Rudolph Valentino -

[therealfuster]

was called a pink powder puff, in his time...but was this just a backlash, and a reaction like the jealous men today who say that all men in Chippendales are gay?

 

I love Valentino, and think that in "Son of the Sheik" with Vilma Banky that he is the cat's meow.

 

Being a man who was marketed at the time, on things as diverse as candy box lids, and records commemorating his most famous role, Valentino was definitely someone who foreshadowed the hero worship of future male stars, who were merchandized like Dean and Elvis.

 

It was said, that Elvis grew his sideburns in idolization of Valentino, and in hopes of becoming a romantic actor on screen, though few teenagers in the Fabulous Fifties probably realized this, nor the truck drivers with whom he worked.

 

Valentino may have been a petty crook, before his big days but his tango in the "Four Horsemen..." movie is still impressive, and he has an amazing on screen charisma and depth of character.

 

How many Valentino films have you seen, and how would you rank him alongside other male paramours on screen?

[bhryun]

I just adore Valentino and don't tell anyone, but actually visited his grave here in LA. I've seen "The Shiek", "The Son of the Sheik" and saw only a clip of "Camille". I also read an interesting book years ago about him that shed an interesting light on his personal life - most notably the strange women in his life.

 

I think it's hard to compare him to screen idols of today or any other time, really. I do know, however, that when I first saw "The Sheik" I kept thinking I wanted to be kidnapped by this guy - any day of the week! They sure don't make 'em like that anymore!

 

I think that what made him so appealing was that he oozed "amore".

[ayresorchids]

I was thinking about this the other day, when yet another contemporary actor (Virginia Madsen talking about Marion Davies) was commenting on how "un-stylized" an actor from the classic films was (ahem, young Hollywood folks--if you really think most actors of the '30s and '40s were stylized, then you haven't been watching enough good actors from the period.)

 

Madsen made some reference to the unnaturalness of Valentino's films or love scenes or something, and I thought, I really need to see one or two of his movies, because all I've ever seen are a few clips from The Sheik. He does appear a bit over the top and leering in what I've seen, but I don't want to dismiss his performing without seeing more.

[bhryun]

Oh yeah, he was over the top alright. That's what made him so amazing! I don't recall any silent actor, for that matter, that wasn't a little over the top - sort of a requirement for silent films. I'm surprised Madsen would make a comment like that. It's always been MHO that many actors today are chosen more for their personality traits that match a role/character than their acting ability that would challenge them. I don't believe that was the case way back when. Anyway, I think I'm rambling now.....

[flickerknickers]

Rudolph Valentino and Gloria Swanson were both literally worshipped in the Jazz Mad 20s as actual gods. My elderly aunts often told me how they and their girlfriends would sit in some enormous movie palace for hours, just drooling over the beautiful face-and body--of Valentino. Some of his movies are now on DVD, the best one being "Son of the Sheik." On this one, you also see him in "The Sheik" and "Son of.." along with such titilatting extras as "The Sheik Takes Off His Clothes (he strips down to a bathing suit) and Valentino judging a beauty contest. His face and body were made for the silent screen when sound would have ruined the magical spell he cast. In "Cobra," another goodie on DVD, you see The Sheik dressed up in drop-dead gorgous fashions of the mid-20s. I think the reason Valentino and Elvis Presley are so much alike is that they made men uncomfortable with their open sensuality. Valentino nevertheless made the slicked-back helmet of hair a style that took over the world. You even see it in movies into the late 30s. Elvis' pompadour had the same effect on men. There's an excellent new book out on Valentino, "Dark Lover" by Emily Leither who describes how until Valentino, audiences had mostly the All-American caucasian as matinee idols. Valentino changed all that and brought a new kind of dream lover into the dream palaces. Valentino certainly did have a strange taste in women. His first wife, Jean Acker, was a girlfriend of Russian diva, Nazimova. The marriage was never consummated. HIs second wife, Natacha Rambova, was another intimate of Nazimova. She nearly destroyed his career and was considered a royal pain to everyone who met her--except Nazimova. Valentino's death at 26 still arouses questions. Although the coroner's verdict was that he died of a gastro-intestinal infection, some think he was shot by a jealous lover. There've also been rumors that he was poisoned or that he poisoned himself. I understand "Beyond the Rocks", his only film with Gloria Swanson, is being restored. I'll be first in line to see it or buy it if it comes out on DVD. I've got a CD of very old movie stars singing songs and there's one by Valentino crooning, "Pale Hands." It's fascinating to hear his voice--light, pleasant--and to wonder how he would have fared in talkies.

[gagman66]

Thought I just might mention that I have the rare Thames editions of both "THE FOUR HORSEMAN OF THE APOCALYPSE"and "THE EAGLE" 1925, with Vilma Banky on DVD-R! Both titles boast superb Carl Davis full Orchestra scores! One was made from a Super VHS Master (Sp Mode), the other was processed from an official laserdisc copy! These are certainly two of Valentino's finest films.

 

My programs are very extensive! The thumbs menu for "Horseman" for example is over 20 pages long, and contains a different background still from the film on each page! This is also a multi-color tinted print! Collectors who may be interested in obtaining a copy of these are any of my many silent film series programs, please let me know by using the link provided on this site to contact me direct?

[Guest]

A copy of Beyond the Rocks (1922 I think) was discovered in Denmark, starring Valentino and Gloria Swanson and supposedly out on DVD later this year. The film hasn't been seen in 80 years. It should be quite a treat to see two major stars of the 20s in their only film together. Milestone is putting it out.

[therealfuster]

Valentino can be a bit over the top, but when you are playing in a swords and sandals kind of kitschy vehicle, I say...have a little fun with it.

 

When he needs to be low key, and look serious...I think Valentino equits himself well. And...he did have an amazing amount of screen presence and could look threatening when needed or pensive.

 

I remember hearing once an amazing tape of Valentino singing, and he had a very nice voice as I recall. It would have been interesting to see if he would have surmounted the vocal obstacles that hindered some silent screen stars.

 

I'm not referring to John Gilbert, because when I finally saw a couple of his talkies, I realized that his speaking voice was fine, and that all the legends were mostly bunk.

[therealfuster]

you've nailed it.

 

Both Valentino and Elvis were treading in waters usually reserved for women, as sex objects.

 

I think way more than even an Errol Flynn, because even though he inspired fantasy in women, he did not do extremely risque things onscreen, like Valentino and Elvis did.

 

My grandmother also was a Valentino fan, and has many artifacts from his career than she collected. He did have a great body, and one wonders if he got it from gardening...haha! Was that not his previous occupation before film star?

 

Yes, the clothes in "The Cobra" are so outre! Glamour to the hilt. And way before Liberace or even Elton John.

 

Before reading your post, I mentioned that song of Valentino's. His voice was appealing, wasn't it?

 

Thanks for your most insightful thought, Patypancake!