Lesley Ann Warren and Colleen Camp Reflect on ‘Clue’ and Its Legacy
Forty years have passed since the classic board game inspired the film Clue, known for its humor and ensemble cast.
Featuring Tim Curry, Lesley Ann Warren, Colleen Camp, Madeline Kahn, Eileen Brennan, Christopher Lloyd, Michael McKean, and Martin Mull, the film initially struggled at the box office in 1985.
Over the years, however, it has achieved cult status due to its witty script and the dynamic performances of its cast.
To commemorate the film’s anniversary, TooFab’s Brian Particelli interviewed Warren and Camp, who played Miss Scarlett and Yvette. They shared memories from the set and discussed the challenges of being character actresses in Hollywood.
Watch the full interview above or continue reading for more insights.
Reflecting on 40 Years of ‘Clue’
Colleen Camp: It’s been amazing to revisit the atmosphere of working on Clue. The freedom and excitement we experienced with the ensemble cast and director were truly special.
Working with iconic actors like Lesley Ann Warren was a dream come true for me, and revisiting those memories has been emotional.
Lesley Ann Warren: One standout memory was when director Jonathan Lynn gathered us to watch His Girl Friday to understand the dialogue’s tempo and tone, which was invaluable for our performances.
This kind of collaborative preparation is rare but was a key part of our success on Clue, reminiscent of the supportive studio system I experienced early in my career.
The Intensity of Filming
Lesley Ann Warren: The physical demands of filming were intense, but the camaraderie made it enjoyable. Tim Curry’s performance, in particular, was remarkable due to his energy and rapid dialogue delivery.
Favorite Moments from ‘Clue’
Colleen Camp: One of my favorite scenes involved improvisation, particularly the humorous exchange on the stairs. It was a great example of how the film’s setups were inherently funny.
The famous “flames” scene by Madeline Kahn is often highlighted, but there are many moments that showcase the film’s comedic brilliance.
Lesley Ann Warren: Madeline Kahn’s performance was exceptional, and I cherish Miss Scarlett’s witty lines, such as “It’s my defense mechanism.”
On Being Recognized for Iconic Roles
Lesley Ann Warren: My journey has been more personal, questioning whether I’d still be appreciated if I wasn’t “young and fabulous.” The response to my recent work, like the short film Olive, has been affirming.
Colleen Camp: Being typecast is common, but I’ve embraced comedic roles, which have longevity. Lesley Ann’s versatility as both a character actress and a star is inspiring.
While some roles have defined our careers, the ability to make audiences laugh is timeless.
Lesley Ann Warren: I’ve always seen myself as a character actress, drawn to diverse roles and never wanting to be pigeonholed.
Clue is available for purchase or rental on 4K Ultra-HD Digital from Paramount Home Entertainment.
