All the President’s Men (1976)
Who is Deep Throat?
As in Woodward and Bernstein’s best seller, Deep Throat is a husky-voiced, rain-slick-wearing chain-smoker (played by Hal Holbrook, a screen vet best known for portraying Mark Twain).
The Scoop
Director Alan J. Pakula is so protective of his Deep Throat that Holbrook’s face is not even visible to Woodward and Bernstein in the film, concealed by shadows from both the characters and the audience.
Throat Quote
“It leads everywhere … Get out your notebook. There’s more.”
Secret Honor (1984)
Who is Deep Throat?
Nixon himself! Whining, blubbering, and viciously ranting in Robert Altman’s film adaptation of the one-man play, the ex-prez (then-unknown Philip Baker Hall) admits that he ratted himself out.
The Scoop
This outrageous monologue written by Donald Freed and Arnold Stone posits an unstable, near-insane Nixon who considers the ultimate cover-up: He wonders if he should kill himself.
Throat Quote
“I orchestrated Watergate!”
The X-Files (1993–2002)
Who is Deep Throat?
A mysterious figure who exposes the government’s UFO cover-ups. According to series creator Chris Carter, the character (played by Jerry Hardin) was inspired by Donald Sutherland’s Throat-ish turn as Mr. X in Oliver Stone’s JFK.
The Scoop
Before this Deep Throat can take Mulder too deep, he’s killed off. The ostensible motive? He stole an alien’s fetus.
Throat Quote
“Trust no one.” Deep Throat’s dying words become the slogan for the show, and a line of geeky T-shirts.
Dick (1999)
Who is Deep Throat?
Two ditzy teenagers, played by teen actors Kirsten Dunst and Michelle Williams (of Spider-Man and Dawson’s Creek). Think Nancy Drew, but flakier, and wearing bell-bottoms.
The Scoop
In this smart satire, Nixon pays off the girls to keep them quiet by appointing them “official White House dog walkers” and “secret youth advisers to the president.”
Throat Quote
“You kicked Checkers,” Dunst screams at Nixon. “You’re prejudiced, and you have a potty mouth!”
Real life
Who is Deep Throat?
W. Mark Felt, former FBI official and 91-year-old granddad, admitted that he was “the guy they used to call ‘Deep Throat.’ ”
The Scoop
Felt’s final cover-up was concealing his plan to go public from Bob Woodward, who had hoped that the two would reveal his identity together.
Throat Quote
“He was tortured inside, but never would show it,” said Felt’s son. “He was not this Hal Holbrook character. He was not an edgy person. [Even though] it would be the most difficult decision of his life, he wouldn’t have pined over it.”