Scarecrow suggests | Like 'The Invention of Lying'? See other Ricky Gervais roles

British comedian/actor Ricky Gervais first became well known in the U.S. with the original version of TV's "The Office." The droll, professional setting is obviously similar to the U.S. version, but the characters create much more cringe-worthy moments than their stateside counterparts. While Michael Scott can summon a bit of sympathy every so often, you'll be hard-pressed to feel anything but an uncomfortable disdain for Gervais' David Brent. His biting performance, which combines pretty much every awful-boss stereotype, creates a satisfying workplace satire that will make you flinch as much as it makes you laugh. Gervais won a Golden Globe in 2004 for his work on "The Office," and the show won for Best Television Series: Musical or Comedy over such shows as "Will & Grace" and "Arrested Development."

In his next TV show, "Extras," Gervais plays an aspiring actor who, thanks to his hapless agent ("The Office" co-creator Stephen Merchant), is stuck in the no-glory role of background player. The series often featured celebrity guest stars playing outside of their perceived personalities with hilarious results. A few of the more infamous episodes star Daniel Radcliffe, Patrick Stewart and Kate Winslet.

Scarecrow also has several import DVDs of Gervais' U.K. stand-up comedy specials.

Gervais cleverly expounds on topics such as evolution in "Animals," weight-loss issues in "Fame," and the puzzling logistics of Humpty Dumpty in "Politics." He also appears on "Alan Partridge Presents the Cream of British Comedy," an "official bootleg" of a 2004 benefit for the Teenage Cancer Trust. The all-star humorist lineup includes Steve Coogan from "Tropic Thunder" and "I'm Alan Partridge," and Simon Pegg from "Shaun of the Dead" and the excellent TV series "Spaced."

Of course, there are numerous movies about the consequences of lying, especially in the name of fame and fortune. Sam Rockwell stars in "Confessions of a Dangerous Mind" as "Gong Show" host Chuck Barris, who, according to the movie, used his job as a creator of lowbrow game shows as a cover for secret CIA missions. It's based on Barris' obviously fictional autobiography, but writer Charlie Kaufman and director George Clooney adapt it completely deadpan as if someone convinced them it was a true story.

Preston Sturges' 1942 film "The Palm Beach Story" is a madcap caper starring Claudette Colbert as a woman who schemes to marry a wealthy man to finance her first husband's get-rich-quick inventions. And Steve Martin and Michael Caine are hilarious as con men doing their best to woo wealthy women in "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" (1988).

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