Creating Cluedo

Air raids and blackouts during World War Two helped Anthony Pratt invent one of the most popular family board games: Cluedo.

But the musician's real inspiration came from his job in the 1930s, playing piano at murder mystery parties in English country houses and hotels.

Once war broke out, Anthony killed time at home in Birmingham by developing rules for his new 'whodunnit' game. While he created the colourful characters and weapons, his wife Elva drew up the board, based on the rooms of a Tudor mansion.

The first version was launched in 1949, and since then more than 150 million copies have been sold around the world, including in the US where it’s known as Clue.

Anthony and Elva's daughter Marcia Lewis tells Jane Wilkinson about how her parent's idea became a global hit.

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(Photo: Cluedo box, 1949. Credit: Family photo)