Tru (1992) 1/9

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:

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

[mccheesefries]

Anyone know who is speaking to on the phone? who he refers to as "Mrs. G"?

[erp65]

@mccheesefries -- Ava Gardner, I believe.

[marcusmo1]

I've already watched the entire thing, despite it being 2 AM when I stumbled upon it. It is absolutely amazing, and I'm certain that I'll watch it many time more in the future. It is things like this, a old VHS tape producing a digital opportunity for the entire world, that continues to amaze me about the internet.

[erp65]

@marcusmo1 -- Right, like listening to old radio shows from the '40s ... online. (Which I do.)

[MartiusMCMLVIII]

@mccheesefries I read that Mrs. G was C.Z. Guest, one of the few socialites to stick with him affter his fall from grace.

[photoho1]

@mccheesefries

"Mrs. G." makes me think it's most likely Gloria Guinness as she was one of his "Swans," his group of ultra-fashionable women - along with Babe Paley, Slim Keith, etc. - that were his main "groupies" until his chapters of "Answered Prayers" were published and they dropped him from their lives.

[maggdoodle]

where can i buy this?  i have looked everywhere. Help!

[Grisbi6]

I saw Robert Morse in a road version at the Ordway Theater in St. Paul...what a great performance!

[tallpaul521]

I saw Morse do TRU on B'way in 1990 -- I had 5th row center seats. It was a tour de force!

[corfan99]

erp65: THANK YOU, THANK YOU.

I saw this when it aired on PBS, videotaped it (missing about the first 2 minutes). Played it so much that its tracking is messed up. A fascinating performance, well deserving of his acting awards (at least the Emmy awards. At the time I was pleasantly surprised when he won, never thought they would honor a taped theatrical performance, goes to show they occasionally do get it right!). I wish this would be on DVD - this and the original GIN GAME (Tandy/Cronyn).

[francopancotto1]

You're so lucky, I've tried for years to have it.... but... you know I live in Southern Italy!