The Crossword Centre Clue-Writing Competition

CCCWC May competition voters’ comments

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A clue to MACGUFFIN.
22 comments were received for this competition (from 8 competitors, 2 others)
Move your mouse pointer over any bold clue number to see the clue.

Here is the text

Comments on the competition
1.
Well crafted clue. Could have "edited" as the anagrind?
2.
You've got to feel for the 38 clues that had to follow 2
 
Comments on the clues
2. A little bit of cinematic nonsense to keep main characters occupied
1.Interesting – but it seems as if the occupying has been reversed with the use of 'keep'?
2.to keep…..occupied. Not sure the indicator/s are correct.
3.Very good – my pick of the bunch
4.Nounal anagram mars the clue but marks for the neat construction and &lit
4. Acting beginners muffing complicated plot not appreciated by audience (9)
1.Not convinced with letter selection for AC.
7. Blighted with fungi, the heads of my flowers are crumbling—a feature of various plots
1.Possibly the best one. A well crafted, misleading surface.
2.Cleverly constructed with a well-disguised definition
9. Cinematic device that compels initially with nonsense, by and large
1.By and large, innovative. But ‘in the main’ is not the same as ‘in main’. Also, ‘nonsense’ in wordplay has root issue, imho.
10. Computer manufactured fun GIF, an inconsequential but attention-grabbing film device
1.An anagram indicator other than manufactured (for GIF) might have been more convincing (eg designed)
13. Device planted to motivate action in works leads to factory management facing union agitation (9)
1.Nounal anagram indicator – probably many like me won't find it acceptable
14. Driver in plot's fine fellow, one with trench coat & shooter coming round
1.Convincing imagery
15. Frodo and Co. initially fuming about the One Ring?
1.Very nicely done, good find, perfectly checking all the boxes
20. It facilitates plot of Conservatives to have waste dumped in sea
1.Almost a great, topical clue but waste for guff seems a bit of a stretch
23. Manic activity about nonsense red herring in movie
1.nounal anagram indicator here again
25. No climax of suspense cinema works without nonsense element that drives the plot (9)
1.does not quite work
26. 'Nuff magic required to keep the plot in motion (9 )
1.where is the anagram indicator?
2.Anagram indicator?
3.Is required an anagram indicator?
31. Plot rotates about this extraordinary MG, fanciful but without tailpipe.
1.don't see why tailpipe should indicate last letter – a bit forced
40. What's initially used in novel for generating conflict – a Maltese falcon, perhaps?
1.A very potent clue, points from me. Here's looking at you kid!