Gore Vidal's colorful career behind (and in front of) the camera

Gore Vidal was best known as an author, pundit and raconteur. But the writer, who died Tuesday at 86, also had time for movies � both writing for and appearing in them.

His screenwriting career took more than a few notable turns. Most famously was 1979�s �Caligula,� the explicit look at the tyrannical and hedonistic Roman emperor. Wild sex scenes prompted gasps through the film world, as did the drama behind the scenes -- after disagreements with the directors and others on the film, Vidal had only limited control over the final product, as the movie was re-cut (with additional sex scenes) by producer and Penthouse chief Bob Guccione.

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