Every good manager knows that bad managers exist, and one of the things bad managers sometimes do is fire people unfairly, or unwisely, and then lie about it. No prospective employer worth his salt will unquestioningly accept a bad report at face value, especially when there are good reports that contradict it.

Start thinking now about people who might give you a good recommendation. Your boss isn't the only one who knows what kind of work you do. Consider coworkers, managers of other departments, former employees (especially those who know what an asshole your boss is), managers of other companies you do business with, people in similar positions in similar companies, and especially, your company's clients or customers. (In fact, it would be a real coup to get a job with your current employer's biggest customer. Then your boss would have to kiss YOUR ass for a change.)

If another good job doesn't materialize right away, do consider taking a temporary or part-time job, even one outside your field, even if it pays much less than what you're making now. Just having something to do, especially if it's something you KNOW you can do well, will do wonders for your self-esteem. Also, you needn't worry about losing your unemployment benefits. You are considered unemployed as long as you are earning less than you did before, and as long as you continue to look for a better job. Your earnings will be deducted from your benefit check, but your eligibility will last longer by the same amount.

And if a miracle should happen -- if you don't get fired after all -- I hope you start immediately looking for another job anyway. Life is too short to let yourself be bullied by assholes.