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The Big Lie

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 tomyg

Fantastic Production for Fans of 50' Crime Noire

Stunning production with a great script, actors and music however the backing soundscape created was worldclass. One of the most evocative and intoxing audible recordings ever. Very highly recommended.

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Profile Image for Norma Miles

1950s communist witch hunt.

A play both enjoyable and important in it's content about the McCarthy era of political oppression with the House of Unamerican activities. The acting is excellent, the characters well developed. Looking forward to more episodes...

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Profile Image for Pucca & Garu

Wow!

What a performance! Finished listening to this beauty in a couple of sittings as it was so good and enjoyable to listen too!
I’d love it if a sequel was to happen - not giving anything away though!

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Profile Image for Chris manning

loved it!

real noir,could feel the vibe from the marloweque delivery by the actors,that were brilliant.more like this please audible!

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Profile Image for H Stone

Properly good radio drama

Loved this. Interesting narrative, great performances by all and fantastic production. More like this please.

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Profile Image for V Wiggins

Excellent

Excellent story
Excellent production values
Excellent acting
Excellent sound effects
A riveting production
A good listen. I well recommend it

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Profile Image for Jimmy Stirrups

Brilliant story.

Brilliant cast and excellent story. Jon Hamm is so easy to listen to. Based on real life incidents made into a brilliant work of fiction.

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Profile Image for Mr A J Spicer

superb

fantastic noir, brilliantly acted, great story reflecting a real period in American history. hope they make a sequel

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Profile Image for Michael D.

Great listen with an amazing cast

It’s gripping from start to finish, all the cast were great and easy to identify, each chapter leaves you wanting to know what happens next

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Profile Image for Neen Machine

Brilliant

Fast paced enough to keep it thrilling, packed with enough content to give it gravitas and so well acted that it’s a pleasure to repeat listen.
The fact that it’s based on a true story makes it even more enthralling.

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