I do love Groucho, but jeez, he really was craving attention during this show. Kudos to Capote for showing such class and patience with this spot-light hog.
HoustonProductions1 - I noticed that, too, and I enjoyed it! Oh, wait, no...not the unprofessional part, btw...I don’t agree w that, but the casual, conversational aspect...I like it!
Truman is so contained in this. I think it's because he realizes that Groucho was just making himself look bad. I love how Truman just casually flips him off (even if it wasn't intentional).
Groucho was 80 when this was taped. He'd long ago lost his lightning-quick sense of humor---and it was formidable: just watch "You Bet Your Life". All of this looks old, now, but back in 1971, Truman was the most sought-after guest, while Groucho, sadly, was a fading star, and he knew it.
I know Groucho was an icon, but it was Truman's turn to talk. My goodness, the ego(and pushiness) of that Groucho. Let the man speak. He was ever as sharp a genius as Groucho.
Gilbert Gottfried's Groucho Marx impression makes a hell of a lot of sense now, moreso in a panel discussion such as this one than in any other context: rudely interrupting other guests with stories that don't seem to go anywhere, and jokes that fall flat. As a kid, I guess Gilbert didn't find it rude or anything. He would just sit there thinking "What? Who is this crazy old man, and why did they let him on stage?"
I agree with Capote completely. I think you can teach rules, technique, and even style but you cannot teach creativity. I think this is true of all of the creative arts. It's that invisible spark that separates the professional from master, or the well learned from the genius. This isn't to say you cannot improve what is already there, and perhaps Groucho might have become a better writer as he says, but no college course on this planet could have matched the sheer flow of creative wit that was already within him.
Truman dominating the convo??? Hell no! If anyone dominated it, it was Groucho who bullied the convo! I’d tell that Groucho to STFU and learn some manners!!
Note the mics on booms. (In the old days, the top of the frame didn't show on most TV sets.) That's why they sound so good. Whoever invented the lapel mic made TV sound unbearable.
Groucho wasn't being an ass here, he's being himself, just as Capote is eclectic and eccentric in his ways, Groucho is comedic and politely rude in some ways, it's just how he simply is, from years of building his character. I love the Marx Brothers, as well as Capote.
I don't believe he was attacking him at all. If you watch the interview with David Frost, that video makes me think Frost was being a bit unkind to Capote, prying into his private life which was obviously considered the highest of scandals in his time.
+Whoever it's a contradiction meant to build the idea that it's simply part of his character, or his persona. In the films he made with his brothers you see that kind of thing all the time.
I take it as you do not like Capote and you like Todorov instead, well it would be more than useless to start an argument over such a small matter, goodbye sir, I do not have any interest in what you have to say.
is everyone forgetting Groucho is in his 80's here? With his lifestyle and the amount of work he did, the fact he was alive at the time is impressive, let alone conduct and interview. He was only 6 months away from suffering several strokes, and on top of all this, Capote (loved Breakfast at Tiffany's btw) is only in his mid 40's. Give the guy a break.
He was scratching his eyelid. I believe that you are over analyzing this gesture. Kubrick did this often when a photo was taken of him on set of most of his movies.
From what little I know of Capote, I doubt he'd be that covert, petty, or hostile, just in terms of his struggles with his mental health, and his vulnerability. Plus, I think all four men are acutely aware of the fact that they're being paid to entertain, amuse, and enlighten, not bicker, or belittle. People are suggesting in this conversation that Marx's mental health declined severely in his later life. (As did Capote's) Plus Marx's kind of humour was built on put downs, as many forms of humour still are. Complex human beings. And very different from each other.
What a time in TV. Intelligent people from different backgrounds, and of different taste/nature sitting together and having a conversation. Groucho was obviously unaware of what's let's say customary, or "normal" in a setting like this, or he didn't care at his age, so he kept interrupting, dominating the conversation, kinda angling for Capote, but he wasn't disrespectful or anything, and he spoke in a calm, composed manner, and the rest responded really well to it. Class all the way.
What a missed opportunity. I wish Capote had the floor to himself, though I admire his handling Marx’s constant - and unfunny - interruptions with grace.
I adore Capote's personality, especially in this clip. Love his work, his humor, his personality. A very delightful fellow... though Groucho here, personally, I don't care much for, at least viewing him in this clip. Then again, I haven't read that much of his work, as of yet.
On this or carson's show Groucho, who was wearing that hat, asked Truman if he would marry him. Truman: no. Groucho: why not? Truman: because you have three balls.
C'mon. Isn't Groucho's whole gimmick always been about being a abrasive smart ass? When has Groucho never been this way in public? I thought it was obvious Groucho was in character here.
CC-Tron Harpo was a nice person. Groucho was not so nice. It was well known that he was too cheap to even buy a fresh loaf of bread for his family when his Mother sent him to get bread. Here is another piece of info, they acted like that all the time. They hardly ever broke character, which is why the movie studios would put them in cages because they drove them nuts.
when the camera goes to Groucho all I can focus on is that goofy hat!....LOVE this, I would have loved to be in that room with Groucho & Truman....thanks for sharing
What an ingenous observation and so very true hard to believe for many but yes. Many famous ones felt the same & then so hibernated themselves trusting .. only those whom @ times knew not who they were its simple really like a light bulb always on.... eventually burns out ~*~ R.I.P. Mr Marx god bless you & Thanks for the Memories and every single solitary storie I was ever blessed to hear ~;~
i can't understand why people are hating on groucho. he's from a different generation. just appreciate it for what it is...people are too p.c. these days. and, truman capote can hold his own. this is great.
Do you feel that Truman is dominating the conversation?- He did, because every time Groucho opens his keister, you think, wow he's being such an ass to Truman, and he's really not saying anything worth listening to...Truman says 10 words and still stole the show. Just the nature of presence, and Truman knew that game better.
Thank's a lot, and I totally agree!!! If it was someone who had no impact or nothing to say, I'd agree with you to be quiet during another persons interview, but it being Groucho, well he just spices everything up and it's entertaining!!
"do you feel that truman is dominating the conversation?" hahahahahaha I love Groucho, but the truth is that he is being a little annoying here (and I love Truman very much as well) great video, thanks!
Thank you very much for your film recommendation. I rented "A Day at the Races", watched it. A very entertaining picture with some amusing moments. There were certainly no sequences that I could skip; the movie held my attention from beginning to end. Though I don't know if I will like his writings, I still do plan to read Groucho and Me.
The very great of American culture. Truman Capote and Groucho Marx. This who you truly are Americans, and this what you all should embrace. This is what makes Americans the greatest race of people on this planet.
@sleepypoodle Everybody is entitled to an opinion, but it's also important that the opinion take into account what is true and eliminate that which is false. Groucho was not then and is not now out-dated, nor was/is his humor tired and old. Next to Charlie Chaplin he is considered the greatest comedian who ever lived, with enormous talent. According to his bio he was neither bitter nor envious of Capote, he was merely lonely and enjoyed Cavett's show. Groucho should be respected and honored.
I think what everyone missed was that they clash so hard because they are both very similar. Quick witted geniuses in there own fields who do the same thing. they fuck with people Groucho is in your face with it and Truman is a little subtle about it with his almost self caricature flamboyance. in fact they respect each other very much Groucho pays Truman a very nice compliment about In Cold Blood and even purposes to marry him.
It's the scourge of the all permissive culture we've built for ourselves. In the "no child left behind" mentality, which dumbs down academics so no one feels bad, you see it expressed. In the attitude that anyone with a guitar is now considered a genius despite their inability to play it beyond an elementary level, you see it expressed. Everyone's a hero. Everyone's a genius. Everyone's an artist. Everyone's great. And NO ONE tries anymore because of it.
I'm a big fan of Grocho but he was incredibly rude to Cavett and Truman. He just budded into their conversation and Capote barely said anything because he cut him off. and Marx always has plenty of time to talk. wasn't sure if he was trying to insult him.
I completely agree. He got the nickname Groucho at a very young age because of his temperament. I had never really noticed his lack of laughter before... but he was famous for making a declaration at a big Friar's Club do in response to a toast by Goerge Burns to "Charlie Chaplin, the funniest man who ever lived"... he interrupted, "No he isn't! I am the funniest man who ever lived!" Apparently, he was a great improvisor on the film set - and when the Bros were doing the Broadway shows.
lol, I thought that Hoffman exaggerated Capote. but he caught him quite well!
dead on i'd say
lolla ll Too soon.
Stankafucile huh?
"dead" on?
lolla ll hehe - darker than black
I do love Groucho, but jeez, he really was craving attention during this show. Kudos to Capote for showing such class and patience with this spot-light hog.
Truman was in awe of Groucho clearly. 😊
Groucho always did that on talk shows.
He asked permission
This is so unlike modern talk-shows. It's very casual and conversational - almost in an unprofessional way.
+HoustonProductions1 Graham Norton Show is like this
HoustonProductions1 no, like you are joining in a get together of interesting people. Everything now is too calculated.
HoustonProductions1 - I noticed that, too, and I enjoyed it! Oh, wait, no...not the unprofessional part, btw...I don’t agree w that, but the casual, conversational aspect...I like it!
M P - yes, and I really like it! It’s so relaxed and enjoyable!
So... kinda like the modern podcast
Groucho took control over the conversation without even being funny ,Truman behaved like a gentleman.
He seemed fine with it
cavett's joke about truman 'dominating' the conversation was pitch-perfect
It seemed to not disturb bullying Groucho
He had recourse to use it every time he had Groucho on.
That guy with the bowtie does a GREAT impression of Philip Seymour Hoffman...
Proof that a comedy legend can still be a grumpy old man, love the corner eye rub bird flip Capote gives.
Capote was never Grouches equal. They were different entities. Groucho was like Perelman and Mencken. Verbal masters
@richardhead-sw2qc Just a matter of opinion. Capote is a great writer but he lost himself in the showbiz stuff
Reading Capote's biography and already I know so much about him. He truly inspires me to write.
7:22 i want to know what capote was going to say before groucho interrupted him for the millionth time
Truman is so contained in this. I think it's because he realizes that Groucho was just making himself look bad. I love how Truman just casually flips him off (even if it wasn't intentional).
Oh it was intentional...I opine lol
I kept expecting Capote to say something to Groucho to shut him up, but he remained sublimely calm and polite
He did discreetly flip him the bird at 5:18, though.
Me too! But, Truman did give him the middle finger
Capote will only be a moment while Groucho will be forever
Wow what a stupid reply!@@leonarddonald2093
Groucho was 80 when this was taped. He'd long ago lost his lightning-quick sense of humor---and it was formidable: just watch "You Bet Your Life". All of this looks old, now, but back in 1971, Truman was the most sought-after guest, while Groucho, sadly, was a fading star, and he knew it.
I know Groucho was an icon, but it was Truman's turn to talk. My goodness, the ego(and pushiness) of that Groucho. Let the man speak. He was ever as sharp a genius as Groucho.
This is what Batman v Superman should have been.
Is your first name that thing you put in guacamole?
David Farcas ?
in all kinds of dips
Marc Chaudry ...i stand by your confusion. 1 year after the fact.
Marc C. Buenísimo
Wow Hoffman nailed Capote's mannerisms. That's uncanny.
Gilbert Gottfried's Groucho Marx impression makes a hell of a lot of sense now, moreso in a panel discussion such as this one than in any other context: rudely interrupting other guests with stories that don't seem to go anywhere, and jokes that fall flat. As a kid, I guess Gilbert didn't find it rude or anything. He would just sit there thinking "What? Who is this crazy old man, and why did they let him on stage?"
Anyone else feel that there aren't enough clips of Capote on youtube? I'm hardpressed to find more interviews with him...
Sad, but true!
There is the one where he was drunk and incoherent.
Watching this is a confirmation that Philip Seymour Hoffman is an outstanding actor.
I love Truman. I wish I could travel back in time to meet him.
5:20 Capote gives him the finger! Hilarious! :-D
good catch. Probably why Groucho kept talking so much just to take away Capote's time.
How cute was Truman!
I can't imagine what it'd be like to have Groucho on one side of you and Truman on the other.
That's a lot of sarcasm...ego central lol
I agree with Capote completely. I think you can teach rules, technique, and even style but you cannot teach creativity. I think this is true of all of the creative arts. It's that invisible spark that separates the professional from master, or the well learned from the genius. This isn't to say you cannot improve what is already there, and perhaps Groucho might have become a better writer as he says, but no college course on this planet could have matched the sheer flow of creative wit that was already within him.
"Do you feel that Truman is dominating the conversation?"
Off course no.....
Truman dominating the convo??? Hell no! If anyone dominated it, it was Groucho who bullied the convo! I’d tell that Groucho to STFU and learn some manners!!
Rather!
@@urgfswallows can you take a joke
This is TV you don't see anymore. Love it.
What a great lineup with our American treasures. Awesome. Dick is a very lucky fellow.
Note the mics on booms. (In the old days, the top of the frame didn't show on most TV sets.) That's why they sound so good. Whoever invented the lapel mic made TV sound unbearable.
Cavett was the last of his kind. Smart, articulate, witty and a brilliant host.
Disliked Groucho, but thoroughly enjoyed Capote's insights and verbal exchange.
I love Groucho and The Marx Brothers.
I also like Truman Capote.
And Dick Cavett was the best of ALL Talk Shows....to this day!!!
When you've experienced what real talent is, and see what they call stars and entertainment now.......
Groucho wasn't being an ass here, he's being himself, just as Capote is eclectic and eccentric in his ways, Groucho is comedic and politely rude in some ways, it's just how he simply is, from years of building his character. I love the Marx Brothers, as well as Capote.
I don't believe he was attacking him at all. If you watch the interview with David Frost, that video makes me think Frost was being a bit unkind to Capote, prying into his private life which was obviously considered the highest of scandals in his time.
+Whoever it's a contradiction meant to build the idea that it's simply part of his character, or his persona. In the films he made with his brothers you see that kind of thing all the time.
+Whoever it's just his character.
+Just Curious: I don't understand what you mean about Hoffman. Would you explain please.
Groucho did this on other shows (see What's My Line,) when someone else was getting the focus. He was selfish, genius but arrogant.
dam this dude does sound like Ziro the Hutt, also "And I SAID WHAT ABOUT, BREAKFAST AT TIFFANYS"
If only my generation of variety talk-shows featured guests and conversations such as these.
5:18 graciously giving the finger to groucho for being an ass. what a character Truman Capote was
And Capote jumps up another ten steps on the awesomeness meter.
I take it as you do not like Capote and you like Todorov instead, well it would be more than useless to start an argument over such a small matter, goodbye sir, I do not have any interest in what you have to say.
I've watched this twice.. fascinating how he strolls on..never seen anything quite like it.
BOTH Toby Jones and Phillip Seymour were spot on, in different way. If you haven't seen 'Infamous' - the OTHER Truman Capote film - it's worth seeing.
Wow I just came here to listen to his voice since I was watching Capote with Philip Seymour Hoffman, dude he's the best!
Truman and Groucho on the same panel is a treasure regardless of who dominates the conversation. I thought I'd hear more Truman, though.
is everyone forgetting Groucho is in his 80's here? With his lifestyle and the amount of work he did, the fact he was alive at the time is impressive, let alone conduct and interview. He was only 6 months away from suffering several strokes, and on top of all this, Capote (loved Breakfast at Tiffany's btw) is only in his mid 40's. Give the guy a break.
8:00 - Profound, stunning, completely unexpected last line by Groucho. Catches everyone off guard. Not done for effect but a show-stopper nonetheless.
absolutely rehearsed but absolute genius
Did anyone notice Truman subconsciously give Groucho the middle finger at 4:28
No. Not at all. I watched it three times and don't know what you're talking about.
at 5:20
Nowicki222 There you go! Thank you!
I doubt that was subconscious. Capote was smarter than that.
He was scratching his eyelid. I believe that you are over analyzing this gesture. Kubrick did this often when a photo was taken of him on set of most of his movies.
From what little I know of Capote, I doubt he'd be that covert, petty, or hostile, just in terms of his struggles with his mental health, and his vulnerability. Plus, I think all four men are acutely aware of the fact that they're being paid to entertain, amuse, and enlighten, not bicker, or belittle.
People are suggesting in this conversation that Marx's mental health declined severely in his later life. (As did Capote's) Plus Marx's kind of humour was built on put downs, as many forms of humour still are.
Complex human beings. And very different from each other.
What a time in TV. Intelligent people from different backgrounds, and of different taste/nature sitting together and having a conversation. Groucho was obviously unaware of what's let's say customary, or "normal" in a setting like this, or he didn't care at his age, so he kept interrupting, dominating the conversation, kinda angling for Capote, but he wasn't disrespectful or anything, and he spoke in a calm, composed manner, and the rest responded really well to it. Class all the way.
Ahhh....this is a fine example of the old-school art of communication. There's so much between the lines here!
Love them all
Dick cavet still the best
What a missed opportunity. I wish Capote had the floor to himself, though I admire his handling Marx’s constant - and unfunny - interruptions with grace.
Agreed, and I'm a fan of them both.
TayInTheWay Marx was clearly uncomfortable being with a gay man on stage
If im ever unfunny just shoot me. I personally think marx is okay like please
Capote war ein feiner Mensch, er steht über den Dingen. Groucho selbstverliebt.
english please
"Capote was a fine man, he stood for things. Groucho was in love with himself."
I could see brando playing truman back in the day,, but hoffman and jones both nailed it
Trman had such beautiful eyes!
Check Truman's finger at 5:18. Was he sending a message to Groucho? What do you think?
Yes
He's the best damn thing in this interview, and who in the hell are you to insult greatness??!!!
I adore Capote's personality, especially in this clip. Love his work, his humor, his personality. A very delightful fellow... though Groucho here, personally, I don't care much for, at least viewing him in this clip. Then again, I haven't read that much of his work, as of yet.
On this or carson's show Groucho, who was wearing that hat, asked Truman if he would marry him. Truman: no. Groucho: why not? Truman: because you have three balls.
C'mon. Isn't Groucho's whole gimmick always been about being a abrasive smart ass? When has Groucho never been this way in public? I thought it was obvious Groucho was in character here.
It was not just a character for him. It was him.
Tonya Brooks I doubt it. No more than Harpo was Harpo every time he was on camera.
CC-Tron Harpo was a nice person. Groucho was not so nice. It was well known that he was too cheap to even buy a fresh loaf of bread for his family when his Mother sent him to get bread. Here is another piece of info, they acted like that all the time. They hardly ever broke character, which is why the movie studios would put them in cages because they drove them nuts.
Tonya Brooks Did you know him?
CC-Tron
I have watched enough of him and about him and the rest of them to understand his nature.
the voices of only 2 i no of that sound practically the very same and both brilliant geniuses to boot !!!!!!!
It's interesting to read the comments and see how polarizing this clip is
when the camera goes to Groucho all I can focus on is that goofy hat!....LOVE this, I would have loved to be in that room with Groucho & Truman....thanks for sharing
What a crashing bore Groucho is here
Sam Reeves Or as Holly Golightly would say, "And a THUMPING bore!"
At about 5:20, did Capote give Groucho the finger (albeit, ever so subtly)????
This is epic!!!!!!!! 💟
i think brando and him equally fasinating to listen to !! voices of mystique !!!
Great to see. The previous guest, no matter who it is, now stays quiet on talk shows, but this was a different time.
What an ingenous observation and so very true hard to believe for many but yes. Many famous ones felt the same & then so hibernated themselves trusting .. only those whom @ times knew not who they were its simple really like a light bulb always on.... eventually burns out ~*~ R.I.P. Mr Marx god bless you & Thanks for the Memories and every single solitary storie I was ever blessed to hear ~;~
Groucho can't switch off his personallity just because Tru shows up!
i can't understand why people are hating on groucho. he's from a different generation. just appreciate it for what it is...people are too p.c. these days. and, truman capote can hold his own. this is great.
Thank's a lot, and Whats my Line is really great too!!!!!
Search "Examination - A Day At The Races" .
Hope you enjoy.
Do you feel that Truman is dominating the conversation?- He did, because every time Groucho opens his keister, you think, wow he's being such an ass to Truman, and he's really not saying anything worth listening to...Truman says 10 words and still stole the show. Just the nature of presence, and Truman knew that game better.
yes very high resolution there !!
Fascinating, supine yet aggressive, and tragic. I loved “In Cold Blood” (book), too…
Thank's a lot, and I totally agree!!! If it was someone who had no impact or nothing to say, I'd agree with you to be quiet during another persons interview, but it being Groucho, well he just spices everything up and it's entertaining!!
Gilbert nailed his Groucho impression lmao
Look how classy talk shows were those days
I really miss Grouho and Truman .
Groucho made an amazing comment on Vietnam right at the end. Life long liberal. Loved that man.
Holy shit, what a dialogue.
yes he was very intrigingly brilliant !!
"do you feel that truman is dominating the conversation?" hahahahahaha I love Groucho, but the truth is that he is being a little annoying here (and I love Truman very much as well) great video, thanks!
"You don't have a rat you're not using?"
Do YOU?
Groucho is a legend old here now a bit goofy here now in old age .
Thank you very much for your film recommendation. I rented "A Day at the Races", watched it. A very entertaining picture with some amusing moments. There were certainly no sequences that I could skip; the movie held my attention from beginning to end. Though I don't know if I will like his writings, I still do plan to read Groucho and Me.
The very great of American culture. Truman Capote and Groucho Marx. This who you truly are Americans, and this what you all should embrace. This is what makes Americans the greatest race of people on this planet.
All I can say is Boom Mic.
Remember, Groucho Marx was 81 in this.
Cute voice Truman!
@sleepypoodle Everybody is entitled to an opinion, but it's also important that the opinion take into account what is true and eliminate that which is false. Groucho was not then and is not now out-dated, nor was/is his humor tired and old. Next to Charlie Chaplin he is considered the greatest comedian who ever lived, with enormous talent. According to his bio he was neither bitter nor envious of Capote, he was merely lonely and enjoyed Cavett's show. Groucho should be respected and honored.
I think what everyone missed was that they clash so hard because they are both very similar. Quick witted geniuses in there own fields who do the same thing. they fuck with people Groucho is in your face with it and Truman is a little subtle about it with his almost self caricature flamboyance. in fact they respect each other very much Groucho pays Truman a very nice compliment about In Cold Blood and even purposes to marry him.
goodness, hostility. I was watching this thinking "such greats all in one place, amazing" and then I see the comments.
It's the scourge of the all permissive culture we've built for ourselves. In the "no child left behind" mentality, which dumbs down academics so no one feels bad, you see it expressed. In the attitude that anyone with a guitar is now considered a genius despite their inability to play it beyond an elementary level, you see it expressed. Everyone's a hero. Everyone's a genius. Everyone's an artist. Everyone's great. And NO ONE tries anymore because of it.
@kubkins Ha, I saw the finger too! I think it was probably deliberate -- from his body language, I didn't think Truman was too thrilled with Groucho.
Groucho was calling him a fruit and Truman was saying he's a hard to get fruit.
he was a real baby boy who was percieved much as a child wearing a mansuit !!!!!!
Philip Seymore Hoffman
I'm a big fan of Grocho but he was incredibly rude to Cavett and Truman. He just budded into their conversation and Capote barely said anything because he cut him off. and Marx always has plenty of time to talk. wasn't sure if he was trying to insult him.
You tell 'em Groucho...tell 'em who commands the stage!
This guy was a genious.
I completely agree. He got the nickname Groucho at a very young age because of his temperament. I had never really noticed his lack of laughter before... but he was famous for making a declaration at a big Friar's Club do in response to a toast by Goerge Burns to "Charlie Chaplin, the funniest man who ever lived"... he interrupted, "No he isn't! I am the funniest man who ever lived!" Apparently, he was a great improvisor on the film set - and when the Bros were doing the Broadway shows.
Love me some groucho.
was brando famous ????wow thanx 4 clearin all that up !!
i just watched infamous last night,toby jones is an absolute genuis.