The Great Lie
“Sometimes there's a terrible penalty for telling the truth.”
Synopsis
After a newlywed's husband apparently dies in a plane crash, she discovers that her rival for his affections is pregnant with his child.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
The Great Lie - TrailerOfficial
Type: Trailer • Published 2013-08-04
Top Cast
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Bette Davis
Maggie Patterson Van Allen
Mary Astor
Sandra Kovak
George Brent
Peter 'Pete' Van Allen
Lucile Watson
Aunt Ada Greenfield
Hattie McDaniel
Violet
Grant Mitchell
Joshua Mason
Jerome Cowan
Jock Thompson
Charles Trowbridge
Senator Ted Greenfield
Thurston Hall
Oscar Worthington James
Russell Hicks
Colonel Harriston
Virginia Brissac
Sadie
J. Farrell MacDonald
Dr. Ferguson
Addison Richards
Mr. Talbot
Sam McDaniel
Jefferson Washington
Gino Corrado
Concert Hall Reception Waiter (uncredited)
Sam Harris
Club Patron (uncredited)
Doris Lloyd
Sandra's Maid Bertha (uncredited)
George H. Reed
Senator Greenfield's Butler (uncredited)
Release History & Theatrical Window
April 5, 1941
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Financials & Box Office Performance
Production Budget
Undisclosed
Filming & production cost
Worldwide Gross
$689K
Total global ticket sales
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Edmund Goulding
- Screenplay & Story
- Lenore J. Coffee
- Original Score
- Max Steiner
- Original Title
- The Great Lie
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 48m
- Worldwide Gross
- $689K
- Production Studios
- Warner Bros. Pictures
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Edmund Goulding
Lenore J. Coffee, Polan Banks
Max Steiner
Tony Gaudio
Ralph Dawson
Hal B. Wallis
Department Leadership Roster
Lenore J. Coffee
Screenplay
Edmund Goulding
Director
Orry-Kelly
Costume Design
Max Steiner
Original Music Composer
Tony Gaudio
Director of Photography
Ralph Dawson
Editor
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
NR: Not Rated — Evaluated outside standard classification boards.
International Certification Matrix
Not Rated — Evaluated outside standard classification boards.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for The Great Lie.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring The Great Lie.
Classic Movies Collection
Copy of TMDB public list 8294149 - Classic Movies Collection
Bette Davis
Academy Awards - Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role Winners 1936-2025
Academy Awards winners archive (Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role Winners 1936-2025)
Missing Mine
CLASSIC MOVIES COLLECTION
Best Seller Movies Released in 1920 up to 1980
Academy Awards: Winners
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Great Lie
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is The Great Lie about?
After a newlywed's husband apparently dies in a plane crash, she discovers that her rival for his affections is pregnant with his child.
Who directed The Great Lie?
The Great Lie was directed by Edmund Goulding.
Who stars in The Great Lie?
The principal cast of The Great Lie includes Bette Davis, Mary Astor, George Brent, Lucile Watson, Hattie McDaniel.
When was The Great Lie released and how long is it?
The Great Lie was released in 1941 with a total runtime of 1h 48m.
How much did The Great Lie make at the box office?
The Great Lie grossed $689K in worldwide ticket sales.
Who composed the musical score for The Great Lie?
The original motion picture soundtrack for The Great Lie was composed by Max Steiner.
Is The Great Lie based on a book or true story?
The Great Lie is adapted from the following source material: Novel: "Polan Banks".
What is the age rating and content advisory for The Great Lie?
The Great Lie holds official age classifications: US: NR (Not Rated — Evaluated outside standard classification boards.).