Please read the overview and all the descriptions of the suspects before the party.
Sometimes we hide clues in these descriptions.
Overview
It’s 1961. The world’s richest man – Jerry Oilman – has invited anybody who is anybody to his birthday party – the biggest party of all time. Jerry Oilman is an extremely wealthy man. He also has the misfortune of being a very short man.
He made his money in oil. He is eccentric and notorious for his collection of stuffed bats. These hideous black winged creatures hang from the walls and ceiling of his house spooking everyone who enters. Some people consider Jerry Oilman quite batty. Others are less polite.
Tonight Jerry has invited a host of rich and famous people. For example, Marilyn Monroe is here looking for the perfect man. And when you get this many big names together you know there’s sure to be conflict. What Jerry hadn’t foreseen, and what you don’t know, is that something sinister and frightening is about to take place. You will all be asked to work out who is the villain behind this dastardly crime – a crime that will take us all the way to the graveside.
The suspects
Fred Astaire
(1899-1987) I am a debonair man and I have sung and danced like no other. People say I gave Ginger class and she gave me sex appeal. I practice all the time. I’m a perfectionist. Dress suggestions: Black top hat and tails. Song: “Let’s Call The Whole Thing Off”.
Ginger Rogers
(1911-1995) I am a dazzling singer, dancer and actor. I won an Academy Award for “Kitty Foyle”. When I retired from Hollywood fame, I bought a dairy farm. I am very attached to my dairy cows. Dress suggestions: 1930s type clothes such as a calf-length floral dress. Song: “I’m Putting All My Eggs in One Basket”.
Jimi Hendrix
(1942-1970) I know I am going to be one of the most daring, inventive and influential rock guitarists. But at present, I’m still in the army. Dress suggestions: An Afro wig & thin moustache. You must carry an electric guitar or a cardboard cutout of one and wear at least one large ring. You may like to wear an army uniform. Song: “Voodoo Child”.
Janis Joplin
(1943-1970) I am the first goddess of rock. I have a raw iron soul and sing like a blues mamma. I keep begging God to buy me a Mercedes Benz, but so far he hasn’t. Dress suggestions: Long dark wavy-haired wig worn messy. Flowery or hippy-like dress. Carry a small microphone. Song: “Mercedes Benz”.
John Wayne – The Duke
(1907-1979) I was born Marion Robert Morrison and I have never legally changed my name to John Wayne. I’ve been far more than just a celluloid cowboy. I am a legend – a man who commands respect. Dress suggestions: Ten-gallon hat. Cowboy gear. Add an eye patch.
Marilyn Monroe
(1926-1962) I am a sex goddess, singer, actor and model. I spent part of my childhood unloved in an orphanage but now I’m loved by all the men in the world. I am a member of the “Rat Pack”. Dress suggestions: A white dress with a wide skirt like in her famous photo. Red lipstick. Blonde wig. Song: “I Wanna Be Loved By You”.
Elvis Presley
(1935-1977) I am the King of Rock ‘N Roll. I am also known for moving my pelvis when I perform. I have acted in a large number of movies. I am religious, but I’m not a saint. Dress suggestions: Las Vegas white clingy clothes. Carry a microphone. Song: “Love Me Tender”.
Judy Garland
(1922-1969) I have sung and danced in thirty-two feature films and I am one of the world’s greatest entertainers. I am a member of the “Rat Pack”. Dress suggestions: Wear her “Wizard of Oz” outfit complete with ponytails and red shoes. Song: “Somewhere Over The Rainbow”.
Groucho Marx
(1890-1977) I am the most famous of the Marx Brothers and I am known for my one-liners about elephants and pajamas and so on. I set fire to the first film we made as the Marx Brothers because I thought it was bad. I never work with children or animals except for Harpo. Dress suggestions: Wiry wig, moustache and cigar.
Patsy Cline
(1932-1963) I am a country music sensation with a voice people say is never to be forgotten. I started “entertaining” my neighbors when I was only three. Dress suggestions: Country and western clothes including a hat. Song: “Crazy”.
The optional extra suspects
Bruce Lee
(1940-1973) I am a martial arts master and star of many films such as “Enter The Dragon”. I also starred in the TV series “The Green Hornet”. As a child I saw a ghost as a black shadow. Dress suggestions: Martial arts clothes and/or Chinese clothes.
Rita Hayworth
(1918-1987) I am an actress, singer and dancer. My most famous role was as Gilda. Some people have branded me as the screen’s sultry love goddess. I married a prince. My face was painted on the atomic bomb which was dropped on Hiroshima – I’m not sure if this was a compliment or not. Dress suggestions: Wear a glamorous dress that has a slit to show off your legs. Wear long white opera gloves. Song: “Put the Blame on Mame”.
Lucille Ball
(1911-1989) I am the lady who has made thousands of people laugh with my films and TV shows for over 50 years. I dye my hair red and I am not really a redhead. Dress suggestions: Curly redhead wig. Adopt goofy expressions. Song: “Mame”.
Bob Marley
(1945-1981) I am going to put Reggae on the map. I am a Jamaican Rastafarian and I don’t eat salt because of my beliefs. I shot the sheriff (in one of my songs). Dress suggestions: Dreadlocks and hippy type clothes or flowery “tropical island” type clothes. Song: “I Shot The Sheriff”.
The optional authority
Pete Persimmons
I am a police officer. I love solving puzzles. That’s why I became a police officer. I’m also great at cryptic crosswords. Dress suggestions: Wear a mock police uniform. Carry some crime scene tape (make some out of paper with masking tape attached at the ends). Carry a notepad and pencil. Wear white gloves. Carry some clear plastic bags to collect evidence in.
The optional creature
Selina
I am Jerry Oilman’s son Lorne’s pet black cat. Dress suggestions: Wear black tight-fitting or furry clothes. Add whiskers. At the party, act normally: meow and purr. Don’t be too concerned about what is going on. Act superior to everyone.
