Horton Foote

Horton Foote (1916-2009) was interviewed for three-and-a-half hours in Hartford, CT.  Mr. Foote discussed his work writing for “live” television dramatic anthology series.  He talked about his relationship with producer Fred Coe who started him in television and later worked with him on the Philco-Goodyear Television Playhouse.  Mr. Foote described in detail several of his benchmark television efforts during the "Golden Age of Television" including: Goodyear Television Playhouse: "The Trip to Bountiful," Philco Television Playhouse: "A Young Lady of Property," 1st Person Playhouse: "Death of the Old Man," Studio One: "The Traveling Lady," Playhouse 90: "The Old Man," and Playhouse 90: "Tomorrow."  He spoke of the many talented actors who appeared in these productions including: Kim Stanley, Lillian Gish, Dorothy Gish, Eva Marie Saint, Steven Hill, Sterling Hayden, and Geraldine Page; as well as the creative directors of these shows, including: Vincent Donehue, Delbert Mann, Arthur Penn, John Frankenheimer, and Robert Mulligan.  He also talked about his later television work for PBS, including adaptations from his Orphans Home Cycle (series of 9 plays); his writing for cable television; his feature film work, and close association with actor Robert Duvall; and his continuous writing for the stage.  Mr. Foote also fondly remembered his childhood in Wharton, Texas, which has had a lifelong influence on his writing.  The interview was conducted by Michael Rosen on June 26, 1999.