The Wisdom of the Beard

The NFL’s Modern Man

30 for 30 Shorts: ‘The Great Imposter’

Our latest film, from director Matt Dilmore, tells the story of how a guy from Detroit was able to con just about every sports league in the country

Welcome back to our 30 for 30 documentary short series.

In 1979, Barry Bremen was just a novelty-goods salesman who was acting out a dare when he stole some official warm-ups and shot a few baskets at the 1979 NBA All-Star Game. That was just the beginning. From there Bremen would be known as “The Great Imposter,” posing as a major leaguer, PGA golfer, NFL referee … even a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader. This film tries to answer not only the question of how he did this, but also the more important one: Why?


Previously:

The Schedule Makers, directed by Joseph Garner »

Collision Course, directed by Billy Corben »

Arthur & Johnnie, directed by Tate Donovan »

Wilt Chamberlain: Borscht Belt Bellhop, directed by Caroline Laskow and Ian Rosenberg »

Tommy and Frank, directed by Richie Keen »

Cutthroat, directed by Steven Cantor »

Silver Reunion, directed by Rory Karpf »

Holy Grail: The T206 Honus Wagner, directed by Nick and Colin Barnicle »

Disdain the Mundane, directed by Nelson George »

Ali: The Mission, directed by Amani Martin »

The Arnold Palmer, directed by Bryan Gordon »

Jake, directed by Jonathan Hock »

Arnold’s Blueprint, directed by Michael and Jeff Zimbalist »

Here Now, directed by Eric Drath »

Filed Under: 30 For 30, Series, Sports