In 1970, authors Clifford Irving (Richard Gere) and Richard Suskind (Alfred Molina) get together and devise a scheme that they're sure will make them wealthy. After doing extensive research, Irving writes an unauthorized biography of reclusive billionaire Howard Hughes – filled with fictional events.

Using forged documents, he convinces publishing company McGraw-Hill that he has a close relationship with Hughes, and successfully signs a lucrative book deal. Naturally, when the bogus book comes out, experts immediately question its authenticity, but McGraw-Hill stands by Irving. Irving’s plan is carried out so persuasively that even when Hughes momentarily emerges from seclusion to address the media in a telephone news conference and discredits the book, McGraw-Hill continues to support him.  

Directed by
Lasse Hallström

Cast
Richard Gere - Clifford Irving
Alfred Molina - Dick Susskind
Hope Davis - Andrea Tate
Marcia Gay Harden - Edith Irving
Stanley Tucci - Shelton Fisher
Julie Delpy - Nina Van Pallandt
Eli Wallach - Noah Dietrich
John Carter - Harold McGraw

Production Co.
Mutual Film Company
Yari Film Group
Mark Gordon Company

Produced by
Gary Levinsohn
Joshua Maurer
Mark R. Gordon

Studio
Miramax Films

Writer
William Wheeler
Clifford Irving

Music
Carter Burwell
David Torn