Rudolph Valentino was the silver-screen legend who for ever changed America's idea of the leading man; a frightened young fellow who became the cinematic sex-god of his day. In this definitive retelling of Valentino's short and tragic life - the first fully documented biography of the star - Emily W. Leider looks at the Great Lover's life and legacy, and explores the events and issues that made him emblematic of his time. Valentino was reviled in the press for being too 'feminine' a man; yet he also brought to the screen the alluring, savage lover who embodied women's darker, forbidden sexual fantasies. In tandem, Leider explores notions of the outsider in American culture as represented by Valentino's experience as an immigrant who became a celebrity - the silver screen's first dark-skinned romantic hero.
One of the most alluring, enigmatic, and simply irresistible movie icons of all time, Rudolph Valentino continues to inspire generation after generation of moviegoers. In Rudolph Valentino, The Silent Idol: His Life and Films in Photographs, author Donna Hill retells the story of Valentino?s life using a treasure trove of rare photographs. Drawn from the author?s extensive collection and those of generous fellow collectors and archives, most of the images in this volume have not been seen since the 1920s; many have never been released publicly until now. Rudolph Valentino was more than the ?sheik? of one of his most famous films. He was more than the legendary star who died at a tragically young age. For long-time fans as well as curious newcomers, these remarkable images?candid snapshots at home, traveling, on film sets?reveal the glamour and charm of the man who continues to beguile and inspire movie lovers to this day.
In 1926 Silent Film Icon, Rudolph Valentino, died unexpectedly at the age of 31. That same year, he had finalized a bitter divorce from his wife of four years, Natacha Rambova. Valentino had been madly in love with the gorgeous and very talented designer, yet they had been unable to make their marriage work. Since their first marriage in 1922, the public had been critical of Rambova, blaming her for any mistakes in Valentino's career or life. As Valentino laid on his deathbed in New York, Rambova was in Paris. The two exchanged telegrams to the very end, with both sides believing they would soon reunite and a reconciliation had taken place. Upon hearing the news of his death, Rambova was so distraught she locked herself in her room for three days. With many estate issues to fulfill, Valentino's manager George Ullman took the reigns. To help keep Valentino's name in the spotlight, Ullman wrote a book detailing his time with the gifted actor. Ullman and Rambova had never gotten along, fighting for control of Valentino's career. Feeling she had been unfairly portrayed not only by Ullman, but also by the press, Rambova decided to write her own book. First published in the UK in 1927, "Rudy: An Intimate Portrait by His Wife," presented Rambova's side of the story, providing many amusing stories and anecdotes about her time with Valentino. Both Valentino and Rambova had been firm believers in the practice of Spiritualism. Rambova decided to utilize her beliefs for this book, adding a section titled "Revelations," consisting of things supposedly told to her by Valentino's soul, through seances. Rambova felt the need to publish these 'messages', believing these were things his soul wished to communicate with the world. However things soon got out of hand, with boisterous fans and attention seekers bombarding the legacy of Rudolph Valentino with their own claims. Rambova would remain firm in her beliefs, eventually becoming a renowned Egyptologist. After the publication of this book, she never spoke of her time with Valentino again. "Rudolph Valentino: An Intimate Portrait by his wife" is proudly reprinted by The Rudolph Valentino Society for the first time in over 80 years, under a new title, "Rudolph Valentino: A Wife's Memories of an Icon." In addition to the original text there is a new section containing biographies, filmographies, bibliographies, notes, and new forwards. This section also contains groundbreaking biographies on screenwriter and film executive June Mathis; as well as silent film vamp Nita Naldi. 70% of proceeds from this book benefit The Rudolph Valentino Society and Film Festival.
Originally published in 1929, this book details the famous silent actor and sex symbol Rudolph Valentino and his lover Natacha Rambova’s travels back to Europe in 1923. Valentino kept a diary at this time, into which he faithfully recorded his thoughts whilst living the American dream, proving his naysayers back home in Italy wrong: “My Dream is coming true! From day to day, night to night, here and there, I am going to write down my impressions. I am going to put down on paper the things I think, the things I do, the people I meet, all of the sensations, pleasurable and profitable that are mine. I shall never go home, I said to myself, until I can go home somebody...”
Rudolph Valentino was less ashamed of his sexuality than he was afraid of being trapped by the image of his public persona. In 1920s America, men who preferred the company of other men were stereotyped as feeble, effeminate degenerates. None of these terms applied to Valentino-a powerfully-built man who excelled at most sports, boxing in particular. Yet it was Valentino's persistent and unnecessary need to prove his "manhood" which may have contributed to his early death. His is a remarkable story. But, who were these men, and what were their roles and significance in his life? Claude Rambeau, the chansonnier he met during his first visit to Paris, when he was 18. Alexander Salm (1890-1918), an Austrian tennis ace, a leading exponent of the Argentine tango, and a hero of World War One who died fighting for the Allies. Jules Raucourt, the Belgian actor. Norman Kerry, the matinee idol who appeared in such film classics as The Hunchback of Notre Dame and Phantom of the Opera. Emmett J Flynn, a director who, though thrice-married, had a penchant for sporting types and whose career was blighted by alcoholism brought about by trying to hide his sexuality. Douglas Gerrard, the Dublin-born actor-director, a big name in Hollywood when he took Valentino under his wing, but sadly forgotten today. Paul Ivano, a young French cameraman, sent to America by his family to recuperate after being gassed while fighting at the Front, and who went on to much greater things. Frank Mennillo, an Italian businessman and aficionado of "button boys", and who would be the last of his friends to see him alive. Thomas Meighan, the matinee idol, a friend who always there for Valentino to lean upon in times of trouble and stress. Robert Florey, a French publicist who came to America to work on one film, fell for Valentino, and stayed another 50 years to become one of the country's most eminent producers. Valentino's letters to him and Florey's responses, which form a large and significant part of his story, are in turn touching and humorous. Jacques Hébertot, the French showman who acted as Valentino's guide during his second visit to Paris, in the summer of 1923. André Daven, the French actor-manager who went on to launch and manage some of the biggest names in French show business, and who was unquestionably the great love of Valentino's life. Luther Mahoney, the former New York cop turned handyman, who provided Valentino with a friendly shoulder to cry on and became his confidant. Mario Carillo, a burly, former Italian cavalry officer who achieved moderate success in Hollywood. Valentino's partner at the time of his death, he was the only one of his men to live with him, though to the outside world he was perceived as his personal trainer. Barclay Warburton, the Philadelphia-born millionaire at whose home Rudy fell ill, in August 1926. Then there were the women... Coco, the Parisian demimondaine who mocked him in the bedroom, making him wary of women for the rest of his life. The lesbian wives, Jean Acker and Natacha Rambova, "baritone babe" members of Hollywood's most notorious sewing circle. The former slammed the door of the bridal-suite in his face, but returned to support him at end of his life, becoming a valued friend. The latter, rapacious and domineering, very quickly became Valentino's-and the studios'-very worst nightmare. Alla Nazimova, the Crimean born actress who mocked and ridiculed Valentino when they first met, and who subsequently became one of his most cherished allies. Sheila Chisholm, aka Lady Loughborough, the nymphomaniac Australian socialite who foisted herself on Valentino during the last year of his life. Pola Negri, the quintessential teller of tall-tales, who nevertheless cared very much for him. And finally, June Mathis, the most important woman in Valentino's life who became his surrogate mother and keeper of his soul.
In Valentino veritas! Who better to comment on the life and times of Rudolph Valentino than Rudy himself? Recollections from one of the greatest screen icons of all time, as told to Medium Wayne Hatford. Their third collaboration, this book sheds new light, quells rumors, addresses speculations, corrects the record 'write' from the horse's mouth! And Rudy delivers with wit and panache, the same magnetic charisma he displayed in films. Read what he has to say now about his leading ladies, family, friends, lovers, wives, colleagues, films and more, his most cherished memories and adventures. A wealth of tantalizing tidbits and reveals, here is Valentino pulling back the curtain posthumously, testifying on his own behalf. Ladies and Gentlemen, the memoirs of Rudolph Valentino! "If ever I were to have a symbol attributed to me, it would be a heart, the outline!" Rodolfo Valentino
Newly expanded and revised edition. One of the most alluring, enigmatic, and simply irresistible movie icons of all time, Rudolph Valentino continues to inspire generation after generation of moviegoers. In Rudolph Valentino, The Silent Idol: His Life in Photographs, author Donna Hill retells the story of Valentino's life using a treasure trove of rare photographs. Drawn from the author's extensive collection and those of generous fellow collectors and archives, most of the images in this volume have not been seen since the 1920's; many have never been released publicly until now. Rudolph Valentino was more than the "sheik" of one of his most famous films. He was more than the legendary star who died at a tragically young age. For long-time fans as well as curious newcomers, these remarkable images - candid snapshots at home, traveling, on film sets - reveal the glamour and charm of the man who continues to beguile and inspire movie lovers to this day.
