It says a lot about the world we live in now that watching these clips are way better than anything I can find on tv today. Thank goodness I can come watch these wonderful people who actually had something interesting to say. I miss those times.
Totally agree, also Dick had such a relaxed attitude he let guests jabber on no rush, and at times he just had the one guest, I loved his shows, back in the day Dick Cavett was the cool host of talk, I believe he really enjoyed his job.
Consider, though, that there are just two hosts, Cavett and Tom Snyder, who left behind vaults of interesting interviews. A testimony to the vacuity of Americans. And it's only gotten worse.
He wears these funny hats, awful clothes with mismatching colors, and then he opens his mouth and just floors you with the most incredible wit, humor and intelligence. I can never have enough of his talk. I wish he was alive today, bestowing his limitless talent upon us still.
If he “was” alive “today”, that is, earlier on the day you wrote this comment, he would have been dead by the time you actually did write it. “Was” is past tense. I assume you mean “if he were alive today”, but maybe not. I only wish Groucho were better mannered on talk shows.
@@jeffryphillipsburns I'll admit that I'm a card-carrying grammar nerd, but you give us pedants a bad name. Where do you get off coming down on some guy who's making a well-written, thoughtful comment, well above the usual standard of drivel might I say, because of a frankly debatable and unquestionably slavish adherence to an out-of-date grammar rule. Indicative or passive? Either is entirely acceptable these days, and your attempt to be clever merely marks you out as a prat.
Think about this. Where ever on Earth today could you find two giants in the entertainment world, who's careers were so oddly different, speaking about culture, humor, literature, and commedy at the same time!?! This was a golden era. SO glad Dick created a showcase for such tallent!
In "Adventures in the Screen Trade" William Goldman talks about how reality shows (before there was a name for them) were pitched in the early 80s to studio executives, but the studio executives thought they were so offensive and inhumane that those who pitched them were tossed out of the room. On the other hand, all kinds of horrible unspeakable abuse and exploitation was going on that the culture refused to acknowledge, in entertainment specifically, and to a great degree it still refuses to acknowledge. On the surface everything was just fine and decent, but that was a lie. So maybe that's the trade off. We just have to take the honey booboos and all the other psychic garbage that lines the wastebins of the American mind with everything else. There's no debate that there's infinitely more good television out there now, you just have to want to see it.
@@dkizxpt-su3ze These men are all liberals, you schmuck. In fact, in his book The Groucho Phile, Marx says "I've been a liberal Democrat all my life", and "I frankly find Democrats a better, more sympathetic crowd.”
Jim Stewart Groucho was interesting & of course very funny on talk shows. However I’ve noticed in these wonderful old clips that he did enjoy the sound of his own voice a little too much. So much so he would interrupt anyone even the charismatic & equally interesting Capote to turn the topic back to himself. Greatly enjoyed the banter between them including the underrated Cavett.
I dunno, Groucho was Groucho and Capote didn't assert himself. Different personalities and one's an actor and the other isn't. But both HIGHLY intelligent, I enjoyed the show!
Groucho came from Vaudeville where you “hogged the limelight” as much as you could. Capote was a literary genius who wrote one of most compelling and strangest classics ever. He invented a whole new genre of literature. There’s no competition here. Both were masters of their professions.
I know, Groucho was older and I think he had a difficulty with hearing. Truman was gracious but they were both in aw of each other. They had respect for each other.
One of the things I like about Capote is that when the others say something funny and Capote finds it funny he can't resist an authentic laugh. Here he is almost the only one who is really responding to the others. It was part of his magic.
I was a teenager and I watched Dick Cavett at night as much as I could. Saw Groucho many times on late night. Cavett show should have continued much longer than it did. I know who Capote was from seeing him on late night tv and read his in cold blood and saw the excellent movie with Robert Blake.
Groucho slowed down a little but never changed, imho. In the mid-60's he went on "What's My Line?" and created near total chaos, interrupting often, even skewing his blindfold and giving away the identity of the mystery guest. When Dorothy Kilgallen let a double entendre slip during a question he quipped, "My work here is finished." He was funny enough to offset the annoyance, but many WML fans thought he ruined the show.
Groucho was definitely impressed by Capotes intellect. Groucho a very well read and smart man in his own right. I love when Capote says that comedy writing is the hardest form of writing there is. People writing for tv today probably think it's easy, probably because they can't do it. "Mind if I don't smoke?" Groucho
That was a beautiful olive branch he handed Goucho as well Mr. Cavett, as per "comedy writing." I love the fact that they were Sharing their multiual respect for each other. Groucho being self deprecating at one liners, but Capote would not allow that. And Bringing up marriage, Capote just rolled with the punches. Without malice. All in all Goucho kept up and Capote slowed a bit, to let him. At the end, there was only winners, unlike today's world. Wow!!! ❤ Thank you.
I never heard of it till now. Jean Shepherd wrote A Christmss Story. Truman wrote A Christmas Memory. I looked it up on Wikipedia and yes, it does sound like a sweet story. I'm going to buy the book. Thank you.
THis long form discussion is so much better than the commercial driven soundbites that the talk show has become. Only on UA-cam can a host get into material like this anymore. And these geniuses! Holy smokes! They were flirting all along!
Capote never finished that book while living. In fact, it basically led to his death. He was brilliant, but like a lot of people, was his own worst enemy.
A rare meeting of masterminds, discussing the masterminds that inspired them and still setting the standard of excellence more than a half century after the fact.
I don't know what video most of you were watching. I thought Groucho and Truman each gave as much as they got. A wonderful exchange between two 20th century icons.
possible that for most of these people they never really saw Groucho perform. For all of us who've seen him since quite young, we're not gonna have a prob. I agree, this all seems very amicable and I do not understand why people have to complain about this recorded history of two men who made such an impact in the entertainment world.
The problem here is that it was Capote's segment and Groucho had an interview segment of his own just before, so he was a bit rude to tell stories about himself. I attribute this behavior to his age.
This was Grouchos style look at any of his movies, his game show "you bet your life" or when he appeared on "what's my line"...he loved to banter and intergect humor into an otherwise dull talk show format. The exchange with him and Capote at the end was hilarious...when Groucho said to Truman "would you consider this an engagement?" Cavette looked extremely nervous..Capote was calm and jovial when he said "your a little old for me"...Groucho said "I can't give you what you're entitled to" ...that's when Cavette sought desperately to go to commercial, but not before Capote quipped "the best years of your life?"....great final comeback!!
When you compare the guests on this show to today's guests it's so glaringly obvious the difference in character, the gift of gab was so much more prevalent and common.
Capote’s “posthumous novel” line gave me chills.… “either I’m gonna kill it or it’s gonna kill me.” He literally prophesied his end over a decade before it happened.
I have been enjoying Groucho and the Marx brothers since I was a kid about 60 years ago. When I see this elderly man sitting there with his cigar and funny hat, and realize this is the same Groucho who played Otis B. Driftwood, Hugo Hackenbush, Professor Quincy Adams Wagstaff etc------ I'm in awe.
Yep. Too many posters here are not from the era in question or have insufficient understanding about it, and they are misunderstanding what was going on - these two clearly knew each other socially beforehand to some extent and they know exactly what they are doing, AND they get on. Besides, there would hardly have been any other people in the world at the time who could have even gone a single round with Capote on an equal footing (most people were totally intimidated by him) especially if they were pretending to be intellectual, which Groucho was not... ...pretending, that is; he WAS an intellectual comedian of genuine equal rank as an artist with Capote.
@Sudden Arrival Well, of course Marx was a hard-working stage actor/performer, initially probably just to survive -, and a screen actor which back in those days also meant a good deal of actual sweat work, rather than pure brain work. All the same, there are lawyers and modern day scientists and even politicians who might aspire to at least 'some' ability to actually be able to COMMUNICATE verbally... You make a valid point about the arrogance of comedians - that is an aspect of that group. Some much worse than others, much MUCH worse. I have seen other interviews in which Groucho did appear to tend to expose far more academic a style of knowledge and a span of literature than many people would have had even were they to have ever been to Yale!! ...I think he was likely as not, never really practically able to have had any kind of life or career as a literary intellectual, and his comedy was a bit of a smoke screen for who he really was, or perhaps wanted to be at heart. You are of course completely correct, Capote was in a league so rarefied, frankly, that today, he would be utterly dismissed completely, that's how dumbed-down the public has been made - in my view. I simply loved Capote's writing but I didn't think he could ever finish a story and there's my own arrogance on display there!! This video reminds me of a discussion that used to be up on-line but now is not as far as I can tell - between Malcolm Muggeridge and Diana Rigg... Which was simply astonishing.
@@interqward1 Groucho was, as you say, very erudite, and took a keen interest in modern literature. He once met T.S.Eliot at a dinner party in London. They were both keen admirers of each others' work, but Groucho wanted to talk about poetry and Eliot wanted to talk about comedy, and to top it all both their wives were keeping a stern eye on what the husbands were drinking, so...a bit tense all round.
I’m just going to have to walk the streets with my prices strapped to my back … he is so adorably funny. I wish I had lived in that era and met him. I love him. When I read his work now I am floored by his incredible talent. His personality was was just an extra gift beyond that the incredible writing legacy.
I totally agree with you. Groucho was a genius and Truman was a gentleman so the segment worked perfectly through Groucho´s clever remarks anyway. Cool segment.
This is just about the greatest interview and show i have ever seen, such talent and amazing humour, it just doe's something to me which i cannot explain. Thank you for uploading 👍
you dont see this type of wonderful calm discussion anymore. Its always all about the host trying to spin off one liners now it seems. This has been a pleasure to watch.
It's pretty clear to me that Capote enjoyed the whole show. Remember, he was a listener who knew how to get everything he could hout of his sources, and he was willing, to a certain point, to let Grouch carry as much of the conversation as he could. Truman could really kee[a. Conversation going, we'll have to give him that. A brilliant mind.
A talk show in which guests talk about Evelyn Waugh, Henry James & Sinclair Lewis, the first American novelist to get the Nobel Prize in Literature. And it was Groucho & Truman Capote. 😮
Thanks for the response! I'm just sticking up for Groucho, and his adding spice as the great comedian that he is, like his saying how they are whispering etc.! It was all in good fun, and it was entertaining compared to the vanilla interviews (mostly) of today
Capote was at his most coherent (vs. other interviews of the era). His comments on writing under the influence of alcohol or drugs were interesting. And his comment on "Answered Prayers" being his "posthumous novel" was foretelling of the mess it made out his life. And in spite of his age, Groucho was a natural as a talk show guest. He was still very sharp at this time, obviously.
Herein all reproach Groucho for stepping on T's lines. In fact, T, a true gentlemen, reverentially paid homage to his elders, a genius as much as T was. RIP to all three, each of whom possessed an IQ of almost 200
I didn't get that at all. I grew up in the 1950's and 1960's. Everyone knew TC was single. He was a rock star of authors and got a lot of respect for being an eccentric genius. Groucho was famous for teasing everyone. We all knew that, and so did TC. I can't imagine Groucho being jealous of anyone. He had accomplished a lot in his own right.
I recall a funny incident when Truman Capote and Rich Little were on Johnny Carson's Tonight Show. Rich started talking like Capote with hilarious result.
I keep hearing how manners, wit, intelligence and civility were far superior when this was recorded (and I would agree, for the most part), but how was this superior society not able to maintain this decorum and decency in successive generations? What were its weaknesses that caused it to fall apart?
For people with ANY sense of reality at all: it is sooooooooooo obvious that all three of these very very bright people were enjoying themselves immensely on this program. And Truman was a great sport about it all too. and Groucho almost ALWAYS dominated the time before any camera. he was a ham and a BIG scene stealer.
TayInTheWay I see it much differently. Truman's narcissism showed when he said it's okay to drunkenly editorialize after writing the piece sober. To me, that's a confession. His narcissism asked how it could be any other way and concluded it couldn't. Therefore, no drunk ever wrote anything while intoxicated.
This is an incredibly simple-minded thought that any intelligent person should understand is total bs. The type of arrogant thing he's quite famous for and some... people gobble it up.
A lot of these kinds of people like saying things that draw attention for a number of contrasting reasons; my take is that you can't write intoxicated as it would be incomprehensible on the page; it wasn't, so it can only mean they were of sound mind and body.
Silly 70s audience laughing at everything like they do today. Being Groucho of course they thought he's going for a laugh. But they're both serious. And intelligent.
I think as one ages, they have regrest and tend to occasionally reproach themselves regarding what they "could have done" or "should have done." We all have petty jealousies and covet things that don't belong to us. We tend to wish we did better and understood more. As time goes by, we feel we've let ourselves down and become nostalgic. It's quite normal for Groucho to be bitter since his personality was so off the cuff and was always a bit coustic.
Capote made no secret of the fact that he was gay, even in those days. Groucho certainly was baiting him- I suppose to "come out" publically. If you notice Cavett cuts rather quickly to a commercial. Capote deflected Groucho's obnoxious barb rather well I think. Good for him.
It says a lot about the world we live in now that watching these clips are way better than anything I can find on tv today. Thank goodness I can come watch these wonderful people who actually had something interesting to say. I miss those times.
How dare you smote the brilliance of Taylor Swift
Totally.
Try John Oliver - Last Week Tonight - Sunday nights
Ever notice that Dick never interrupts the guests nor does he burst out laughing like a maniac every fine minutes? Pure class.
Yep 100%
AGREED....
Wish he told Groucho to shut up for his crashing interruptions of Capote's talk.
I know I am quite off topic but does anybody know of a good website to stream newly released movies online?
@Wells Leland Flixportal =)
Dick Cavett show was awesome thank God his shows are recorded. This way we can all enjoy people who are no longer with us. 👌
Totally agree, also Dick had such a relaxed attitude he let guests jabber on no rush, and at times he just had the one guest, I loved his shows, back in the day Dick Cavett was the cool host of talk, I believe he really enjoyed his job.
Consider, though, that there are just two hosts, Cavett and Tom Snyder, who left behind vaults of interesting interviews. A testimony to the vacuity of Americans. And it's only gotten worse.
@@nicmart I loved Tom Snyder show too.
He wears these funny hats, awful clothes with mismatching colors, and then he opens his mouth and just floors you with the most incredible wit, humor and intelligence. I can never have enough of his talk. I wish he was alive today, bestowing his limitless talent upon us still.
Did you watch a different interview?
If he “was” alive “today”, that is, earlier on the day you wrote this comment, he would have been dead by the time you actually did write it. “Was” is past tense. I assume you mean “if he were alive today”, but maybe not. I only wish Groucho were better mannered on talk shows.
@@jeffryphillipsburns I'll admit that I'm a card-carrying grammar nerd, but you give us pedants a bad name. Where do you get off coming down on some guy who's making a well-written, thoughtful comment, well above the usual standard of drivel might I say, because of a frankly debatable and unquestionably slavish adherence to an out-of-date grammar rule. Indicative or passive? Either is entirely acceptable these days, and your attempt to be clever merely marks you out as a prat.
@@jeffryphillipsburns You're in a subjunctive mood, aren't you?
Did someone ask, "Which one?"
Think about this. Where ever on Earth today could you find two giants in the entertainment world, who's careers were so oddly different, speaking about culture, humor, literature, and commedy at the same time!?! This was a golden era. SO glad Dick created a showcase for such tallent!
Two giants of wit in one talk show and Cavett was so cool and kept them from killing each other.😅
@@cindymaceda2999 ????
Just think, TV went from this to "Honey Boo Boo" in only 40 years!
In "Adventures in the Screen Trade" William Goldman talks about how reality shows (before there was a name for them) were pitched in the early 80s to studio executives, but the studio executives thought they were so offensive and inhumane that those who pitched them were tossed out of the room. On the other hand, all kinds of horrible unspeakable abuse and exploitation was going on that the culture refused to acknowledge, in entertainment specifically, and to a great degree it still refuses to acknowledge. On the surface everything was just fine and decent, but that was a lie. So maybe that's the trade off. We just have to take the honey booboos and all the other psychic garbage that lines the wastebins of the American mind with everything else. There's no debate that there's infinitely more good television out there now, you just have to want to see it.
😜😝
😄
You made me laugh but it's true I loved Groucho!
What do you mean? 60-70's tv had just as much fast food entertainment.
truman was such a polite guest...never interrupted --just let groucho speak..
Groucho proposing to Capote! Priceless! Why can't today's talk shows be like this?
Because people become stupid and shallow
Political correctness.
Capote was extremely sharp and looked really sharp here.
We have regressed as a society. It clearly evident after watching this
Indeed.Quite sad really when compared to the so called wits we have today.
You can thank Liberals for that
@@dkizxpt-su3ze These men are all liberals, you schmuck. In fact, in his book The Groucho Phile, Marx says "I've been a liberal Democrat all my life", and "I frankly find Democrats a better, more sympathetic crowd.”
@@JPMJPM schmuck is a good description.
and it's by design.
This was when talk shows were interesting. Nowadays they're all about plugging some movie or album. Everyone is too afraid of offending someone.
it's not about offending people, its about making sure your thing is the next thing
Yes sick of people plugging something
Never see rich celebrities come on talk shows warning kids drugs, stop killing each other, just plug something. Sad they have opportunities to do so.
Groucho & Capote. It is fascinating to see two of the most brilliant minds this county has produced having a conversation.
Truman Capote is one individual I would love to go back in time and take to dinner and just ask questions and listen.
He was a nut
Me too!!
You're both easily impressed.
@@charlesyoung2530 you're certainly entitled to your opinion, Sonny.
Truman was so patient with Groucho. That part was about about Truman, and yet Groucho kept making it about himself. I think Truman showed much grace.
Exactly!
Jim Stewart Groucho was interesting & of course very funny on talk shows. However I’ve noticed in these wonderful old clips that he did enjoy the sound of his own voice a little too much. So much so he would interrupt anyone even the charismatic & equally interesting Capote to turn the topic back to himself. Greatly enjoyed the banter between them including the underrated Cavett.
I dunno, Groucho was Groucho and Capote didn't assert himself. Different personalities and one's an actor and the other isn't. But both HIGHLY intelligent, I enjoyed the show!
Groucho came from Vaudeville where you “hogged the limelight” as much as you could.
Capote was a literary genius who wrote one of most compelling and strangest classics ever.
He invented a whole new genre of literature.
There’s no competition here. Both were masters of their professions.
@@clarkgable4113 yep
Indeed true to his word, Truman's novel was published posthumously.
He was a prescient comment. It killed him. 😊
I know, Groucho was older and I think he had a difficulty with hearing. Truman was gracious but they were both in aw of each other. They had respect for each other.
When Dick Cavett had his show, I was much too young to appreciate it. If it were on now, I'd watch it every night.
I love these guys. Nothing like intelligent conversation on TV.
My God! This intellectual conversation is soooo missing today's media.
One of the things I like about Capote is that when the others say something funny and Capote finds it funny he can't resist an authentic laugh. Here he is almost the only one who is really responding to the others. It was part of his magic.
The amount of talent between those 3 is insane. I dont think TV ever had such amazing geniuses in their own fields at the same time ever since.
Truman obviously liked Groucho, they had a good time talking and joshing each other
Not my takeaway.
@@timprescott4634it's obvious
The Dick Cavett Show rocked!!
Oh my... I love Truman Capote... he keeps his cool..
I was a teenager and I watched Dick Cavett at night as much as I could. Saw Groucho many times on late night. Cavett show should have continued much longer than it did. I know who Capote was from seeing him on late night tv and read his in cold blood and saw the excellent movie with Robert Blake.
My 3 out of 4 idols. Groucho, Capote and Cavet. Had Quintin Crisp been there I’d in heaven.
AGREED
*Quentin
I liked Orson telling stories of roaming around Europe alone as a teenager
Well, I can forgive Groucho. He was nearly gone when he did these interviews, which are really a testament to Capote's good manners, I think.
Groucho slowed down a little but never changed, imho. In the mid-60's he went on "What's My Line?" and created near total chaos, interrupting often, even skewing his blindfold and giving away the identity of the mystery guest. When Dorothy Kilgallen let a double entendre slip during a question he quipped, "My work here is finished." He was funny enough to offset the annoyance, but many WML fans thought he ruined the show.
I cannot imagine a conversation like this one on today's "talk" shows and with whom?
Groucho was definitely impressed by Capotes intellect. Groucho a very well read and smart man in his own right. I love when Capote says that comedy writing is the hardest form of writing there is. People writing for tv today probably think it's easy, probably because they can't do it.
"Mind if I don't smoke?"
Groucho
That was a beautiful olive branch he handed Goucho as well Mr. Cavett, as per "comedy writing."
I love the fact that they were Sharing their multiual respect for each other.
Groucho being self deprecating at one liners, but Capote would not allow that. And Bringing up marriage, Capote just rolled with the punches. Without malice. All in all Goucho kept up and Capote slowed a bit, to let him. At the end, there was only winners, unlike today's world.
Wow!!! ❤
Thank you.
@@brianoc1 Sure appreciate your comments. Agree. This was mighty special to watch.
I've always loved Truman. His "A Christmas Story" is the sweetest ever.
I never heard of it till now. Jean Shepherd wrote A Christmss Story. Truman wrote A Christmas Memory. I looked it up on Wikipedia and yes, it does sound like a sweet story. I'm going to buy the book. Thank you.
Truman Capote is so gracious and serious here.
It's called 'maudlin' and it's sickening.
I would have loved to have had coffee with Groucho and just talk. I bet he had a million stories to tell.
I wish I had met him. Truman fascinates me. He is so naturally himself I think he was handsome with a beautiful mind. He is a legend.
Dick was a great host. As for the topic of authors getting drunk to write, I believe Hemmingway said, "Write drunk and edit sober".
Capote "WHO do you suggest that I get married to?" LOL
Three great ones right there. Groucho, Dick, and Truman.
Thank you this was marvelous. Wish I could of watched it live. Love Truman and his Christmas story.
THis long form discussion is so much better than the commercial driven soundbites that the talk show has become. Only on UA-cam can a host get into material like this anymore. And these geniuses! Holy smokes! They were flirting all along!
Dick Cavett was one of a Kind. We'll never see his kind again.
He's still alive!
Capote never finished that book while living. In fact, it basically led to his death. He was brilliant, but like a lot of people, was his own worst enemy.
A rare meeting of masterminds, discussing the masterminds that inspired them and still setting the standard of excellence more than a half century after the fact.
I don't know what video most of you were watching. I thought Groucho and Truman each gave as much as they got. A wonderful exchange between two 20th century icons.
possible that for most of these people they never really saw Groucho perform. For all of us who've seen him since quite young, we're not gonna have a prob. I agree, this all seems very amicable and I do not understand why people have to complain about this recorded history of two men who made such an impact in the entertainment world.
The problem here is that it was Capote's segment and Groucho had an interview segment of his own just before, so he was a bit rude to tell stories about himself. I attribute this behavior to his age.
I agree, Done in a high class, hyper literate Algonquin Round Table style. Two masters of the insult at work. (done with respect, mind you)
This was Grouchos style look at any of his movies, his game show "you bet your life" or when he appeared on "what's my line"...he loved to banter and intergect humor into an otherwise dull talk show format. The exchange with him and Capote at the end was hilarious...when Groucho said to Truman "would you consider this an engagement?" Cavette looked extremely nervous..Capote was calm and jovial when he said "your a little old for me"...Groucho said "I can't give you what you're entitled to" ...that's when Cavette sought desperately to go to commercial, but not before Capote quipped "the best years of your life?"....great final comeback!!
@@gordonowens7794 That was a good one! Truman was so witty!
Those were the days my friend
Thought they’d never end😊
That would make a great lyric to a song . You should go back and finish it .
Hemingway: "Write drunk; edit sober."
Capote: Write sober, edit drunk
Fitzgerald: write a short story drunk, write a novel sober,
When you compare the guests on this show to today's guests it's so glaringly obvious the difference in character, the gift of gab was so much more prevalent and common.
Capote’s “posthumous novel” line gave me chills.… “either I’m gonna kill it or it’s gonna kill me.” He literally prophesied his end over a decade before it happened.
Love when Groucho ask Truman when he's going to get married
“I can’t give you what you’re entitled to. “ ......Groucho to Capote ...😆😂
OK and “the best years of your life!” Is a great retort!
Where is television like this today???
I have been enjoying Groucho and the Marx brothers since I was a kid about 60 years ago. When I see this elderly man sitting there with his cigar and funny hat, and realize this is the same Groucho who played Otis B. Driftwood, Hugo Hackenbush, Professor Quincy Adams Wagstaff etc------ I'm in awe.
These talks were the absolute zenith of talk show history.
This is the most erudite view I’ve ever watched on TV. Didn’t remember how much better it used to be
Truman Capote and Groucha Marx what a pair of legends
Loved the ending, "when you find me someone to marry..." Cavett was on his game. I giggled so much in this clip.
This is an AMAZING talk....Groucho and Capote know exactly everything about each other...they're being cute with each other
Yep. Too many posters here are not from the era in question or have insufficient understanding about it, and they are misunderstanding what was going on - these two clearly knew each other socially beforehand to some extent and they know exactly what they are doing, AND they get on. Besides, there would hardly have been any other people in the world at the time who could have even gone a single round with Capote on an equal footing (most people were totally intimidated by him) especially if they were pretending to be intellectual, which Groucho was not... ...pretending, that is; he WAS an intellectual comedian of genuine equal rank as an artist with Capote.
@Sudden Arrival Well, of course Marx was a hard-working stage actor/performer, initially probably just to survive -, and a screen actor which back in those days also meant a good deal of actual sweat work, rather than pure brain work. All the same, there are lawyers and modern day scientists and even politicians who might aspire to at least 'some' ability to actually be able to COMMUNICATE verbally... You make a valid point about the arrogance of comedians - that is an aspect of that group. Some much worse than others, much MUCH worse.
I have seen other interviews in which Groucho did appear to tend to expose far more academic a style of knowledge and a span of literature than many people would have had even were they to have ever been to Yale!! ...I think he was likely as not, never really practically able to have had any kind of life or career as a literary intellectual, and his comedy was a bit of a smoke screen for who he really was, or perhaps wanted to be at heart.
You are of course completely correct, Capote was in a league so rarefied, frankly, that today, he would be utterly dismissed completely, that's how dumbed-down the public has been made - in my view. I simply loved Capote's writing but I didn't think he could ever finish a story and there's my own arrogance on display there!!
This video reminds me of a discussion that used to be up on-line but now is not as far as I can tell - between Malcolm Muggeridge and Diana Rigg... Which was simply astonishing.
@@interqward1 Groucho was, as you say, very erudite, and took a keen interest in modern literature. He once met T.S.Eliot at a dinner party in London. They were both keen admirers of each others' work, but Groucho wanted to talk about poetry and Eliot wanted to talk about comedy, and to top it all both their wives were keeping a stern eye on what the husbands were drinking, so...a bit tense all round.
@@douglasmilton2805 'A stern eye on what the husbands were drinking...' LOL
no they are not
Groucho and his brothers went back to the before WW1. Priceless humor
I’m just going to have to walk the streets with my prices strapped to my back … he is so adorably funny. I wish I had lived in that era and met him. I love him. When I read his work now I am floored by his incredible talent. His personality was was just an extra gift beyond that the incredible writing legacy.
This is great to see, considering I just finished reading a collection of Lardner's short stories.
These guys are in a class in there own
Thank you for the veido
I totally agree with you. Groucho was a genius and Truman was a gentleman so the segment worked perfectly through Groucho´s clever remarks anyway. Cool segment.
groucho was not near the intellect of Capote
Capote, Marx, and Fowler on one couch. Cavett was a MASTER.
I so wish the talk shows were like this now
great to see Groucho and Truman together
Truman looks so elegant and handsome here. And the bowtie is the crowning touch.
Grouchy was one mean-spirited, jealous jackass.
He tried to demean Truman Capote every chance he got however a smart man trumps a buffoon every time!
This is just about the greatest interview and show i have ever seen, such talent and amazing humour, it just doe's something to me which i cannot explain. Thank you for uploading 👍
"I can't give you what your entitled to!" lol Groucho is a legend!
OK and “the best years of your life!” Is a great retort!
Groucho referring to Truman's preferences in a vey clever way.Not condeming but acknoledging with humor.
@@PC4USE1 💯❤️
WOW - Groucho proposes to Truman Capote
you dont see this type of wonderful calm discussion anymore.
Its always all about the host trying to spin off one liners now it seems.
This has been a pleasure to watch.
Three geniuses wish we had this kind of talent now.. Fallon, not even close
Jim Fowler is a genius?!!!
But he plays games!
I wish we had thoughtful and insightful entertainers and leaders, that’s all long gone sadly.
Conversation with these brilliant people is such a pleasure!!
It's pretty clear to me that Capote enjoyed the whole show. Remember, he was a listener who knew how to get everything he could hout of his sources, and he was willing, to a certain point, to let Grouch carry as much of the conversation as he could. Truman could really kee[a. Conversation going, we'll have to give him that. A brilliant mind.
Groucho loves to hear himself talk
Truman showed grace
Absolutely
A talk show in which guests talk about Evelyn Waugh, Henry James & Sinclair Lewis, the first American novelist to get the Nobel Prize in Literature. And it was Groucho & Truman Capote. 😮
Too intelligent for today's tv audience. What brilliant men.
That pretty much sums it up.
people don't become adults in the same way any more.
Thanks for the response! I'm just sticking up for Groucho, and his adding spice as the great comedian that he is, like his saying how they are whispering etc.! It was all in good fun, and it was entertaining compared to the vanilla interviews (mostly) of today
Capote was at his most coherent (vs. other interviews of the era). His comments on writing under the influence of alcohol or drugs were interesting. And his comment on "Answered Prayers" being his "posthumous novel" was foretelling of the mess it made out his life.
And in spite of his age, Groucho was a natural as a talk show guest. He was still very sharp at this time, obviously.
Cavett loved Groucho and often said he was his favorite guest.
This is when talk shows had guests on who actually had something to say.
My first time hearing Truman's voice and nothing like expected
@Patbuchanan Groucho is fascinated by Capote and is taking the measure of Capote's knowledge with his questions.
Herein all reproach Groucho for stepping on T's lines. In fact, T, a true gentlemen, reverentially paid homage to his elders, a genius as much as T was. RIP to all three, each of whom possessed an IQ of almost 200
Exchange between 8:12 and 8:45 goes beyond classic, it's ethereal.
Just as they were getting in a groove... shows over.
Dick Cavett was the best interviewer and talk show host.
I didn't get that at all. I grew up in the 1950's and 1960's. Everyone knew TC was single. He was a rock star of authors and got a lot of respect for being an eccentric genius. Groucho was famous for teasing everyone. We all knew that, and so did TC. I can't imagine Groucho being jealous of anyone. He had accomplished a lot in his own right.
Yes, but did folks know he was gay?
I'm watching a Woody Allen movie and he makes the Henry James Harry James joke. You can see the influence of Groucho on him.
I recall a funny incident when Truman Capote and Rich Little were on Johnny Carson's Tonight Show. Rich started talking like Capote with hilarious result.
I keep hearing how manners, wit, intelligence and civility were far superior when this was recorded (and I would agree, for the most part), but how was this superior society not able to maintain this decorum and decency in successive generations? What were its weaknesses that caused it to fall apart?
4:45 Groucho does an amazing impression of talking under water.........
+Ren Jay arsehole comment
rob b Lighten up you fucking knob.
Ren Jay CLEARLY your the "fucking knob"
rob b Clearly you can't spell.
Hilarious
Capote's full of it about not being able to write when buzzed.
I love Groucho. He was so funny.
Evelyn Waugh is the name of the English novelist he mentions.
Brideshead revisited. Not much humor.
Truman looks good. It's sad to watch this, knowing how he crashed and burned.
For people with ANY sense of reality at all: it is sooooooooooo obvious that all three of these very very bright people were enjoying themselves immensely on this program. And Truman was a great sport about it all too. and Groucho almost ALWAYS dominated the time before any camera. he was a ham and a BIG scene stealer.
I agree with Capote on writing and drinking. You have to be clear-headed - or mostly clear-headed anyway - to compose a first draft.
TayInTheWay Baudelaire is rolling over in his grave !
TayInTheWay If it wasn't for writing and drinking, there'd be no comments on YT.
TayInTheWay I see it much differently. Truman's narcissism showed when he said it's okay to drunkenly editorialize after writing the piece sober. To me, that's a confession. His narcissism asked how it could be any other way and concluded it couldn't. Therefore, no drunk ever wrote anything while intoxicated.
This is an incredibly simple-minded thought that any intelligent person should understand is total bs. The type of arrogant thing he's quite famous for and some... people gobble it up.
A lot of these kinds of people like saying things that draw attention for a number of contrasting reasons; my take is that you can't write intoxicated as it would be incomprehensible on the page; it wasn't, so it can only mean they were of sound mind and body.
Beautiful Truman
Silly 70s audience laughing at everything like they do today. Being Groucho of course they thought he's going for a laugh. But they're both serious. And intelligent.
Now you see why they don't have the guests sit through each others segment.
I think as one ages, they have regrest and tend to occasionally reproach themselves regarding what they "could have done" or "should have done." We all have petty jealousies and covet things that don't belong to us. We tend to wish we did better and understood more. As time goes by, we feel we've let ourselves down and become nostalgic. It's quite normal for Groucho to be bitter since his personality was so off the cuff and was always a bit coustic.
Capote made no secret of the fact that he was gay, even in those days. Groucho certainly was baiting him- I suppose to "come out" publically. If you notice Cavett cuts rather quickly to a commercial. Capote deflected Groucho's obnoxious barb rather well I think. Good for him.
"Have you ever noticed that everything you hear wrong has a common theme to it?"
Sadly, that may be the last time Ring Lardner's name was mentioned on network TV.