Tru (1992) 9/9

From IMDB:

***A recording of a live performance of the Broadway play about two days in the life of Truman Capote during the time of the publication of his controversial story "Answered Prayers" in Esquire magazine in 1975. The one-man show takes place entirely in Capote's condominium in the United Nations Plaza in New York City.

Set during Christmas, Capote talks on the phone to various friends, associates and businesses throughout the play. For the duration of the piece, however, he is speaking directly to the audience, breaking "the third wall," regarding his life, loves, friends, career [...]

Actor Robert Morse, best known for originating the role of J. Pierrepont Finch in the Broadway musical How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying for which he won the 1962 Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical, portrays Truman Capote, and won his second Tony (Best Actor in a Play) in 1990 for his performance in TRU.***

I should add that Morse also won an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or Special for this filmed production.

The play was written by Jay Presson Allen (utilizing much of Capote's own words). Directed by Kirk Browning.

**My apologies for the video/audio quality. This was originally recorded in 1992 using a two-head VCR from a rabbit-eared TV (in Toledo, Ohio, no less!). The VHS I ripped this from is 17 years old! It is what it is. Hope you enjoy it, just the same.**

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• Truman
• Capote
• Tru
• Robert
• Morse
• American
• Playhouse
• PBS
• Emmy
• Tony
• Award
• Broadway
• Biography

[corfan99]

BRAVO erp65!

Thanks again for this awesome treat. I agree with written121, no need to apologize for the quality, it's good, really.

[erp65]

@corfan99 -- So glad you enjoyed it, and thanks for the kind words.

[raul415]

Yes! Thanks soooooo much for posting this. It is one of those performances that illuminate the soul of the person, both the actor and the subject.

Robert Morse had been a broadway hit and then made lots of TV stops but this show really was a gift to Morse, us...and to Tru!

We love you Tru! Long may you wave.

[erp65]

True, true. ;)

[written12]

Thank you so much for posting this. And don't apologize for the quality- it's quite good.

I remember kicking myself for not buying tickets to Morse's performance. I lived in New York(still do) and had no excuse to miss it.

Anyway, Morse gets at the dreaminess and deep sadness that overcame Truman. Gerald Clarke wrote a great biography of Capote. Truman had a mean side, a self-pitying, envious side.. Indeed, he drove away so many of his friends. But the end was sad, wasn't it?

[erp65]

In our end is our beginning. Tragic, yes.

[pamoouru]

I can't thank you enough for posting this! I'm a HUGE Robert Morse fan, and have wanted to obtain a copy of this...how insane that PBS does not have it available for purchase. He's such an amazing talent! A million thank yous for sharing this with everyone!

[adriennejoandoherty]

Thanks so much for posting this wonderful (and rare)piece of work!! I was in the audience the night the performance was filmed for PBS. It is a crime it is unavailable anywhere (including PBS).

Capote, whatever else one may say, had heartbreaking genius.

It really required the sublime talent of Robert Morse to channel this captivating and tragic artist. Wish we could all see more of Morse..beyond his infrequent

turns on MAD MEN.

[Chasson0318]

Totally awesome performance. Thanks so much for posting!

[fabhell1]

I saw this one night late on PBS.  I was astounded then, and am astounded now. This from a Capote fan. Thank you for posting TRU in full!!!

[nailedwit]

If you believe in the crap of astrology...

Truman was a Libra. I went out with a guy, a Libran, just like him. Brilliant and sparkling a personality. Funny and very talented. He drank to excess. I see him in Truman. Gerald Clarke's book is fantastic as is this performance.

Oh how it breaks the heart....for a time.