Feud: Capote vs the Swans: A Star-Studded Miniseries Depicts Truman Capote’s Betrayal of America’s Elite Women

A star-studded new miniseries titled Feud: Capote vs the Swans, created by Ryan Murphy, delves into the betrayal that author Truman Capote inflicted on some of America’s most elite women, ultimately leading to his downfall. The miniseries, which follows Murphy’s successful franchise debut of Feud: Bette and Joan about Hollywood rivals Bette Davis and Joan Crawford, dives into Capote’s relationships with fascinating characters such as Babe Paley and Slim Keith.

In 1975, Capote published a thinly veiled fiction story titled La Côte Basque, 1965 in Esquire magazine, which exposed the secrets confided in him by Paley and Keith. These society women, who were highly influential and known for their impeccable taste, had shared their intimate affairs, struggles with philandering husbands, and personal insecurities with Capote, only to be betrayed in a notorious public exposé. The consequences were devastating for Capote, leading to the ruin of his reputation and career.

The miniseries explores the intricate relationships between Capote and the women he referred to as his “swans,” including his best friend and favorite swan, Babe Paley, beautifully portrayed by Naomi Watts. Paley, married to the powerful head of the CBS television network, Bill Paley, copes with the discovery of her husband’s affair with Happy Rockefeller and seeks Capote’s advice. Little does she know that this advice would set the stage for the ultimate betrayal she would experience in La Côte Basque.

Another prominent character is Slim Keith, played by Diane Lane, who was the inspiration for Lauren Bacall’s iconic character in To Have and Have Not. Keith, with her bold and direct personality, becomes the central focus of Capote’s story, under the fictional name Lady Ina Coolbirth. Capote captures the attention of the audience with shocking revelations, including name-dropping personalities like Ernest Hemingway and a fictional account of Joseph P Kennedy’s assault.

The miniseries also features other members of Capote’s social circle, such as CZ Guest, portrayed by Chloe Sevigny, and Lee Radziwill, played by Calista Flockhart, sister of Jacqueline Kennedy. The conflict between Capote and his swans unfolds in Feud: Capote vs the Swans, showcasing the aftermath of the explosive publication of La Côte Basque and the repercussion it has on Capote’s relationships and reputation.

In Feud: Capote vs the Swans, Tom Hollander gives a remarkable portrayal of Capote, capturing his campiness, wit, and tragic self-destructive tendencies. The miniseries offers viewers a glimpse into the delicate balance between friendship, betrayal, and the consequences of crossing the line, all set against the backdrop of an era defined by elegance, privilege, and social hierarchy.