DAVID SUSSKIND SHOW, THE: TRUMAN CAPOTE TELLS ALL (TV)
Summary
One in this syndicated series (previously known as “Open End” and airing on WNTA) of topical panel programs moderated by producer David Susskind. This program is incomplete and cuts off at the 49-minute mark. This episode, a candid interview with author and socialite Truman Capote, originally aired in February 1979 and has been rebroadcast due to Capote’s death on 25 August 1984. Susskind begins the interview by noting that Capote had lead “two lives,” one as an author and one as an infamous gadabout, and asks why he is given to outrageous behavior. Capote counters that the media seeks him out, rather than the other way around. Susskind makes references to Capote’s infamous 1978 interview with Stanley Siegal during which Capote was clearly intoxicated, and he explains that he was unaware of his actions and had taken a Tuinal without knowing the effect it would have on him. Susskind then brings up an incident at Towson University in 1977 at which Capote allegedly fell of the stage during a reading, but he refutes this as well, saying there was a problem with his microphone and the story was sensationalized after the fact. He dismisses the idea of suing for libel, saying he is not litigious, although he himself is being sued by Gore Vidal, adding that it is “sad that he has to breathe every day.” Susskind then asks about Capote’s obsession with the famous nightclub Studio 54, and he explains his experience with New Orleans cafes and nightclubs and his early days at the Stork Club with Oona O’Neill, saying that Studio 54 is the “most interesting” nightclub in the world. When Susskind inquires about the “absurd” clientele and atmosphere, Capote states that its reputation is exaggerated due to “pure envy” and that it is an “innocent, democratic” place with a diverse crowd. Susskind doubts his “passion for poor people,” but he says that he is a “humanitarian” and seeks the company of all kinds of people, not merely the wealthy.
Susskind then notes Capote’s recent weight loss, and he discusses his interest in sports and exercise. He also admits to planning to have a facelift and explains the details of the process. When Susskind asks if he is “bettering” himself for another person, he denies it, saying he is only in love with himself. Susskind asks whom he loves, and after some deliberation about the term, names Barbara Paley, Andy Warhol, Christopher Isherwood and Norman Mailer amongst his intimate friends. Susskind then asks why he hurt Paley’s feelings by unflatteringly referring to her and her husband William S. Paley in his articles for Esquire magazine, which eventually became the unfinished novel “Answered Prayers.” Capote denies that the Paleys were insulted by the work, saying that only two unnamed people objected to the piece, and without merit at that. Capote and Susskind debate an author’s right to use others’ lives as inspiration, with Capote citing Proust and arguing that a writer can only work from their own experience and observations, and stating that he was completely open about the work the entire time. He then denies that sisters Jackie Onassis and Lee Radziwill were the “prototypes” for the characters in “Prayers.” Susskind asks about the title and about Capote’s own “answered prayers,” including his goal of being a famous writer, and he says that he also had a dream of being a lawyer, due in part to his excellent memory. He then alludes to a failed relationship, saying that it is a common ailment.
Susskind then brings up their disastrous collaboration on a 1968 television adaptation of the 1944 film “Laura,” starring Radziwill, with Capote as screenwriter and Susskind as producer, and on which the critics had a “field day,” criticizing it and Radziwill’s performance harshly. Susskind asks why Capote “engineered” such a disaster, and he argues in support of her performance and notes the program’s high ratings, adding that Americans are notoriously envious and catty and chose to lambast Radziwill out of jealousy over Jackie Onassis’ fame, glamour and “perfect” image. Susskind states that Johnny Carson still teases him about the film, but Capote insists that Radziwill is not bitter. He then discusses how “all pleasures become minor with age” and reveals the many vices that he has given up, having adopted “high standards.” Susskind inquires about his “observance” of the wealthy, and Capote explains how they “cling together” even without liking one another, making references to Norman Rockwell’s well-attended memorial service. He mentions a few rich friends who receive surprisingly little press attention, including racehorse breeder Paul Mellon and businessman Robert O. Anderson, and refers to Paley again, noting his “precise” nature. He also names a few “dreary” wealthy individuals, including the “boorish” Charles Revson, founder of Revlon cosmetics, and real-estate executive Jerome Zipkin. They then move back to discussing Jackie Onassis, whom Capote has known for many years. He also reveals that he is acquainted with Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, the Shah of Iran, saying that the political tumult surrounding him is a “terrible tragedy” and voicing doubt that he is dishonest and personally “looted his country.” He then mentions the exotic food served at the Shah’s home. The program abruptly cuts off after this point. Commercials deleted.
Details
- NETWORK: WNTA-TV (New York, NY) / PBS forerunner
- DATE: November 30, 1983
- RUNNING TIME: 0:50:00
- COLOR/B&W: Color
- CATALOG ID: B:53312
- GENRE: Talk/Interviews
- SUBJECT HEADING: Talk/Interview; Authors
- SERIES RUN: WNTA/Syndicated - TV series, 1958-1987
- COMMERCIALS: N/A
CREDITS
- Jean Kennedy … Producer
- Chet Lishawa … Director
- David Susskind … Host
- Truman Capote … Guest
- Robert O. Anderson
- Johnny Carson
- Christopher Isherwood
- Norman Mailer
- Paul Mellon
- Oona O'Neill
- Jacqueline Onassis
- Mohammad Reza Pahlavi
- Barbara Paley
- William S. Paley
- Marcel Proust
- Lee Radziwill
- Charles Revson
- Stanley Siegal
- Gore Vidal
- Andy Warhol
- Jerome Zipkin