beloved cult classic comedy/mystery film that still holds up today.
Engagingly written and meticulously researched, including what actors or jokes or other elements didn't make it into the final cut of the film (like the little-known fourth ending!).
Hatch explores how this twisty whodunnit (with three madcap endings) succeeded in winning over audiences on TV and video (after some marketing gaffs made it unpopular in theaters--similar to issues encountered by another comedy cult classic with indelible performances, The Princess Bride).
He gives due credit to its writer-director who sharpened his comedic chops on British satire and brought that sensibility to this script, the actors' stellar performances and on-screen chemistry, witty banter and comedic timing, note-perfect soundtrack, and set design and visuals.
If you'd like to learn how the film Clue got made and what fun it was like behind the scenes and what vital defining choices the actors brought to their roles, or if you want to give a rec or a gift to a die-hard Clue fan , definitely pick this up.
And also...as the writer himself suggests, everyone who can should pair an enjoyment of this book with a viewing of the 2022 indie film Who Done It: The Clue: Documentary. I watched it free on Hoopla thanks to my local library.
From the start the author's nostalgia resonated with me, as did his musings on why, once it came on TV, whole families including younger kids like my nine-year-old self thought it was hilarious without always fully understanding the very tawdry themes and crimes.
Yet he doesn't shy away from commenting on aspects of the film that haven't aged as well, either (inherent racism of the 'monkey's brains' recipe plot point, anyone?). I appreciated that too.
Engagingly written and meticulously researched, including what actors or jokes or other elements didn't make it into the final cut of the film (like the little-known fourth ending!).
Hatch explores how this twisty whodunnit (with three madcap endings) succeeded in winning over audiences on TV and video (after some marketing gaffs made it unpopular in theaters--similar to issues encountered by another comedy cult classic with indelible performances, The Princess Bride).
He gives due credit to its writer-director who sharpened his comedic chops on British satire and brought that sensibility to this script, the actors' stellar performances and on-screen chemistry, witty banter and comedic timing, note-perfect soundtrack, and set design and visuals.
If you'd like to learn how the film Clue got made and what fun it was like behind the scenes and what vital defining choices the actors brought to their roles, or if you want to give a rec or a gift to a die-hard Clue fan , definitely pick this up.
And also...as the writer himself suggests, everyone who can should pair an enjoyment of this book with a viewing of the 2022 indie film Who Done It: The Clue: Documentary. I watched it free on Hoopla thanks to my local library.
From the start the author's nostalgia resonated with me, as did his musings on why, once it came on TV, whole families including younger kids like my nine-year-old self thought it was hilarious without always fully understanding the very tawdry themes and crimes.
Yet he doesn't shy away from commenting on aspects of the film that haven't aged as well, either (inherent racism of the 'monkey's brains' recipe plot point, anyone?). I appreciated that too.
June 16, 2024
Like so many people, I have adored the movie Clue beyond all logic and reason since I first saw it at the age of 9. It's the movie I've shown to newcomers more than any other, and one of the few films I can recite by heart. John Hatch's book is a wealth of information from the first germ of an idea (indeed from the invention of the board game three-and-a-half decades earlier) to its modern reception. Every chapter has countless surprises even for the die-hard fan, and I'll delight in hours of putting together a fantasy cast based on the many names that were considered or desired for the lead roles.
Forty years ago, 14 actors assembled alongside a dry-witted writer/director, an insanely talented crew, two growling dogs, and (for a short time only) a handful of extras. They spent sixty days, almost entirely within one studio lot, on an immaculately-detailed set designed to look like an American Victorian mansion in the 1950s. When they were done, their little film received mixed reviews and barely made back its budget, which had been middle-of-the-road for the time. Yet the work they did over that period, along with a year of intense plotting and writing by Jonathan Lynn and a few years before that of agitating from producer and creator Debra Hill, would develop a cult following that few films can rival. While it was just a job for most of the cast and crew, and something for which they would retain only scattered memories as it receded into their career history, submerged among the countless other plays, films, and TV episodes, it remains a beacon for lovers of witty, slightly deranged comedy.
And this book makes it worthwhile all over again.
Forty years ago, 14 actors assembled alongside a dry-witted writer/director, an insanely talented crew, two growling dogs, and (for a short time only) a handful of extras. They spent sixty days, almost entirely within one studio lot, on an immaculately-detailed set designed to look like an American Victorian mansion in the 1950s. When they were done, their little film received mixed reviews and barely made back its budget, which had been middle-of-the-road for the time. Yet the work they did over that period, along with a year of intense plotting and writing by Jonathan Lynn and a few years before that of agitating from producer and creator Debra Hill, would develop a cult following that few films can rival. While it was just a job for most of the cast and crew, and something for which they would retain only scattered memories as it receded into their career history, submerged among the countless other plays, films, and TV episodes, it remains a beacon for lovers of witty, slightly deranged comedy.
And this book makes it worthwhile all over again.
June 14, 2024
I must have seen Clue for the first time between 1999-2003- they showed it to us at URJ Eisner Camp on our big unit sleepover night, I do remember that. What I don’t remember is if I saw Labyrinth or Clue first- it was two different summers. I immediately fell in love with both. Clue the film helped me get over my irrational fear of Clue the board game (of which I now own four editions), and inspired me to cajole my very patient friends in the marching band to dress up as the characters with me for the annual Halloween game we played at. It became my special talent to be able to quote the film, top to tail, complete with voice impressions of the actors, and it’s still one of my favorite movies to this day.
All of that to say, this book was a delightful treat. I first saw the documentary where this book was referenced and immediately picked up a copy. It’s well written in a very friendly manner, and takes the reader backstage and through the set along with the performers and writers. Similar to ‘As You Wish’ by Cary Elwes, this does do a detailed walkthrough of the plot, which is fine by me for both books, but I’ve heard that does make some people find it to be just a rehash of what they’ve already seen. I thought it was great though.
All in all, a great homage which brought back a lot of happy memories.
All of that to say, this book was a delightful treat. I first saw the documentary where this book was referenced and immediately picked up a copy. It’s well written in a very friendly manner, and takes the reader backstage and through the set along with the performers and writers. Similar to ‘As You Wish’ by Cary Elwes, this does do a detailed walkthrough of the plot, which is fine by me for both books, but I’ve heard that does make some people find it to be just a rehash of what they’ve already seen. I thought it was great though.
All in all, a great homage which brought back a lot of happy memories.
December 22, 2024
An on-line acquaintance of my sister-in-law's wrote this book...and coincidentally has the same name as my brother-in-law's brother. Weird. But that's how I came across it. My sister-in-law bought it for my brother. My siblings and I were Clue addicts growing up...sufficiently so that the guy at the video store refused to rent it to us anymore, saying, "Just BUY it!" We were small-town, and this was long before the days of the internet, so there was nowhere we knew to buy it. He ordered us a copy, and it has remained a big part of our movie-quoting canon in dialogue with each other. Oh, how I love this movie! It was fun to read a book about it. It was particularly nice that I saw only two typos in the entire book - neither of which were apostrophes in places where they should NOT be (1970s, '80s, 2000s). Bless you, Mr. Hatch! I learned some fun things and blew through some things that didn't pique my interest. All-in-all, a fun book. I bought it for my co-worker, who is enough of a Clue fan to quote it with me periodically. If you love Clue and you love to read, you'd like the book. If you love Clue and you love movie trivia, you'd super love the book. I made a few notes of follow-up clips/shows I was unaware of until I read the book.
August 31, 2025
A must read for any fan of the 1985 cult film. This book is truly a love letter to a film that proved critics and audiences wrong, in the long run. The level of details and behind the scenes goodies is truly admirable, in that Hatch really had to do some extensive research to “gather the evidence”, if you will. The result is a thorough history of this groundbreaking film, with what amounts to the literary equivalent of VH1’s pop-up video or a DVD commentary track. I’m sure my family got a little tired of my “did you knows…”.
Exploring the process of how the film went from theatrical flop to one of the first movies to gain traction via home video and licensing to premium TV channels resonated with me as it perfectly explained how I was first introduced to it and how it quickly became and has remained one of my all-time favorites. Highly recommend to any fans of the film and those who enjoy well-told stories of how movies are made.
Exploring the process of how the film went from theatrical flop to one of the first movies to gain traction via home video and licensing to premium TV channels resonated with me as it perfectly explained how I was first introduced to it and how it quickly became and has remained one of my all-time favorites. Highly recommend to any fans of the film and those who enjoy well-told stories of how movies are made.
July 6, 2025
I was given this book as a gift because of my love of Clue, and I'm glad it exists, but I didn't enjoy reading it. The painstaking details read more like a school report than an interesting account of how the movie was made. Maybe someone more interested in filmmaking would like it more, but it turns out I just don't care how many and which writers were approached before the producers could find someone to do justice to the concept, or what the set was used for afterwards, or where and when the exterior scenes were shot.
August 10, 2024
An incredibly detailed homage to my favourite film, featuring the germination of the concept, the casting, scene-by-scene coverage of the shooting and post-release updates. Did I need/want to know everything about take numbers, scene set-up and lighting? No. But I did I really enjoy this tribute to the movie overall? Yes!
I’ll definitely dip into sections of it again … and rewatch 'Clue' soon to spot somethings I’d previously missed.
I’ll definitely dip into sections of it again … and rewatch 'Clue' soon to spot somethings I’d previously missed.
September 27, 2025
I struggled to get through this book. It was repetitive at some points and it was just overall a run through of how the movie was shot. This scene took 7 takes, only 3 were useable and things of that nature. Perhaps if there would have been some type of scandal or such attached to filming the book would have been more interesting.
December 23, 2025
A very interesting look at the making of the movie, full of details and interesting tidbits! (My only beef is the amount of rehashing of the plot of the movie - if you’re reading this book I feel that you already know the plot.) It’s obvious that a lot of love and care went into this project and I’m glad that one of my favorite movies has such a devoted fan base.
February 10, 2024
The amount of detail in this book might get a little too much for the casual reader but as a die hard Clue fan, I fucking loved it.As if Carrie Fisher was originaly cast as Mrs. Scarlett, etc....he goes into the set details a lot too, it's really over whelming for a 270 page book .
February 7, 2024
I like the academic approach to the book. Ease of reading and ability to keep a tight timeline.
November 30, 2024
Relished this book one chapter at a time, what a joy. I love the movie and learning all the background info was so much fun. #releasethefourthending
December 24, 2024
Something terrible has happened.
May 11, 2025
3.5 - very in-depth history of Clue. impressive detail.
June 15, 2025
If you want a complete, moment-by-moment breakdown of Clue, this is it. I love the movie and it was fun to learn some new things about it. However, this was a little much for me.
July 28, 2025
A lot of filler, but worthwhile as I’m a big fan of that movie.
October 2, 2025
It was a bit too completist for my tastes. But the attention to detail was a big part of the charm. So I don’t even know what you’d cut.
November 29, 2025
If you love CLUE, you’ll love this. Lots of great info, presented in an easy to read, fast paced way.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews