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The Big Lie cover art

The Big Lie

Written by: John Mankiewicz, Jamie Napoli, Paul Jarrico
Narrated by: Jon Hamm, Kate Mara, Ana de la Reguera, Bradley Whitford, John Slattery, Giancarlo Esposito, David Strathairn, a full cast
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  • Summary

  • Jon Hamm leads an all-star cast that includes Kate Mara, Ana de la Reguera, John Slattery, and Bradley Whitford in the riveting true story behind the making of the one American movie the FBI never wanted you to see. All seven episodes will be available on June 16.

    The Big Lie follows FBI special agent Jack Bergin (Jon Hamm), who is sent to investigate three blacklisted filmmakers—Academy Award-winning writer Michael Wilson, Academy Award-nominated producer Paul Jarrico, and director Herbert J. Biberman—who were inspired by a New Mexico labor strike to make a movie that dramatized their pro-labor, pro-feminist beliefs. Convinced the film is a recruitment tool for the Communist Party, Jack will do whatever is necessary to shut the production down. 

    Featuring a star-studded cast that also includes Giancarlo Esposito, David Strathairn, Lisa Edelstein, Raymond Cruz, Troy Evans, Kirk Baltz, John Getz, and Lela Loren, The Big Lie is an explosive story of conspiracy, betrayal, and temptation that resonates with today’s divided America and reminds us all that fear spreads faster than the truth.

    Created by John Mankiewicz, based on a story from Paul Jarrico.
    ©2022 Fresh Produce Media, LLC (P)2022 Audible Originals, LLC
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Episodes
  • Trailer

    Trailer
    Jun 1 2022

    Jon Hamm leads an all-star cast that includes Kate Mara, Ana de la Reguera, John Slattery, and Bradley Whitford in the riveting true story behind the making of the one American movie the FBI never wanted you to see.

    The Big Lie follows FBI special agent Jack Bergin (Jon Hamm), who is sent to investigate three blacklisted filmmakers—Academy Award-winning writer Michael Wilson, Academy Award-nominated producer Paul Jarrico, and director Herbert J. Biberman—who were inspired by a New Mexico labor strike to make a movie that dramatized their pro-labor, pro-feminist beliefs. Convinced the film is a recruitment tool for the Communist Party, Jack will do whatever is necessary to shut the production down. 

    Featuring a star-studded cast that also includes Giancarlo Esposito, David Strathairn, Lisa Edelstein, Raymond Cruz, Troy Evans, Kirk Baltz, John Getz, and Lela Loren, The Big Lie is an explosive story of conspiracy, betrayal, and temptation that resonates with today’s divided America and reminds us all that fear spreads faster than the truth.
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    1 min
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  • Episode One: “The Man in the Hat”

    Episode One: “The Man in the Hat”
    Jun 16 2022
    From a John Wayne premiere to a late-night meeting at Griffith Observatory, the hunt for Hollywood Communists takes FBI special agent Jack Bergin on a whirlwind tour of Los Angeles. When a dangerous propaganda film secures a secret investor, Jack works around the clock to shut down the deal.
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    35 mins
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  • Episode Two: “Person to Person”

    Episode Two: “Person to Person”
    Jun 16 2022
    Jack follows the production to New Mexico and works to find an ‘in’ with the Communist filmmakers. Conflicts at home threaten to derail Jack’s mission.
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    38 mins
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Historical Fiction
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What listeners say about The Big Lie

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Profile Image for Lance

Production at its best

Very well produced and directed. The acting was very, very good. This podcast is a perfect example of what dramatized audio should aspire to be. Well done folks, your efforts are appreciated.

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Profile Image for MarieL

Excellent !

Great Original from audible, I enjoyed every minute of it. The casting is absolutely fantastic and the story is good.
Highly recommend !

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Fun Leisure Listen

It's a great change of pace if you're listening to podcasts that have heavier subject matter.

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Profile Image for PDubya

Very Entertaining

I enjoyed listening to Second Acts, not something I usually do in Audible. I mean, I usually listen to full length novels or biographies - I’m glad I gave this one a chance. The performances were excellent and I thought the story was good enough to keep me coming back for more!

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Predictable

Title of this post says it all. Voice acting was decent though. Wouldn't recommend it.

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