Truman & Groucho talk about animals

Add "&fmt=18" for the high-resolution version. From THE DICK CAVETT SHOW. May 25, 1971.

[@Arjetube]

lol, I thought that Hoffman exaggerated Capote. but he caught him quite well!

[@lolla909]

dead on i'd say

[@NiceGuyPCTV]

lolla ll Too soon.

[@lolla909]

Stankafucile huh?

[@NiceGuyPCTV]

"dead" on?

[@Arjetube]

lolla ll hehe - darker than black

[@SelenaxKorixFeltisk]

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).

[@krisscanlon4051]

Oh it was intentional...I opine lol

[@papavb]

cavett's joke about truman 'dominating' the conversation was pitch-perfect

[@clintcalvert9250]

It seemed to not disturb bullying Groucho

[@jeffryphillipsburns]

He had recourse to use it every time he had Groucho on.

[@kirbygene]

I kept expecting Capote to say something to Groucho to shut him up, but he remained sublimely calm and polite

[@rougaroi178]

He did discreetly flip him the bird at 5:18, though.

[@EdwardCheek]

Me too! But, Truman did give him the middle finger

[@leonarddonald2093]

Capote will only be a moment while Groucho will be forever

[@yogadr6]

Wow what a stupid reply!​@@leonarddonald2093

[@SirWilly77]

That guy with the bowtie does a GREAT impression of Philip Seymour Hoffman...

[@coryrockster123]

Reading Capote's biography and already I know so much about him. He truly inspires me to write.

[@immaculateboy]

Anyone else feel that there aren't enough clips of Capote on youtube? I'm hardpressed to find more interviews with him...

[@WalterJoergLangbein]

Sad, but true!

[@Shazzadut1]

There is the one where he was drunk and incoherent.

[@briteness]

"Do you feel that Truman is dominating the conversation?"

[@lizardfromoutaspace5881]

Off course no.....

[@urgfswallows]

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!!

[@user-xs3og8us3d]

Rather!

[@adonaiyah2196]

@@urgfswallows can you take a joke

[@Abderian]

I can't imagine what it'd be like to have Groucho on one side of you and Truman on the other.

[@krisscanlon4051]

That's a lot of sarcasm...ego central lol

[@penelopedinkledongs.1481]

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.

[@user-ke8st8jc1v]

Groucho took control over the conversation without even being funny ,Truman behaved like a gentleman.

[@cheric35]

He seemed fine with it

[@dani.892]

7:22 i want to know what capote was going to say before groucho interrupted him for the millionth time

[@MrThesheenster]

How cute was Truman!

[@afvet5075]

What a great lineup with our American treasures. Awesome. Dick is a very lucky fellow.

[@accidentalfilms]

This is TV you don't see anymore. Love it.

[@Arthur_McGowan]

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.

[@boccs9925]

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.

[@soeren2301]

5:20 Capote gives him the finger! Hilarious! :-D

[@joshuaa3075]

good catch. Probably why Groucho kept talking so much just to take away Capote's time.

[@tTheParakeet]

Elton John has some funny ancedotes about Groucho. They were friends. He and Groucho went to see movies together.

[@PiCheZvara]

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.

[@gregorcollins]

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.

[@billermans]

Wow I just came here to listen to his voice since I was watching Capote with Philip Seymour Hoffman, dude he's the best!

[@PhilMataonYT]

If only my generation of variety talk-shows featured guests and conversations such as these.

[@CC-Tron]

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.

[@TonyaB005]

It was not just a character for him. It was him.

[@CC-Tron]

Tonya Brooks I doubt it. No more than Harpo was Harpo every time he was on camera.

[@TonyaB005]

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.

[@CC-Tron]

Tonya Brooks Did you know him?

[@TonyaB005]

CC-Tron I have watched enough of him and about him and the rest of them to understand his nature.

[@SweetSweetWaldo]

Truman and Groucho on the same panel is a treasure regardless of who dominates the conversation. I thought I'd hear more Truman, though.

[@TayInTheWay]

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.

[@Goomer]

Agreed, and I'm a fan of them both.

[@pip12111]

TayInTheWay Marx was clearly uncomfortable being with a gay man on stage

[@adonaiyah2196]

If im ever unfunny just shoot me. I personally think marx is okay like please

[@GeetarAdam]

Ahhh....this is a fine example of the old-school art of communication. There's so much between the lines here!

[@Rayoscope]

8:00 - Profound, stunning, completely unexpected last line by Groucho. Catches everyone off guard. Not done for effect but a show-stopper nonetheless.

[@porkfrog2785]

absolutely rehearsed but absolute genius

[@dayonmage3946]

Disliked Groucho, but thoroughly enjoyed Capote's insights and verbal exchange.

[@gustavo_oviedo]

5:18 graciously giving the finger to groucho for being an ass. what a character Truman Capote was

[@masonmuffoletto]

And Capote jumps up another ten steps on the awesomeness meter.

[@gustavo_oviedo]

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.

[@stevenewart3873]

Did anyone notice Truman subconsciously give Groucho the middle finger at 4:28

[@jbauer72]

No. Not at all. I watched it three times and don't know what you're talking about.

[@Nowicki222]

at 5:20

[@jbauer72]

Nowicki222 There you go! Thank you! I doubt that was subconscious. Capote was smarter than that.

[@wishmaster7438]

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.

[@cacampbell3654]

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.

[@LynnNeumann]

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.

[@JuneLynn]

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

[@HeadoftheSeniorClass-en6qp]

Great to see. The previous guest, no matter who it is, now stays quiet on talk shows, but this was a different time.

[@ursmue1937]

Capote war ein feiner Mensch, er steht über den Dingen. Groucho selbstverliebt.

[@Obinn77]

english please

[@ZacLavender]

"Capote was a fine man, he stood for things. Groucho was in love with himself."

[@b13992845]

I could see brando playing truman back in the day,, but hoffman and jones both nailed it

[@cherylb2008]

Love them all Dick cavet still the best

[@Jack-hq4yq]

It's interesting to read the comments and see how polarizing this clip is

[@tamipierce2143]

the voices of only 2 i no of that sound practically the very same and both brilliant geniuses to boot !!!!!!!

[@dabigdikdangler]

Groucho was calling him a fruit and Truman was saying he's a hard to get fruit.

[@wordofswords5386]

dam this dude does sound like Ziro the Hutt, also "And I SAID WHAT ABOUT, BREAKFAST AT TIFFANYS"

[@aadov]

Fascinating, supine yet aggressive, and tragic. I loved “In Cold Blood” (book), too…

[@tamipierce2143]

he was a real baby boy who was percieved much as a child wearing a mansuit !!!!!!

[@pamcornelius9122]

It looks like Truman is subtly flipping Groucho off at the 5:19 mark.

[@LynnNeumann]

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.

[@michaelbrownlee9497]

Holy shit, what a dialogue.

[@sofialarsson5320]

Cute voice Truman!

[@samactone]

At about 5:20, did Capote give Groucho the finger (albeit, ever so subtly)????

[@Rube2zday]

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 ~;~

[@solephonic]

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.

[@ogservicelast4799]

The guy next to Groucho is Jim Fowler who used to always go to wrestle the anaconda while Marlin stayed in the boat.

[@Djm8520]

The reason Groucho’s lines are falling flat is he’s getting absolutely no help from Cavett.

[@leonard7310]

wow, the end of the clip says a lot. He quotes General MacAurthur,

[@dionisioiacobelli6689]

I really miss Grouho and Truman .

[@maddie2446]

I hate how rude Groucho is, Capote is a talented, fascinating person, I could listen to him talk for hours and hours about life because he was truly stunning. Let him speak

[@elvicare35]

Thank's a lot, and Whats my Line is really great too!!!!!

[@johnbrinkman2172]

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.

[@TryTheBLT]

@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.

[@tamipierce2143]

yes he was very intrigingly brilliant !!

[@cirosuperiore]

GROUCHO is like that obnoxious uncle who' s got a million stories to tell, most of them made up. but he's also the guy that you gotta have at every social event because he's the only one that makes everybody laugh

[@moonbeamskies3346]

Except here he wasn't respecting Truman.

[@InspectorKen88]

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.

[@matooli]

Gotta love Groucho... basically at the point in his life here where he couldn't have cared less about being bored shitless on a talk show and thought 'fuck it, I've got to do SOMETHING to get the people laughing'. Thanks for posting this and all the other Cavett footage, all in all a fantastic glimpse into a (sadly) long-gone era.

[@HCShannon]

I like Groucho's hat

[@opencurtin]

Groucho is a legend old here now a bit goofy here now in old age .

[@tamipierce2143]

yes very high resolution there !!

[@AJRoman]

Nah, I'm not going to bash Capote, I mean the guy was a literary genius after all, and the creator of a wide trend of opinion. You, on the other hand I would bash, I don't see any kind of redeeming quality in you, except, of course, your absolutely awesome ability to burst your vein. I won't, however, cause I just love guys like you who explode so easily on pages like youtube and start insulting, I mean, you're the spice of the internet! Keep on rocking, little man.

[@magicpen6666]

groucho is great here, the disregard for propriety is part of his shtick, his humor was always so much more fluid and natural than other comics. he doesn't act funny - he is funny.

[@cacampbell3654]

"Disregard for propriety"! Appreciate your comment and perspective!

[@brianradomski]

My God truman fingers his eye with his middle finger while replying back to groucho

[@smashbox6000]

Truman Capote was the best

[@Fantazunique1962]

Was it just me or did Truman flip ol' Groucho off at one point? Now that was totally subtle and very well planned if you ask me!!! LOL!!!

[@step3892]

Check Truman's finger at 5:18. Was he sending a message to Groucho? What do you think?

[@pamcornelius9122]

Yes

[@mickycee64]

wow!,Philip seymour Hoffman really nailed Capote’!

[@andyjones6248]

MacArthur made that comment about never fighting a land war in Asia to JFK, not Truman.

[@thepegasuskid4186]

My God, Groucho is nearly insufferable here. This video should be retitled as, "Groucho talks over everyone"

[@nanaberry4120]

Well, he was 150 years old in this video, so....

[@stinkycatz]

BURN !!!!!!!

[@frisco21]

Capote was completely cowed by Groucho. I find that surprising considering Capote possessed considerable intellectual chops and should have been able to fend off Groucho's mean-spirited barbs. But in this clip his intimidation is palpable.

[@dextermanzy4898]

Capote seems like a real cool dude.

[@takineko]

I saw another clip from this same interview where Groucho and Capote were getting along just fine. Groucho likes to tease, but he seems to really like Capote.

[@Misa_Susaki]

One by one, everyone crossed their legs.

[@jcee6886]

Philip Seymore Hoffman

[@seanmoran1894]

"Groucho Abuses Truman In an Old School Way" should be the title of this video... LMAO!!!! :))

[@SpeedCrits]

This guy was a genious.

[@bonfid]

Truman can take care of himself, he does just fine. Groucho was a well known curmudgeon.

[@LenHummelChannel]

Yep. That's THE GROUCH for you. an amazing, sardonic wit.

[@dmitrymartirosov]

Groucho and his stupid hat go hand in hand perfectly.

[@michaelcastro6731]

Enligtening conversation, but is it me or does Groucho sound like ' Roy Scheider' I love it you when Groucho says' You don't have a rat your not using' No Truman replies, I have 2 cats and a dog' Do they mate? 'Not with each other no' Brillant!

[@wwjudasdo]

Two "type A's" head to head. Standard entertainment for the short attention span inclined. Used with pervasive intensity to this day.

[@xwidget]

Watch carefully, Truman's response at 5:19

[@tabber87]

"He talks very softly this man." LMFAO

[@alleycatjones]

Truman taught himself how to read at 5 years old...When you are that smart, you can afford to be strange...swag...blessings

[@BrianMChampion]

I'm wondering if General Tso (of Chinese Buffet fame) ever said, "Never fight an air war in the west."

[@GripzNGatz]

His name is Groucho for a reason

[@CadillacL]

@AlcinoustheXIIth Tell me about it! I'd only seen Truman from the Dean Martin Roasts. I was floored of how Hoffman was dead on!

[@willisknapick4405]

This show would lose nothing if Groucho wasn't there.

[@mickigoe]

Great comment. Truman Capote is the greatest American writer of the last 100 years . He could have put down that clown with an acerbic remark or two but it would be like shooting fish in a barrel. Truman is class ; Groucho is crass.

[@lakeseminole]

Capote wanted to shove that cigar up Groucho's behind! And, I don't blame him. Notice how Capote touches his face all of the time.

[@SteauaBucuresti]

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.

[@AirForceFalcons_9922]

Phillip Seymour Hoffman as Capote still Phillip portraying Capote. However, Toby Jones playing Capote didn't take long for me to "see" Truman. It was like you didn't know where Capote began and Toby ended or vice versa. Toby deserved an Academy Award for his role in "Infamous".

[@Sheldonwh]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but is Capote flipping off Groucho at marker 5:19??! I think he's fed up with being interrupted by the old fart.

[@allxtarmusic]

conan is the only talk show I watch, and the only one worth watching. Talk show format is obsolete because people can't be serious

[@bettym.3996]

Didn't realize Groucho and Dick were as short as Capote.