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”.
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”.
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.
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”.
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 female witnesses (other famous guests)
Other famous females that may make an appearance at the party include:
Anne Baxter (1923-1985) I acted in “All About Eve” and “The Ten Commandments” and other movies. I am the Grand-daughter of Frank Lloyd Wright. I married an Australian. Dress suggestions: Glamorous gown. Brunette wig.
Audrey Hepburn (1929-1993) I am a US (Belgian-born) movie actress and I starred in “Breakfast At Tiffanys” and “My Fair Lady” and other movies. I am a special ambassador to the United Nations Children’s Fund. Dress suggestions: Dark, straight-haired wig. Glamorous clothes (possibly dressed as one of her movie characters). Wear a UNICEF badge.
Ava Gardner (1922-1990) I am a US movie actress. My career spanned 44 years and my husbands included Mickey Rooney and Frank Sinatra. Dress suggestions: Dark haired wig. Glamorous gown.
Bette Davis (1908-1989) I am a husky voiced actress famous for my roles in over 80 films including “All About Eve”, “Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?” and “The Man Who Came To Dinner”. I often played “bitchy” type roles and people say I am “a force of nature that could find no ordinary outlet”. Dress suggestions: Glamorous clothes. Carry a long cigarette holder.
Betty Grable (1916-1973) I am a US actress and model and famous wartime pin-up girl because of my great legs. Despite my fame all I’m going to be able to leave my daughter is a note saying “Sorry, there’s nothing more.” Dress suggestions: Glamorous clothes. Blonde wig. Quoted as saying “It’s loud, it’s cheap, it’s gaudy. It’s like everything I’ve ever done – I LOVE IT!” Song: “Betting on A Man”.
Carolyn Jones (1933-1983) I am the US actress who acted as Morticia in the TV series “The Addams Family”. I also played “Marsha” Queen of Diamonds in the Batman TV series. Dress suggestions: Long dark haired wig. White face. Black lipstick. Long black dress.
Dame Agatha Christie (1890 – 1976) I am a British writer of mystery novels and more profound novels under the penname Mary Westmacott. I have written almost 100 novels, many set in the Middle East where I have travelled with my husband who is an archaeologist. Dress suggestions: Dress as an old English lady (eg silk blouse, tweed skirt, tweed coat or fake fur and pearls and lots of beads).
Dinah Shore (1917-1994) I am a US singer, actress and talk show host. I have founded a women’s professional golf tournament, and I work for charities. I also publish cookbooks. Dress suggestions: Glamorous clothes. Song: “I’ll Walk Alone.”
Donna Reed (1921-1986) I am a US actress. I won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for “From Here to Eternity”. I have my own TV show. Dress suggestions: Glamorous clothes. Add a string of pearls.
Dorothy Parker (1893-1967) I am an American critic, poet and short story writer. I’m known for my satire, terse style and acid wit. Dress suggestions: Dress as a conservative American lady.
Dorothy Pound (1900s-1973) I am an English artist and wife of Ezra Pound. Ezra had a daughter from an affair with an American violinist, Olga Rudge. Around the same time I had a son, Omar. When Ezra was confined to an institution for the criminally insane, I still stuck by him and visited him every day. He wasn’t insane, his confinement was more of a political affair. Dress suggestions: Dress as an English lady in the 1960s would have dressed. Carry paints.
Dusty Springfield (1939-1999) I am an English singer. Cliff Richard called me “The White Negress”. I am fanatical about my cats. I have owned 200 over the years, and at one time kept 9 in the same house. Dress suggestions: Add massive false eyelashes. Songs: “You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me”, “Son of a Preacher Man”, “I Only Want to Be With You”, “Wishin’ and Hopin”.
Edith Piaf (1915-1963) I am a great French singer and one of the world’s foremost cabaret and music-hall artistes. I am only four feet ten inches tall and my stage name is Parisian slang for “sparrow”. Dress suggestions: Dark hair and dark clothes. Songs: “La Vie En Rose”, “Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien”, the French version of the immortal “No Regrets”.
Eva Gabor (1921-1995) I am a US (Hungarian-born) actress. I am the star in the TV series “Green Acres” as Lisa Douglas. I am the sister of Zsa Zsa Gabor. Dress suggestions: Glamorous gown with lots of jewelry.
Georgia O’Keefe (1887 – 1986) I am an American painter mainly of flowers, still lifes, desert landscapes and sometimes abstracts. Dress suggestions: O’Keefe is famous for wearing a dark outfit with a white shirt complete with a leather hat. You may like to add a cow horn or skull. She liked to paint outdoors so her skin was dark brown in color. Bring along a sketch pad too.
Gloria Swanson (1899 – 1983) I am a US actress. I received Best Actress nominations for “Sadie Thompson”, “The Trespasse” and “Sunset Boulevard”. I collect husbands (eg the impoverished Marquis) and lovers (eg Joseph Kennedy, father of JFK). Dress suggestions: Dark haired wig. Glamorous gown.
Grace Kelly (1929-1982) I am a US movie actress. Some people say I epitomize a seemingly cold elegance under which sometimes volcanic passions bubble. I won an Academy Award for “The Country Girl”. I am now married to Prince Rainer of Monaco. Dress suggestions: Glamorous gown with a tiara and long opera gloves.
Greta Garbo (1905-1990) I am a sultry US (Swedish-born) movie actress. I am famous for starring in “Anna Karenina” (1935). I left Hollywood at the height of my fame to become a recluse. Dress suggestions: Wear glamorous clothes.
Gypsy Rose Lee (1914-1970) I am a US actress and stripper. There has been a musical called “Gypsy” made about me. Dress suggestions: Wear stripper clothes.
Hedy Lamarr (1913-2001) I am a US (Austrian-born) movie actress. I caused a sensation by appearing nude in a film called “Ecstasy” in 1933. I then went on to play the role of Delilah in “Samson and Delilah”. Dress suggestions: Wear glamorous clothes.
Ingrid Bergman (1915-1982) I am a Swedish movie actress. I starred in “Casablanca” and “For Whom The Bell Tolls”. I won 3 Academy Awards and was nominated for many more. I left my husband for an Italian director and then annulled my marriage to him years later. Dress suggestions: Glamorous clothes. Brunette wig.
Jackie Kennedy (1929-1994) I am married to John F Kennedy, the current US president. Dress suggestions: Glamorous clothes. Shoulder length black wig.
Jayne Mansfield (1932-1967) I am a well endowed US movie actress. David Niven called me “Miss United Dairies”. My craving for success has led me to pull some bizarre publicity stunts, including “stranding” myself on a deserted island. Dress suggestions: Blonde wig. Glamorous clothes.
Joan Crawford (1908-1977) I am a US movie actress famous for “What Ever Happened To Baby Jane?” and other movies. I admit I have beaten my daughter with coat hangers. But she deserved it! Dress suggestions: Glamorous clothes.
Karen Carpenter (1950 –1983) I am a singer with “The Carpenters” and I suffer from an eating disorder. Dress suggestions: Sixties clothes. Songs: “We’ve Only Just Begun”, “There’s a Kind of Hush” and “Rainy days and Mondays”. Wear brunette wig.
Lana Turner (1920-1995) I am a US movie actress. I have the nickname “The Sweater Girl”. I starred in “Postman Always Rings Twice”. In 1957 I got an Oscar nomination for “Peyton Place”. I was “discovered” while sipping a soda in a malt shop. Dress suggestions: Blonde wig. Glamorous clothes. Maybe with a sweater draped over your shoulders to keep you warm.
Linda McCartney (1941-1998) I am a US photographer, musician, and activist for vegetarianism and animal rights and wife of Paul McCartney. I have written cookbooks and I created a line of frozen vegetarian dinners. Dress suggestions: Blonde wig. Casual clothes. T-shirt campaigning for animal rights.
Mae West (1893 – 1980) I’m a movie actress and I often write my own scripts. I was born in Brooklyn, New York and I had a career in burlesque and later on Broadway. People liked my wit and my tramped up womanliness. And men liked my curves. I’m not like those toothpicks you get in restaurants. I wrote my own plays like “Diamond Lil” and so on. Dress suggestions: Dress in curvaceous flamboyant outfit with long gloves & a handbag. She was buxom so add padding. She liked to cut the top out of her hats so her curls wouldn’t be crushed. She also wore lots of feathers & diamonds.
Marlene Dietrich (1901-1992) I am a husky voiced German born singer, movie actress and Allied war-time entertainer. I acted with John Wayne in “Pittsburgh” 1942, but I’m probably best known for “Blue Angel”. Dress suggestions: Wear trousers & tails, white tie & a hat. Carry a long cigarette holder. Speak about yourself in the third person. Songs: “Clare de Lune”, “The Boys in the Back Room”.
Dorothy Dandridge (1922 -1965) I am a US movie actress and singer. I was the first black woman to receive an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress for my role in Carmen Jones. And I won a Golden Globe Award for my performance in Porgy and Bess. Dress suggestions: Glamorous clothes. Black wig.
Butterfly McQueen (1911-1995) I’m a US actress of stage and screen. I’m best remembered for my role as “Prissy” in “Gone With The Wind”. I nicknamed “Butterfly” when I appeared in the butterfly ballet sequence of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”. Before I die, I plan to study politics. Dress suggestions: Black curly wig.
Tammy Wynette (1942-1998) I am a US country and western singer and am the “First Lady of Country Music”. I sang “Your Good Girl’s Gonna Go Bad”. Dress suggestions: Country and western clothes including a hat. Short blonde wig. Songs: “I Don’t Wanna Play House”, “D-I-V-O-R-C-E”, “Stand By Your Man”.
Veronica Lake (1922-1973) I am a US actress – famous for acting as Ellen Graham in “This Gun For Hire”. I also acted in many other movies. I had a “peek-a-boo” haircut until the government forced me to change it. Dress suggestions: Silvery-blonde wig with a “Peek-a-boo” style (ie hair draped over one eye).
Vivien Leigh (1913-1967) I am a UK (Indian-born) actor. I starred in “Gone With the Wind” (as Scarlett O’Hara) & “A Streetcar Named Desire”. I married Sir Laurence Olivier thereby making many women jealous. And then we ended up divorced anyway. Dress suggestions: Long dark wig. Dress like Scarlett O’Hara.
The male witnesses (other famous guests)
Other famous males that may make an appearance at the party include:
Andy Warhol (1928-1987) I am a US artist, director and actor – famous for creating pop art images of Elvis, Marilyn and Campbell Soup cans. Dress suggestions: Carry a Campbell soup can and a paint brush.
Bing Crosby (1901-1977) I am a famous US singer and actor. I have starred in movies such as “Road to Zanziba”. I sometimes skip rehearsals when I sing with Fred Astaire which really annoys him. Dress suggestions: Sports jacket, tie, white shirt, striped trousers, straw boater hat. Song: “White Christmas”.
Burt Lancaster (1913-1994) I am US actor, writer, director and producer. I starred in “From Here To Eternity”. I received an Oscar for playing the revivalist con man in “Elmer Gantry”. Dress suggestions: Demanding personality. Carry a cigarette.
Buster Keaton (1895-1966) I am a US comedian, actor, stuntman, director. I never smile on film. I spotted Lucille Ball and gave her tips on being a comedienne. Houdini saw me fall down some stairs when I was only 6 months old and said “What a buster your kid took!” and that was how I got my name. I let a real wall fall around me in a movie which was a very dangerous thing to do. Dress suggestions: Handkerchief tied on his head or dark hair, slap shoes and a flat hat and suspenders.
Charlie Chaplin (1889 – 1977) I am one of the world’s most famous comedians. I am also a writer, director and movie producer. I have made comedy an art-form. I am close friends with Groucho Marx. Dress suggestions: Dress as the “Little Tramp” complete with moustache, twirling cane, bowler hat, tight black jacket and dark baggy pants.
Danny Kaye (1913-1987) I am a US comedian, singer and actor best known for “The Court Jeste” and “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty”. I am a musician and yet I can’t read a note of music. I am also a UNICEF ambassador. Dress suggestions: Short, light brown hair combed back. Song: Children’s album “Mommy, Gimme A Drinka Wate”.
David Niven (1910-1983) I am a debonair English actor, writer and raconteur famous for “Around the World in Eighty days” and “Pink Panthe” and many other films. I won an Academy Award for “Separate Tables”. I am good friends with Errol Flynn and Clark Gable. I’m working on my autobiography “The Moon is a Balloon”. Dress suggestions: Dark wavy hair slicked back. Draw little thin moustache on your upper lip. Act like a suave and refined leading man.
Dean Martin (1917-1995) I am a famous US singer, actor and comedian. People seemed to really like the comedies Jerry Lewis and I made. I am I am a member of the “Rat Pack”. Dress suggestions: Shirt and tie and trousers. Dark hair neatly combed back. Carry a glass of bourbon. Song: “Everybody Loves Somebody”.
edward e. cummings (1894-1962) I am an American poet, novelist and painter. After a printer’s error made my name lowercase, I have gone on to deliberately explore unconventional typography and punctuation. Dress suggestions: Dress as an elderly man (ie conservatively). Cummings was in the army so you may prefer to don military garb and some medals.
Ezra Pound (1885 – 1972) I am an American critic, translator and poet and leader of the European literary avant-garde. After the war, I was confined to an institution for the criminally insane for many years even though I wasn’t insane. I had just been seen with people before the war that went on to become fascists during the war. Dress suggestions: Dress as an old man (ie conservatively). Pound lived in Europe a lot so you may like to add a cravat instead of a tie. He also had a red beard.
Frank Sinatra (1915-1998) I am a US singer and actor. I’m known as “Old Blue Eyes”. I am a member of the “Rat Pack”. Dress suggestions: Dark hair slicked back and blue contact lenses. Suit. Songs: “My Way” “New York, New York”.
Gene Kelly (1912-1996) I am a US dancer, choreographer, actor, singer and director. I have even danced with cartoon characters. I directed the movie “Hello, Dolly!” Dress suggestions: Debonair clothes. Carry an umbrella. Song: “Singin’ in the Rain”.
George Burns (1896-1996) I am one of America’s greatest comedians. I am also an actor, author and vaudevillian. For years, before Lucille Ball and Desi came on the scene, my wife, Gracie Allen, and myself were America’s sweethearts of comedy. Dress suggestions: Carry a cigar.
Jack Kerouac (1922 – 1969) I am an American writer and one of the founders of “The Beat Generation”. I’m famous for my spontaneous and unconventional prose. It took me seven years to find a publisher for “On The Road”, but it is now a big success. Dress suggestions: Dark hair and dark clothes. You may like to bring one of his books with you to read from.
Jerry Garcia (1942-1995) I am a US rock singer, songwriter, and counterculture icon. I co-founded “The Grateful Dead”and I’m the lead guitarist. Janis Joplin told me that if she ever dies, she wants us to play at her funeral. Dress suggestions: Longish white frizzy hair and a white beard. Dark glasses. Tshirt and a guitar. Song: “Broke Down Palace.”
Jimmy Cagney (1899-1986) I am a US actor, dancer and singer. I won an Academy Award for “Yankee Doodle Dandee”. I am a dancer who can act. I acted in a movie called “Angels With Dirty Faces” and I kept calling people “you dirty rat.” Dress suggestions: Brown hair slicked back. Dress as a character from one of his films. Song: “Yankee Doodle Dandee”.
Jimmy Durante (1893-1980) I am a US pianist, singer, actor and comedian. I starred as a Ragtime and Jazz piano player, then gravitated towards vaudeville and later movies and TV. I’m known as the great “Schnozzola”. I like to end my shows by saying “Goodnight Mrs. Calabash, wherever you are”. Dress suggestions: Big nose and a bowler hat. Often said “ha cha cha” or “Everybody’s gettin’ inta the act!” and “You ain’t seen nothin’ yet!”. Songs: “Inka Dinka Do”, “Won’t You Come Home, Bill Bailey?”
John Denver (1943-1997) I am a country and western singer. My eyesight isn’t the greatest so I wear thick glasses. I like flying innovative airplanes which is a bit risky. Dress suggestions: Mousy brown haired wig. Thick glasses. Country & western clothes & hat. Carry an acoustic guitar. Song: “Take Me Home, Country Roads”.
John F Kennedy (1917-1963) I am the President of the United States. I support Martin Luther King’s civil rights crusade. I forced the Russians to remove their ballistic missiles from Cuba. Dress suggestions: Brown hair neatly combed. Suit and tie.
Lee Marvin (1924-1987) I am a US actor in many westerns. I admit I drink a little and I don’t sing much. But I did have a huge worldwide hit with “Wandering Sta”. Dress suggestions: Ten gallon hat and country gear.
Louis Armstrong (1900-1971) I am a black US jazz musician, scat singer (a type of wordless singing), and trumpeter. I’m also known as “Satchmo”, which means satchel mouth. I like to see people smile. Dress suggestions: Wear a tight short curly black wig. Carry a trumpet. Speak with a gravely voice. Songs: “Oh When The Saints”, “Hello Dolly” and “It’s A Wonderful World”.
Malcolm X (1925 – 1965) I am a US black activist and Moslem religious leader. I converted to Islam while in jail. Dress suggestions: Dark hair slicked back, glasses, black suit, white shirt and white tie.
Martin Luther King (1929-1968) I am a US black civil rights leader and Baptist clergyman. I am the pioneer of the nonviolent resistance in black civil rights movement and I’m famous for my speech “I Have A Dream”. Dress suggestions: Dark hair and small moustache. Wear a suit and tie.
Marvin Gaye (1939-1984) I’m a US motown singer, writer and producer. I don’t get on well with my preacher father. Dress suggestions: Dark hair & beard. A beanie. Songs: “I Heard It Through The Grapevine”,”What’s Going On” & “(Sexual) Healing”.
Nat King Cole (1919-1965) I am a black US jazz pianist and singer and father of Natalie Cole. I knew when I was young that someday my name would be up in lights. Dress suggestions: Short dark hair. Songs: “Route 66” and “Unforgettable”.
Orson Welles (1915-1985) I am a US actor, writer, director and producer. When I was 23, I produced a radio play called “The War of the Worlds” and scared America half to death. Then at the age of 25 I produced, cowrote and starred in my masterwork: “Citizen Kane” My co-writer said of me, “There, but for the grace of God, goes God.” I divorced Rita Hayworth even though she loved me dearly. Dress suggestions: Dark greying hair slicked back and a beard. Wear a suit and tie. Add a hat and a scarf.
Otis Redding (1941-1967) I am a black US blues and soul singer and songwriter. I have recently bought a plane. Dress suggestions: Wear a dark curly wig. Carry a mike. Songs: “Try A Little Tenderness” “(Sittin’ On) The Dock Of The Bay”.
Peter Sellers (1925-1980) I am an English comic actor. I first found fame on radio in “The Goon Show”. I starred in “Dr Strangelove” and I am thinking of doing some”Pink Panthe” movies. I’m currently married to Britt Eckland. Dress suggestions: Dark brown short hair and a tiny moustache.
Roy Orbison (1936-1988) I am a US rock singer and songwriter. I’m also known as “The Big O”. I’m a white blues singer. It’s been a bit of a tragic life. I once asked John Lennon “What is a Beatle anyway?”. Dress suggestions: Wear dark horn-rimmed glasses. Wear a suit and tie. Songs: “Oh, Pretty Woman”, “Only The Lonely”, “You Got It”.
Sammy Davis Junior (1925-1990) I am a US singer, actor and entertainer. I am a member of the “Rat Pack”. Dress suggestions: Short black curly hair. Song: “Bo Jangles”.
Sir Laurence Olivier (1907-1989) I am an English actor, director, and producer. I like to be called “Larry”. Some consider me to be the greatest English stage actor of the 20th century. I starred in “Wuthering Heights” and I won Academy Awards for “Hamlet” and “Henry the Fifth”. Iwas married to Vivien Leigh. I’ve worked with Marilyn Monroe, but I certainly wouldn’t say it was a pleasure. Dress suggestions: Dark hair combed back. Perhaps dress as a character he played.
Sonny Bono (1935-1998) My real name was Salvatore. I am a US singer, songwriter, entertainer and politician. I discovered and married Cherilyn Sarkisian La Pierre. I think we will succeed as “Sonny and Che”. Dress suggestions: Straight brown hair and a moustache. Fur vest. Song: “I Got You, Babe”.
Spencer Tracy (1900-1967) I am a US movie actor. I’ve won Academy Awards for “Captains Courageous” and “Boys Town”. I also starred in “Guess Who’s Coming To Dinne”. I haven’t married the love of my life Katherine Hepburn because my religion forbids divorce. Dress suggestions: Wavy dark or grey hair. Perhaps dress as a fisherman as this was one of his most famous roles in “The Old Man And The Sea”.
Thomas S. Eliot (1888-1965) I am an American born, English poet, playwright and critic. I wrote “The Wasteland”, “Murder in the Cathedral” and the poems the musical “Cats” is based on. I won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1948. Dress suggestions: Dress fairly conservatively (eg twotone shoes, trousers, jacket and knitted vest). Eliot liked to wear ties and he wore his hair parted in the middle and slicked back.
The authorities
Other authorities that may make an appearance at the party include:
Hugh Howell – I am a police officer. I’m a tough no-nonsense cop. I love the power that comes with my position. 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.
Pamela 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.
Dr Virgil Vinessi – I am a police forensic specialist. I love the thrill of finding needles in haystacks. I won’t give up till I find what I’m looking for. Dress suggestions: Wear a lab coat and wear white gloves. Carry some clear plastic bags to collect evidence in.
Dr Elvina Edwards – I am a police forensic specialist. I am a scientific whiz-kid. I knows all the tricks of my trade. Dress suggestions: Wear a lab coat and wear white gloves. Carry some clear plastic bags to collect evidence in.
Ludmilla Lucas – I am Jerry Oilman’s lawyer. I am very conservative and very well-respected in my profession. I have been Jerry’s lawyer for many years but I’m still allergic to his bat collection. Dress suggestions: Wear a suit and look very serious.
Boris Booth – I am an ambulance officer. I like swimming and I have very big arm muscles which also come in handy in my job. Dress suggestions: Wear a uniform. Carry a stretcher or another medical item.
Dr Magdalene Malachi – I am a medical doctor. I have been the family doctor for the Oilmans for many years. I believe you can never have too many tests. I guess I’m a bit of a hypochondriac. Dress suggestions: Carry a black bag and any medical items you can obtain (eg thermometer).
Silvio Septimas – I am a newspaper journalist. I’ll do anything for a scoop. I am very ruthless and pushy. I’m always hassling the cops for tip-offs. Dress suggestions: Business clothes. Carry a notepad and pen.
Rina Rhinehardt – I am a radio journalist. I’m an extrovert and very friendly. I like to play the game fairly and I get my info through my many friends. Dress suggestions: Business clothes. Carry a notepad and pen.
Garrison Garnet – I am Jerry Oilman’s accountant. Jerry wasn’t the most honest of businessmen, I’m afraid. He was always siphoning off more than his fair share. Dress suggestions: Wear a conservative business suit. Possibly add glasses.
The creatures
Some, or all, of the following creatures may also make an appearance at the party:
Selina – I am Jerry Oilman’s son Lorne’s pet black cat. Dress suggestions: Wear black tight-fitting or furry clothes. Add whiskers.
Jerry Oilman – I am the ghost of Jerry Oilman. I am very angry because I didn’t want to die and I intend to find out who killed me and make their life a howling misery. Dress suggestions: Wear a white sheet and white face powder.
Bartholomew – I am a bat. I am related to some of the bats that Jerry killed to add to his sickening collection. I am screeching with anger. Dress suggestions: Wear a Batman cape or similar.
Wanda Oilman – I am Jerry Oilman’s sister. Some people think I am a witch just because I am an aroma-therapist and I don’t like jasmine. I prefer the smell of dead newts and frog’s toes. And I like wearing pointy hats. Dress suggestions: A pointy witch’s hat. Make yourself smell a little strange.
Dr Frankenstein – Because Jerry was a big fan of mine, and had plenty of quiet nooks and crannies, I took up residence as a ghost in Jerry’s mansion. I have gathered various body parts from graveyards and the like in my quest to create a living being. The night when my creature came to life, I said: “I saw the dull yellow eye of the creature open; it breathed hard, and a convulsive motion agitated its limbs”. Dress suggestions: Old-fashioned period clothes. Don a laboratory coat and some strange tools.
The Monster – Because Jerry was a big fan of Dr Frankenstein, my master and I have been ghosts in Jerry’s mansion. But although Dr Frankenstein had spent so much time and effort creating me, when I came to life, he found me so horrible, he ran in revolt. I reek of the dead that had been used to create me. Dress suggestions: Wear clothes that look stitched together and draw some stitches on your brow.
Dracula – I am Count Dracula of the Kingdom of Transylvania. “They are many my creatures, to do my bidding and to be my jackals when I want to feed.” Because Jerry respected me, I have been living in his mansion. Fortunately the West Wing doesn’t get too much sun. Dress suggestions: Old-fashioned clothes. Add fake blood, red lipstick, white powder on your face and very long canine teeth.
Vampire Witch – Because Jerry was a big fan of my master, we have been lurking around his mansion. I am one of Count Dracula’s loyal servants. We are the Un-Dead. There is nowhere for you to escape us. Your blood sustains us. Dress suggestions: Old-fashioned clothes. Add fake blood, red lipstick, white powder on your face and very long canine teeth.
