Truman Capote

Latest News: Limited Series “Feud” Revisits Truman Capote’s Biggest Blunder

The life of iconic writer Truman Capote is being reexamined in FX’s new anthology series Feud: Capote vs. The Swans, produced by Ryan Murphy. Known for his literary works such as In Cold Blood, Capote’s ambition led him to forge close relationships with New York City’s elite, including fashion editor Babe Paley, trendsetter Gloria Guinness, and Jacqueline Kennedy’s sister, Lee Radziwill. However, his decision to expose the secrets of his inner circle in a 1975 Esquire essay resulted in severe backlash. This piece served as an excerpt from his unfinished novel Answered Prayers, which ultimately marked a turning point in Capote’s career, transforming from a promising masterpiece into a source of controversy and personal downfall.

The limited series features an impressive cast, including Tom Hollander as Capote, alongside Demi Moore, Naomi Watts, Diane Lane, Chloë Sevigny, Calista Flockhart, and Molly Ringwald. Viewers can tune in to the eight-episode series starting January 31 on FX and Hulu.

Who Was Truman Capote?

Truman Capote, one of the 20th century’s most celebrated authors, is best known for his groundbreaking works Breakfast at Tiffany’s and In Cold Blood. He was a complex figure whose life story often mirrored the characters in his writings. A brilliant yet somewhat unmotivated student, Capote began his literary career as a teenager, achieving early success in the mid-1940s with a series of published short stories. His 1948 debut novel, Other Voices, Other Rooms, set the stage for his subsequent works, including the iconic Breakfast at Tiffany’s and the pioneering narrative nonfiction piece In Cold Blood. Throughout his life, Capote cultivated relationships with numerous celebrities, including Gloria Vanderbilt and Jacqueline Kennedy. However, his later years were marred by struggles with substance abuse, culminating in his death in 1984, just one month shy of his 60th birthday.

Early Life

Born Truman Streckfus Persons on September 30, 1924, in New Orleans, Truman Garcia Capote experienced a tumultuous childhood. His parents, Lillie Mae and Arch, provided little nurturing, often leaving him in the care of relatives. Much of his early life unfolded in Monroeville, Alabama, where he formed a lasting friendship with future author Harper Lee. Despite their differing personalities—Capote, the sensitive, artistic soul, and Lee, the spirited tomboy—the two nurtured each other’s creativity, unaware of the literary fame that awaited them.

Capote’s family life was fraught with instability. After his parents’ divorce, he struggled with feelings of abandonment and was eventually reunited with his mother in 1932. However, this reunion brought its own challenges; Lillie Mae, now going by Nina, exhibited erratic behavior, oscillating between kindness and cruelty. Her efforts to mold Capote into a more masculine figure led to a tumultuous home life. In 1935, he was officially adopted by his stepfather, Joe Capote, and his name was changed to Truman Garcia Capote.

Capote’s academic journey was uneven. While he excelled in subjects that piqued his interest, he often disregarded others. He attended Manhattan’s Trinity School from 1933 to 1936, where his storytelling ability began to shine. However, Nina’s decision to send him to St. John’s Military Academy during the 1936-1937 school year proved disastrous, as Capote was frequently bullied.

Upon returning to Manhattan, Capote garnered attention for his writing. In 1939, he moved to Greenwich, Connecticut, where he enrolled at Greenwich High School. His vibrant personality attracted a group of friends, and together they frequented clubs and engaged in adventurous escapades in New York City, often evading the constraints of their youth. Unfortunately, as Nina’s drinking problem escalated, Capote’s home life deteriorated. Ultimately, he struggled academically, repeating the 12th grade at The Franklin School (now The Dwight School) after returning to Manhattan in 1942. During this time, he forged connections with influential figures, such as Oona O’Neill and Gloria Vanderbilt, further immersing himself in the vibrant culture of New York’s elite.

Early Career: Short Story Success

Truman Capote’s literary journey began in his teenage years when he secured his first position as a copyboy at The New Yorker magazine. During his tenure, Capote sought to publish his own stories but faced repeated rejections. Eventually, he left the magazine to pursue full-time writing, initiating work on his novel Summer Crossing, which he later shelved to focus on a novella titled Other Voices, Other Rooms.

Capote’s early acclaim came not from novels but through a series of successful short stories. In 1945, editor George Davis selected Capote’s story “Miriam,” which centers on an eerie encounter with a peculiar little girl, for publication in Mademoiselle. During this period, Capote developed a friendship with Davis and became close to his assistant, Rita Smith, sister of the renowned Southern author Carson McCullers. This connection facilitated an introduction, and Capote and McCullers shared a friendship for some time. Capote’s story in Mademoiselle caught the attention of Mary Louise Aswell, fiction editor at Harper’s Bazaar, which subsequently published his dark story “A Tree of Light” in October 1945. Alongside “My Side of the Matter” and “Jug of Silver,” these stories significantly contributed to Capote’s burgeoning literary reputation, opening doors to the New York literary scene.

While grappling with his first novel, Capote received assistance from McCullers, who helped him gain acceptance at Yaddo, a prestigious artists’ colony in upstate New York. During the summer of 1946, Capote worked on his novel and completed the short story “The Headless Hawk,” which Mademoiselle published that fall.

At Yaddo, Capote developed a romantic relationship with Newton Arvin, a college professor and literary scholar. The pair, an intriguing juxtaposition of Capote’s flamboyant charm and Arvin’s bookish demeanor, quickly captivated those around them. That year, Capote’s talent was further recognized when he won the prestigious O. Henry Award for his story “Miriam.”

Books and Screenplay Work

Capote’s debut novel, Other Voices, Other Rooms, was published in 1948 and received mixed reviews. The narrative follows a young boy sent to live with his father in a dilapidated plantation after his mother’s death. The boy navigates a world populated by his enigmatic stepmother, her cousin, and other unusual residents while waiting to meet his father. Critics pointed to aspects of the story, particularly its homosexual themes, as points of contention; however, many acknowledged Capote’s exceptional writing talent. Despite the critiques, the book performed well, particularly for a first-time author.

In addition to the recognition and publicity that followed, 1948 marked another personal milestone for Capote as he entered into a 35-year relationship with fellow author Jack Dunphy, whom he met at a party. The couple traveled extensively during the early years of their relationship, exploring Europe and working on their respective projects.

Following the success of Other Voices, Other Rooms, Capote published a collection of short stories, A Tree of Light, in 1949. Not one to remain out of the public eye for long, his travel essays were compiled into the book Local Color in 1950. Capote’s eagerly anticipated second novel, The Grass Harp, debuted in the fall of 1951. This whimsical tale explores a group of misfit characters seeking refuge from their troubles in a large tree. At the request of Broadway producer Saint Subber, Capote adapted the novel for the stage, enlisting the design talents of his close friend, Cecil Beaton. The play premiered in March 1952 but only ran for 36 performances.

In 1953, Capote ventured into screenwriting, contributing to the film Stazione Termini (later released in the U.S. as Indiscretion of an American Wife), starring Jennifer Jones and Montgomery Clift. During the film’s production in Italy, Capote and Clift formed a close friendship. Following this project, Capote collaborated on the screenplay for Beat the Devil, directed by John Huston and featuring Jones, Humphrey Bogart, and Gina Lollobrigida. His most notable screenplay, however, emerged later when he adapted Henry James’s novel The Turn of the Screw into the 1961 film The Innocents.

Despite his earlier setbacks, Capote persevered, adapting his story “House of Flowers,” centered on a Haitian bordello, for the stage at Subber’s suggestion. The musical premiered on Broadway in 1954, starring Pearl Bailey, with Alvin Ailey and Diahann Carroll in the cast. Despite the cast’s efforts, the production struggled to gain critical and commercial traction, closing after 165 performances. That same year, Capote experienced a significant personal loss with the passing of his mother.

Capote’s fascination with the wealthy elite led him to become a well-regarded figure in high society. He befriended many influential individuals, including trendsetter Gloria Guinness, CBS Television founder Bill Paley and his wife Babe, future First Lady Jackie Kennedy and her sister Lee Radziwill, and socialite C. Z. Guest. Once an outsider, Capote found himself welcomed into lavish circles, enjoying the privileges of yacht cruises and stays at extravagant estates. His love for gossip—both receiving and sharing—shaped his social interactions, inspiring him to contemplate a novel titled Answered Prayers, drawing from his experiences within this elite world.

In 1958, Capote achieved another notable success with Breakfast at Tiffany’s, a novella that depicted the life of a New York City socialite named Holly Golightly, who relied on her relationships with men for financial stability. With his characteristic style and flair, Capote crafted a compelling character and narrative. The film adaptation, released three years later and starring Audrey Hepburn as Holly, disappointed Capote, as he had envisioned Marilyn Monroe in the lead role.

In Cold Blood

Capote’s next major undertaking began as an article for The New Yorker, focusing on the aftermath of the 1959 murders of four members of the Clutter family in Kansas. Accompanied by his friend Harper Lee, Capote sought to explore the impact of the tragedy on the local community. They conducted interviews with townspeople, family, and investigators, striving to piece together the events surrounding the crime. Initially, Capote’s flamboyant personality posed challenges in earning the trust of his subjects. Without tape recorders, he and Lee meticulously documented their observations each day, comparing notes.

As they worked in Kansas, the Clutters’ suspected killers, Richard Hickock and Perry Smith, were apprehended in Las Vegas and returned to Kansas. Capote and Lee seized the opportunity to interview the suspects shortly after their arrival in January 1960. Following their time in Kansas, Capote returned to New York, where his article evolved into the groundbreaking nonfiction narrative In Cold Blood. He maintained correspondence with the accused, encouraging them to share more about their lives and the crime. In March 1960, Capote and Lee returned to Kansas for the trial.

Hickock and Smith were convicted and sentenced to death; however, their executions were delayed by a series of appeals. They hoped Capote could help them avoid execution and were dismayed to learn that the title of his book, In Cold Blood, suggested premeditated murder. The arduous process of researching and writing this nonfiction masterpiece took a significant toll on Capote, both psychologically and physically. He endured a lengthy wait for the conclusion of the legal proceedings, which culminated in the executions of Hickock and Smith on April 14, 1965, at the Kansas State Penitentiary. At their request, Capote traveled to witness their executions, opting not to see them the day before but meeting with both men shortly before their hangings.

In Cold Blood garnered significant critical and commercial acclaim. Capote employed literary techniques typically associated with fiction to vividly bring the true story to life for readers. The narrative was first serialized in The New Yorker over four issues in 1965, captivating audiences with each installment. When published as a book in 1966, In Cold Blood quickly became a bestseller, later inspiring a film adaptation featuring Robert Blake and Scott Wilson in 1967, followed by a television miniseries.

Despite the wealth and fame that In Cold Blood brought him, the project profoundly affected Capote. Delving into such dark themes took a psychological toll, leading him to increase his alcohol consumption and turn to tranquilizers to manage his anxiety. Over the years, his struggles with substance abuse escalated, casting a shadow over his later life and work.

Later Work: Answered Prayers Controversy

Despite his personal struggles, Truman Capote orchestrated one of the most notable social events of the 20th century. The Black and White Ball, held on November 28, 1966, at the Grand Ballroom of the Plaza Hotel, attracted a glittering array of society friends, literary figures, and celebrities. Publisher Katharine Graham was the guest of honor, and Capote specified a dress code that required men to don black tie attire, while women were invited to wear either a black or white dress, with all attendees required to wear masks. A memorable highlight of the evening was the dance between actress Lauren Bacall and director Jerome Robbins.

However, the exuberance of this celebrated affair would soon be overshadowed by controversy. In 1975, Capote published a chapter from his unfinished work, Answered Prayers, in Esquire magazine. Titled “La Cote Basque, 1965,” the chapter unveiled many of his high-society friends’ secrets under the guise of thinly veiled fiction. This act of betrayal deeply hurt those in Capote’s circle, leading many to sever ties with him. Capote expressed surprise and disappointment at their reactions, feeling wounded by their rejection.

By the late 1970s, Capote had shifted his social focus to Studio 54, mingling with notable figures like artist Andy Warhol and actress Liza Minnelli. However, his personal life was fraught with challenges. His long-term relationship with Jack Dunphy was becoming strained, primarily due to Capote’s ongoing struggles with alcohol and drug addiction. Despite multiple rehabilitation attempts, Capote’s substance abuse persisted. Although the physical aspect of their relationship diminished, he and Dunphy remained close, often spending time together in their neighboring homes in Sagaponack, Long Island.

Capote’s final significant work, Music for Chameleons, published in 1980, included a blend of nonfiction and fiction, featuring the novella Handcarved Coffins. While the collection received positive attention, it was evident that Capote was in decline, grappling with addiction and deteriorating health. He never completed Answered Prayers, although an incomplete version was released posthumously in 1987.

Failing Health and Death

In the last year of his life, Capote experienced significant health challenges, including two serious falls, another unsuccessful rehabilitation attempt, and hospitalization for an overdose. He sought refuge in California with his old friend Joanne Carson, the ex-wife of television host Johnny Carson. Capote passed away at her Los Angeles home on August 25, 1984, at the age of 59. Following his death, some of Capote’s ashes were given to Joanne, and upon her death in 2015, his remains became part of her estate. In a final twist befitting the headline-grabbing author, Capote’s ashes were auctioned in Los Angeles in September 2016, selling for $43,750. Darren Julien, president of Julien’s Auctions, remarked, “With some celebrities this wouldn’t be tasteful, but I know 100 percent he would love it. He loved to create press opportunities and to read his name in the paper. I think he would love it that he’s still grabbing headlines today.”

Movies about Truman Capote

Capote’s life has inspired numerous biographies, films, and television adaptations. Journalist Gerald Clarke, after writing a magazine profile of Capote, dedicated years to interviewing him and his acquaintances for Capote: A Biography, which became a bestseller upon its release in 1988 and served as the basis for the 2005 film Capote, in which Philip Seymour Hoffman won an Academy Award for his portrayal of the author.

Additional works about Capote include Clarke’s Too Brief a Treat: The Letters of Truman Capote (2004), Party of the Century: The Fabulous Story of Truman Capote and His Black and White Ball (2006) by Deborah Davis, and Capote’s Women (2012) by Laurence Leamer.

On screen, Capote’s story has also been depicted in the 2006 film Infamous, starring Toby Jones, and the 2021 documentary The Capote Tapes. The upcoming limited series Feud: Capote vs. The Swans, featuring Tom Hollander, dramatizes Capote’s notorious fallout with his New York City society friends and is based on the book Capote’s Women.