The 1975 Social Scene of Feud: Capote vs. The Swans Recaptures the Era of Shade, Gossip, and Grudges
The first two episodes of Feud: Capote vs. The Swans, now streaming on FX and Hulu, take viewers back to the vibrant social scene of 1975. This era was filled with shade, gossip, and grudges that make today’s Real Housewives look like amateurs. The show revolves around Truman Capote, played by Tom Hollander, who betrays his friends and destroys his social status with the publication of his scandalous story, “La Côte Basque, 1965.” Through this captivating series, viewers are transported to a time when Esquire magazine was the equivalent of today’s Bravo.
Truman Capote was always listening and recording, as he believed it was the way of the world. The Daily Beast’s Obsessed takes us back to Capote’s world in October 1975 and explores how the events of that month influenced the present day. The show highlights the high society of the time, focusing on the lives of wealthy “swans” and their scandals.
One of the first major scenes in Feud features Capote comforting Babe Paley, played by Naomi Watts, about her husband’s affair with New York’s first lady. While their status may be higher, the emotions involved are similar to those seen on Vanderpump Rules when Ariana Madix vents to Katie Maloney about her wandering beau. Capote had a knack for uncovering romantic deceptions, and October 1975 was full of significant moments within his orbit.
During this time, Capote was working on Murder by Death, a farce in which he starred alongside Alec Guinness. However, Guinness had little regard for Capote’s acting abilities. It was also during this period that George Lucas approached Guinness with a confusing yet intriguing science-fiction script. Little did anyone know that this script would become the iconic Star Wars franchise, which continues to captivate audiences 50 years later.
Capote believed that a story was everything and that it held deeper meaning beyond mere entertainment. In Feud, he expresses his interest in understanding what it truly means to be important. As Capote’s world unfolded, other significant events were taking place around him. Bruce Springsteen’s rise to fame with his hit single “Born to Run” coincided with the premiere of Diana Ross’ film Mahogany. This marked a turning point for black women in the entertainment industry, as they began to headline their own movies and break through barriers.
Mass media played a crucial role in shaping the culture of 1975. Time and Newsweek featured Springsteen on their covers, solidifying his status as a cultural icon. This dominance in the music industry continued over the years, with artists like Beyoncé and Taylor Swift carrying on the tradition. The influence of televised sports also became evident during this time, thanks to Carlton Fisk’s iconic home run in Game Six of the World Series. This moment forever changed how sports were broadcasted and consumed by audiences.
The rise of disco music was another significant development in 1975. Steve Rubell, who would later become synonymous with Studio 54, opened the new 15 Lansdowne nightclub with a 15-foot-wide disco ball. Donna Summer’s “Love to Love You Baby” had just entered the disco charts, foreshadowing the revolution that would soon take place in the music industry.
Television also experienced a transformation during this period. The Sony Betamax cassette recorder threatened traditional television by allowing viewers to skip commercials. Pay channels like HBO emerged as a new competitor, broadcasting events like the Ali-Frazier fight on pay-per-view. This shift in the media landscape posed a threat to the Big Three networks (CBS, ABC, and NBC) and movie theaters, which were still enjoying immense success.
Feud: Capote vs. The Swans delves into the scandalous world of Truman Capote and his social circle. Capote’s self-proclaimed masterpiece, Answered Prayers, was jumpstarted by the lunchtime gossip he gathered from socialites like Slim Keith, C.Z. Guest, Babe Paley, Lee Radziwill, and Joanne Carson. This eventually led to the publication of “La Côte Basque, 1965,” a story that caused a stir and resulted in Capote being labeled a thief and seducer.
The series also explores the infamous Ann Woodward murder case. Capote reveals that Ann Woodward, a social climber from Kansas, shot her millionaire husband, believing him to be a burglar. Capote claims it was a straight-up murder covered up by her mother-in-law to avoid scandal. This scandalous incident adds another layer of intrigue to the already captivating narrative.
As Feud: Capote vs. The Swans takes us on a journey through the social scene of 1975, we are reminded of the