A Charm City Whodunit: Lesley Ann Warren Celebrates 40 Years of Clue at The Exchange

By Frankie Kujawa
Forty years after CLUE: The Movie first invited audiences to dinner, drinks, and murder, original star Lesley Ann Warren is once again stepping into Miss Scarlet’s world. As part of the film’s 40th anniversary celebration, Warren will host special screenings on Saturday, January 31 at 4 PM and 8 PM at the M&T Bank Exchange, presenting the film in Ultra High Definition and sharing stories only an original cast member can tell. Warren delightfully chatted with us recently about bringing the beloved cult classic back to the big screen and to Charm City.

Frankie Kujawa: CLUE has become a true cult classic over the last 40 years—what does it mean to you personally to celebrate this milestone with fans in Baltimore?
 
Lesley Ann Warren: Well, you know, all of us [cast members] who are left are so thrilled at the life that it has taken on long after the initial showing. I get fans from 7-year-old to 80 years-old. It’s generational. They just love this movie! So, for me, it’s a thrill to be able to share this with people around the country, and places like Baltimore that I’ve never been to. And, to see the response, it is so gratifying! 

Frankie Kujawa: When you first filmed CLUE in the 1980s, did you have any sense it would still be beloved decades later?
 
Lesley Ann Warren: (laughs) Absolutely no! We [cast members] loved doing it.  It was one of the high points of my career and my life. It was so much fun. In my opinion, these are some of the absolute best comedic actors - not just comedians but comedic actors – that fill the screen together. I’ve said that before, and I really mean it! Being apart of that was a joy – a daily joy. But you never do have a sense of where a movie is going to land or how it’s going to land or if it’s going to have longevity until it’s out there in the zeitgeist. Even with CLUE, it initially had a moderate response and then it took on a life of its own. So, [when filming] you just don’t know and having this [film now] be the enormous cult favorite it is, it’s just heaven! 

Frankie Kujawa: Miss Scarlet is one of the most iconic characters in the film— looking back, is there anything about the character or the film you appreciate more now than you did then?
 
Lesley Ann Warren: You know, I loved playing Miss Scarlet! (Laughs) I loved her! What I especially loved about her was she took no prisoners. She was tough! She was strong! She knew what she had to offer, and she used it! Her sexuality – her combination of brains and her particular talents. Honestly, I don’t think, I would change a thing [about her].
 
Sometimes, I get to see clips of [the movie] when I go to these different cities where they’re showing it. Or, I’ll see [the movie] when they’re testing it for sound before the actual event, and I have to be dragged away! (Laughs) I really do, because it’s just really, really funny. Even [in 2026] I think it’s really funny. There were so many BIG moments in the movie. Obviously, Madeline Kahn with “flames, flames” and all that. But what I love about Miss Scarlett is that she underplays everything but it’s all within her sly sense of humor. I’m proud of it! 

Lesley Ann Warren as Miss Scarlet in CLUE (1985).

Frankie Kujawa: Fans often quote lines and reenact scenes—how does that level of devotion impact you as an actor?
 
Lesley Ann Warren: Oh, it blows my mind!  It’s just thrilling!  Sometimes, [fans] know more of the lines than I remember – no kidding! Their devotion is mind-boggling and I’m just so grateful!
 
Frankie Kujawa: Why do you think CLUE continues to resonate with new generations of viewers?
 
Lesley Ann Warren: Personally, I think [the movie] is hysterical! I think it’s really funny.  All of these performances are very specific to the character that [the actors] were playing. Each actor embodied them perfectly! This doesn’t happen often, but because we melded so incredibly well on set, we all actually really loved each other.  We were all very appreciative of each other’s work.  We laughed and carried on and made it a little bit difficult for the director. (Laughs) It was like herding cats! We just laughed hysterically at each other’s work. But I think you feel that in the film. You feel the camaraderie of the cast. I think those things matter ultimately in some kind of non-verbal way. It’s so very important to have that blending of styles and characterizations. It makes a huge difference. 

Frankie Kujawa: What are you most looking forward to about the stop at The Exchange?
 
Lesley Ann Warren: Well, each time I attend a different place - I haven’t attended all that many places - but it’s the Q&A part of the evening that really means a lot to me because I get to hear and see and witness the people who are asking the questions. The other part of the joy of getting to play in these different cities is the “Meet and Greet”. That’s where I really do have intimate and personal moments with the people that have chosen to pay that little extra to come meet me and have me sign something. So, it’s really a lovely way to get a sense of a city.
 
Frankie Kujawa: Finally, would you like to say anything directly to your Baltimore fans who have kept the love of CLUE alive for the last 40 years?
 
Lesley Ann Warren: Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I’m so proud of this movie! I love it, and I love you for loving it!