Capote Profile Of “Marron” Brando

The New Yorker has posted online Truman Capote’s classic 1957 profile of Marlon Brando shooting “Sayonara” in Japan. The first paragraph of the piece is absolutely the most politically incorrect thing you’ve read in your life. Opening line: “Most Japanese girls giggle.” And, soon enough, the Japanese female who welcomes Capote to the hotel to see the actor says, “You come see Marron?” It’s a wonder that Capote doesn’t quote one of these maidens referring to Brando’s costar as “Led Buttons.” (aka Red Buttons, who won an Oscar for the movie).

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