EPISODE · Jan 19, 2024 · 52 MIN
Truman Capote and the Black and White Ball (Rewind)
from The Bowery Boys: New York City History · host Tom Meyers, Greg Young
FX is debuting a new series created by Ryan Murphy — called Feud: Capote and the Swans -- regarding writer Truman Capote's relationship with several famed New York society women. And it's such a New York story that listeners have asked if we’re going to record a tie-in show to that series. Well, here it is! Capote -- who was born 100 years ago this year -- and the "swans" are part of the pivotal cast of this podcast, the story of one of the most exclusive parties ever held in New York. Tom and Greg recorded this show back in November of 2016 but, likely, most of you haven’t heard this one.Truman was a true New York character, a Southern boy who wielded his immense writing talents to secure a place within Manhattan high society. Elegant, witty, compact, gay — Capote was a fixture of swanky nightclubs and arm candy to wealthy, well-connected women.One project would entirely change his life — the completion of the classic In Cold Blood, a ‘non-fiction novel’ about a horrible murder in Kansas. Retreating from his many years of research, Truman decided to throw a party.But this wasn’t ANY party. This soiree — a masquerade ball at the Plaza Hotel — would have the greatest assemblage of famous folks ever gathered for something so entirely frivolous. An invite to the ball was the true golden ticket, coveted by every celebrity and social climber in America.FEATURING: Harper Lee, Lauren Bacall, Leonard Bernstein, Frank Sinatra, Robert Frost, Lillian Hellman, Halston, Katharine Graham and a cast of thousands (well, or just 540)Visit our website for fabulous pictures of this star-studded affairOTHER RECOMMENDED LISTENING:The History of the Plaza HotelThe Beatles Invade New YorkLeonard Bernstein's New York, New YorkAt Home With Lauren Bacall Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
What this episode covers
Truman Capote's 1966 masquerade ball at the Plaza Hotel would bring together a most outrageous collection of famous folks -- movie stars, socialites, politicians, publishing icons. An invite to the ball was the true golden ticket, coveted by every celebrity and social climber in America.
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Truman Capote and the Black and White Ball (Rewind)
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