FEUD: CAPOTE vs. the SWANS-Swanky Hanky Panky and Swishy Fishy Capote

Fact, Capote was a literary genius. Fact, Capote captivated the elite echelon of NYC's high and mighty social set in the 60s and 70s.  Also true are the thinly veiled characters in Capote's chapters installed in an ESQUIRE issue '1975 which led to his social demise. Upon publication he was swiftly jettisoned and ostracized from their bejeweled mitts. Capote, one of only a handful of openly gay celebrities, was a witty raconteur and salacious gossip.  His unctuous, unthreatening demeanor secured him a spot as confidante to the comely likes of women such as Babe Paley, Slim Keith, Lee Radziwill. This ended abruptly when he bit the hand that fed him. Big mistake by the pint-sized Capote with a gargantuan mouth and high-pitched voice.  Tom Hollander cast as Capote is pitch perfect as the smarmy snob who was befriended by a bevy of belles headed by Babe Paley as the leader of the pack. Paley is portrayed by a steely Naomi Campbell.  The other ladies who lunch at La Cote Basque where most of the scurrilous conversations convene. The click includes Diane Lane as Paley's steadfast friend, an indignant Calista Flockhart as Radziwill peace-maker Chloe Sevigny who knows best whose side her bread is buttered. Demi Moore has little more to do than look drop dead gorgeous as Ann Woodward, Molly Ringwold as Joanne Carson, Johnny's ex and Treat Williams in his final swan song role as Bill Paley. Jessica Lange has a lurid role as Capote's mother who tries to entice him into suicide during one of his drunken stupors. No one comes off swimmingly which is precisely the point. The lives of this coddled, coiffed and manicured brigade have little in touch with the working class except for their doting maids and abject chauffeurs. This zeitgeist voyeuristic look at the chic set is enticing for just this reason. It's fascinating to see how the filthy rich fill their days and spend their millions. There's plenty to savor here along with mouth watering meals, imbued with alcohol, cigarettes and fleeting regrets. The eight part series airing on Hulu plays fast and furious with time-lines jumping between Capote's glory days with the grand dames and his obsequios squirming to regain a seat at the table. I enjoyed this frivolous foray into the original bravo housewives of NYC who seem to have nothing better to do than behave like sullen, mean girls and get dressed to the nines. I'll stay tuned at least until the infamous black and white party hosted by Capote i/h/o Katherine Graham at the Waldorf. For devotees of Downton Abbey looking for a new diversion, look no further than your own backyard for the upscale drama FEUD: Capote vs. the SWANS based on facts masked as glamorous glee.