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March 9, 2020 14 mins

Stanley Tucci tells the story of celebrity revivalist preacher Aimee Semple McPherson who disappeared one day in 1926.

They called her Sister Aimee and she was a powerful figure in the early days of California. Adored by thousands, she embodied the close connection between religion, Hollywood, politics and money.

Right up until she went for a swim one day - and vanished. When she re-appeared weeks later, scandal swirled around Sister Aimee - scandal she could never quite shake off.

California wants to dazzle you with its endless sunshine and visions of the future – but that’s just a mirage.

Stanley Tucci plays a hard-boiled screenwriter uncovering the full truth.

Academic consultant: Dr Ian Scott, University of Manchester

Written and produced by Laurence Grissell

Mark as Played

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