Monthly Archives: Aug 2018

1922 – Hudnut Summer Home, Foxlair, North Creek NY

Posted on 29/08/2018 by 1926Rudy

Richard Hudnut, entrepreneur and New York City businessman, often visited the Adirondacks with his family. In 1890, he discovered the Oregon valley in the Town of Johnsburg in Warren County, and by the turn of the century had purchased 1,200 acres of land there. Although it took him 10 years to acquire the estate it was the ultimate summer home. Foxlair was located near North Creek, NY in the Adirondack’s. The main house was 270 foot long and was three stories high with a huge double staircase and a veranda across the front.  Foxlair was fashioned in a French Chateau style that was favored by Richard Hudnut and was furnished with European furniture.  One of Richard Hudnuts trusted employees Thomas Thornloe was superintendent for the estate as well as over 40 servants on staff, a 9-hole golf course along the valley and a host of barns for carriages and animals. The estate also had a Japanese Teahouse and a nature house built near the river.  There was also a large aviary to grace the porch. Every summer during the afternoons, dancing pigeons put on a show for the famous guests who came from around the world to enjoy the great outdoors and the legendary Hudnut hospitality. In 1922, his adopted daughter Natacha Rambova went to Foxlair in seclusion during her future husband’s ongoing legal battle over his movie contract with Famous Players-Lasky.  This was a family residence until 1938. After Richard Hudnuts death the estate was endowed to the Police Athletic League of NYC as a summer camp for boys. In 1970’s, Foxlair was burned to the ground IAW the Adirondack Park Agencies Master Land Use and Development Plan which required all state land to be kept in a natural state. There are still remnants of the stone foundation to be found and overgrown stone stairways.

 

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29 Aug 1926 – Valentino Association Seeks to Incorporate

Posted on 29/08/2018 by 1926Rudy

A memorial to Rudolph Valentino was projected today with the application of five Chicagoans, who were personal friends of the late film star, for articles of incorporation for the Rudolph Valentino Memorial Association. Judge Borelli, Asst State Attorney Michael Romano, Ellidge Libonati, Stephen Malato, Michael Rosinia, local attorneys, are the incorporators. The professed object of the association is to build a memorial in Chicago, but sponsors said they might also join in a nation-wide plans for a tribute. Romano is now in New York where he plans to consult with the wishes of Valentinos brother on the memorial when the latter arrives from Italy.

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Posted on 28/08/2018 by 1926Rudy

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27 Aug 1926 – Valentino’s Old Nurse Recalls his reign of terror as a boy

Posted on 27/08/2018 by 1926Rudy

Everybody is Rudolph Valentino’s friend now. But those with whom the correspondent talked admitted that everyone breathed a long sigh of relief when he left for Taranto at the age of 12. This passionate, willful, jealous boy was literally a terror to the whole village. His aged nurse Rosa, once she had overcome her diffidence at the sight of a stranger, told endless anecdotes revealing boyhood experiences and traits which went to make the character whom millions of women adored. His whole youth was a passionate revolt against the stern discipline which his father vainly tried to impose. He beat unmercifully those boys who teased him refused to acknowledge that he was “Italy’s greatest bandit”. When his father refused him pocket money he bought things on his father’s charge accounts and sold them for money with which to buy candy. He frequently filched candy, fruit and bright colored ribbons which he loved but which he would give away generously. He used to terrify small boys by pretending to drop them from the balcony of his home catching them the moment they fell. The youth adored his mother and Rosa and was fiercely jealous of them. He used to dare boys to say who was the most beautiful woman in Castellaneta and if they named any other than Rudolph’s mother he would beat them soundly. He almost drowns one boy in the village for that reason. Boy’s to whom Rosa gave candy were beaten almost continuously. The nurse still bears a scar under her chin from a heavy glass pitcher which he threw at her in a jealous rage. But he was religious. His priest said he came frequently came to confession. The priest, when questioned said he did not believe that Rudolph died in mortal sin on account of his divorce because he repented on his death bed and received the rites of the catholic church.

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23 Aug 18 – 91st Rudolph Valentino Memorial Service

Posted on 25/08/2018 by 1926Rudy

On 23 August every year, there is an annual memorial service held for Rudolph Valentino at Hollywood Forever Cemetery, Los Angeles, California. This year marks the 91st anniversary of his passing and once again the Valentino Memorial Committee put together a respectful tribute to a silent film legend.Capture.PNG

This year marks the 100th Anniversary of the release of his movie “A Society Sensation” starring Rudolph Valentino and Carmel Myers.  Noted guest speakers were Ms. Brandee Cox, Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences and Marc Wannamaker, Hollywood historian.  Also in attendance was the cast and director of an upcoming movie about the famous “Lady in Black” titled “Silent Life”. For the second year this was lived streamed via Facebook to a world-wide audience of fans of   Rudolph Valentino.

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1951 – The Carmel Myers Show

Posted on 24/08/2018 by 1926Rudy

The Carmel Myers Show

In 1951, The Carmel Myers Show, was one of the first interview style shows that was briefly on TV.   The featured guest, noted soprano and film star, Jeanette MacDonald, was a friend of Miss Myers who came to prominence during the silent film era.  Miss Myers was a co-star of Rudolph Valentino in “A Society Sensation”.

 

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2018 – Coming to a Theatre Near You

Posted on 24/08/2018 by 1926Rudy

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25 Sep 1988 – Ah Valentino How Many Hearts Of Our You Break

Posted on 23/08/2018 by 1926Rudy

With his swarthy good looks and elegant bearing, Rudolph Valentino was the greatest matinee idol of our time. During the height of the Valentino craze, one glimpse of his melancholy gaze as his lithe figure came onto the big screen brought his female admirers to the brink of hysteria, many of them fainting right in their seats. Unaware until just hours before his death that his condition was truly serious, Valentino told his doctors “I’m looking forward to going fishing with you next month”. But soon afterward at 8 a.m. he fell into a coma and four hours later he was dead. News of his death flashed across the screens of local movie theaters, causing “general consternation and occasional hysteric outbursts of brief among some of the patrons” news papers reported. Fans telephoned news paper offices, film companies to verify the news. Many still couldn’t believe the news. Ugly rumors spread Valentino was poisoned by a jilted lover. Several days later, members of Chicago’s Italian American community formed the Rudolph Valentino Memorial Association. At a service held at the Trianon Ballroom, 62nd Street and Cottage Grove Avenue, Chicago Civic Opera singer Kathryn Browne sang two of the actors favorite songs “Rock of Ages” and “Lead Kindly Light”. Only three years earlier Valentino during a personal performance danced in the very same ballroom before a large adoring crowd. The women came dressed to kill in long flowing gowns, low necked sleeveless outfits and lace dresses. The men wore their best wide-bottom trousers and patent leather dancing shoes. Amid sighs of “Ooooo Ruduuuuudolph” from smitten females, a gracious Valentino said: “I thank you. I am grateful for this reception of just an ordinary man”. The Valentino mystique lives on, though not with the same intensity that was fueled by his untimely death and led, among other things, to talk of putting a statue in his honor in Grant Park. In 1977 Rudolf Nureyev played the ill-fated star on the big screen in “Valentino” and the following year a section of Irving Boulevard in Hollywood was renamed Rudolph Valentino Street

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Posted on 23/08/2018 by 1926Rudy

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31 Aug 1951 – The Real Rudolph Valentino as his friends knew

Posted on 22/08/2018 by 1926Rudy

Rudolph Valentino had a hobby of hunting and often went on mountain trips with fellow star Stuart Holmes.  Stuart Holmes now a movie bit player, declares “whatever he did, he did with all his heart”.

Rudolph Valentino was not a woman chaser said Dev Jennings cameraman at Paramount who filmed him in “Cobra” when I knew him he was very much in love with former wife Natacha Rambova, and was very jealous of her.

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23 Apr 1957 – June Mathis

Posted on 22/08/2018 by 1926Rudy

June Mathis the scenarist who discovered silent film star Rudolph Valentino, is buried next to him in Hollywood. She secretly arranged it that way.

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Posted on 21/08/2018 by 1926Rudy

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23 Aug 1926

Posted on 21/08/2018 by 1926Rudy

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Posted on 20/08/2018 by 1926Rudy

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20 Aug 18 -Rudolph Valentino Memorial Service

Posted on 20/08/2018 by 1926Rudy

Every year, the month of August marks a sad occasion for the Valentino Community the death of a silent film actor that we all know, respect and love – Rudolph Valentino.

Generations of fans alike from all corners of the globe will come together physically and virtually to mark the passing of a true talent and legend. The memorial service comes to serve us all as a reminder to pause and remember that he has never been forgotten. The purpose of this blog has always been to give the viewer a glimpse into a yester-year. A bygone era of photos, newspaper headlines, articles that give us something new and different to savor and perhaps bring us all a little closer as a community should. But its important to know there are dedicated and humble people who work behind the scenes each year to ensure the Annual Rudolph Valentino Memorial Service is done in a fitting and respectful manner in tribute to one we all come together and celebrate and mourn the passing of a wonderful silent star whose light will never dim. To Tracy Terhune, Ms. Stella Grace and others, I wanted to take a moment to thank you for all that you have done and continue to do. On 23 Aug 18, 1315 PST, Los Angeles California, Hollywood Forever Cemetery 91st Memorial Service physically and virtually the Valentino Community will once again come together I will see you there.

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24 Aug 1989 – Another Lady in Black

Posted on 18/08/2018 by 1926Rudy

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24 Aug 1926 – Tribute to Rudy

Posted on 16/08/2018 by 1926Rudy

Executives and employees in United Artists Studio Los Angeles and at the New York home office will cease work for five minutes at noon tomorrow in tribute to the memory of Rudolph Valentino, who died Aug 23. 1926. Friends will attend a memorial mass in Hollywood, followed by ceremonies at the crypt of Valentino in Hollywood cemetery.

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4 Jul 1938 – Jimmie Fiddler, Hollywood

Posted on 15/08/2018 by 1926Rudy

In this morning’s mail arrived a letter and an enclosure which leaves me gasping.  The note to me reads “I couldn’t find Mr. Rudolph Valentino’s address, so I am writing him in your care. Will you kindly forward it to Mr. Valentino. Thank you.” The enclosure reads “Dear Mr. Valentino, Congratulations! I saw your performance in The Son of the Sheik and thought you were grand. This is the first picture I ever saw in my life, and I hope to see every picture you make from now on. Keep up the good work!” I am still trying to decide whether there actually is someone ignorant of Valentino’s death or whether I am being ribbed.

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Posted on 10/08/2018 by 1926Rudy

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9 Aug 1960 – After all

Posted on 08/08/2018 by 1926Rudy

After his death long after his death some 30 women claimed to have given birth to his babies. The symbol lingered on. This would have disgusted Valentino, but there was another item, had he been able to hear it, that would have given him utmost satisfaction.  It was at the funeral of one-time world’s heavyweight champion James J. Jeffries viewed the glamorous gloom, the overpriced coffin, the hundreds of veiled women and said “Well, he made good”…

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8 Aug 1960 – The Sheik Molded to her kind of man

Posted on 08/08/2018 by 1926Rudy

Three weeks before his death at 31, Rudolph Valentino took stock and observed. “Life is too fast for me. A man should control his life. My life is controlling me.” Rudolph Valentino life was viewed thusly: vain, lazy handsome, well-built, slender, good-tempered. He wanted to make good and he wanted to make good in the he-man, two-fisted, bronco busting, poker-playing, stock-juggling America. But they called him a “pink powderpuff” of a man. Rambova didn’t though. The great lover was Natacha Rambova’s her man all hers. She molded him the way she wanted him. She drummed into him her philosophies, her moods. She was one of the “controlling factors” in the short but reasonably happy life of Rudolph Valentino. Rambova was a far more interesting and colorful figure than the legendary Valentino. She possessed amazing talent and a tremendous mind. Above all else she was an artist, a ballerina, a painter, an actress, designer, writer. Her maxim was “self-expression through art is the only worthwhile thing in life”.   A writer said “Natacha didn’t need suggestions only obedience. When she gave a decisive judgement, anyone who countered was always wrong because she was always right. This was the second wife of the sometimes simple often lonely Valentino “the cinematic symbol of primitive love”. They were married about two years and most probably in love the entire time. Valentino worked Natacha for her brains, her beauty and she respected his talent and achievements. Men were jealous of him and envious. He lived a life that could have been better lived if the choices he made were based on thought rather than emotion.

 

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6 Aug 1938 – Beulah Livingstone

Posted on 07/08/2018 by 1926Rudy
According to Beulah Livingstone, who writes publicity for a company sponsoring the revival of “Son of the Sheik” the name of Rudolph Valentino will remain a magic one as long as romance flourishes on the movie screen. “It was the late Valentino”, declares Miss Livingstone “who set the hears of the nation thumping wildly with his forthright technique of love-making, and his rugged he-man characterizations set another precedent in screen acting. Those who remember and love him for his screen contributions, as well as the
newer generation who have never had the opportunity to see the great idol of filmdom, will be happy to learn that his last and greatest picture has been booked for local presentation.  We have known Beulah Livingstone since back in the good old silent days, when we were young and innocent and the brain-storms that flowed so profusely from her sturdy typewriter were eagerly accepted and passed on without blue penciling to our readers. But a lot of water has shot over the Chaudière since “Son of the Sheik” was
produced and released to a clamoring public, and we confess that Beulah’s effusive if well-turned, phrases anent the current revival of Rudolph Valentino productions from the dimly-passed silent days leaves us as cold as one early morning last winter when the radiator on the old bus froze stiff and we bravely ventured forth to walk the two miles to our office. For the information of those who might be interested, and just to keep the record clear, we might add that the rejuvenated “Son of the Sheik” contains sound effects and a newly arranged musical score. Acting, directing, technical effects, and camera work have come a long way, however, from the days when every other girl of teen-age sent in a quarter for her idol’s photograph and
mounted it on the boudoir table.
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21 Jul 1925 – Women Resented Him

Posted on 04/08/2018 by 1926Rudy

NO one would attempt to deny that Rudolph has had a severe setback. One of the very big directors told me it was his opinion that Rudy had been all but assassinated professionally by the too open attempt to advertise him as a lady-charmer.  According to the opinion of this director, that has been Rudolph’s trouble. He was touted so heavily as  “the great lover of the movie screen” that has aroused the resentment not so much of men as of women. Valentino and other famous silent stars of the time. In every one of
these famous stage careers there is a core of tragedy, of futility, and failure

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2 Aug 18 – Q/A with YouTube Vlogger “Jordan the Lion”

Posted on 02/08/2018 by 1926Rudy

Readers, this blog is about Rudolph Valentino.  Through these blog posts and my research, I hope this has been a journey of new and fascinating discoveries for you.  After years of blogging, I am still amazed new information is continuously discovered by a community of people who are fans of the silent film industry.  Fellow Valentino fans who avidly share their finds on social media and have interesting conversations about their discoveries. Also, it has been my privilege to meet noted authors, vloggers and fellow Valentino fans kind enough to take time out to information share. One such person, is a YouTube Video Logger whose moniker is Daze With Jordan The Lion.  This enterprising vlogger has produced some amazing vlogs on a variety of different subjects and foreign travel.  This gentleman’s vlogs have been viewed with appreciation by many of Valentino fans on social media. Since the month of August is dedicated to the memory of Rudolph Valentino who died on 23 Aug 1926. I reached out to Mr. Jordan Lee who was gracious to grant me this short interview for which I humbly thank him for taking time.

1) Rudolph Valentino’s memory is still highly regarded, and many fans have been excited when viewing your v-logs.  The detail and depth of new information has been appreciated. What are your thoughts about knowing your vlogs are viewed by a different fan base?

I am extremely happy to know that people still care about Valentino’s career and lore, so knowing that people are finding my vlogs and maybe just going and watching his movies out of their own curiosity really makes me happy, so I love it.

2) One of your Vlogs #151 Inside Rudolph Valentino’s First L.A Apartment was at the Hotel Alexandria. First. I want to say well researched and cool to watch.  This is a favorite vlog amongst fellow Valentino fans. What was your first impression when you were able to see the room where Norm Kerry and Rudolph Valentino stayed?

My first impression was how I felt like it hadn’t changed at all. and you can almost feel like you can see them living in there. I don’t know, it’s pretty surreal. There are many places they keep rooms in that kind of condition and untouched for as long as that place has so it really had a Valentino feel or what I would feel like Valentino would stay. I also have to say how surprised I was that the Hotel was so willing to show it to me. They literally just handed me the keys at one point…

3) Have you watched any of Rudolph Valentino’s silent films? If so, do you have a favorite?

Yes, I always liked the Sheik, and The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, but since I like to spend time in the Fern dell part of Griffith Park, Los Angeles with my dog, ‘The Young Rajah’ has a special place for me, as they say some of those classic scenes were filmed on that path.

4) Will there be any future vlogging projects about Rudolph Valentino?

Yes, I have a couple more, and I’m hoping to include meeting with City Councilman Mitch O’Farrell in hopes in getting a plaque acknowledging where “Villa Valentino” was, since it was truly his home, I believe…. Mitch has been instrumental in getting various other plaques around the city acknowledging the Silent Movie contributions, as it is now Villa Valentino’s foundation STILL remains off to the side of the 101 Freeway behind a brick wall. Why not put a plaque on that wall acknowledging his house was demolished for the 101 to be constructed?

Well there you are I hope you enjoyed this interview folks. Please take the time and go to YouTube and watch other cool Daze with Jordan The Lion vlogs.  I am hoping to feature future interviews in this blog of other noted Valentino authors.

UPDATE – There is a part 2 of this interview done in Dec 2020, exclusive for Patreon supporters.

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25 Jul 1943 – A Bookman’s Holiday By Charles Collins

Posted on 01/08/2018 by 1926Rudy

It was said, that Rudolph Valentino’s book of verses, “Day Dreams” was ghost writed by Gordon Seagrove, former Chicago Tribune reporter and thereafter advertising stylist, it was slightly off the track. The truth in a nugget is that Mr. Seagrove nearly wrote “Day Dreams”. The inside story, in his own words, is better than the original.  “I didn’t write one line of ‘Day Dreams’ says the erstwhile skipper of the yacht Vanadis,” and if I did I would be glad to atone for it on the scaffold. But..when the great lover was becoming a biological urge I saw him in a dancing exhibition, I think in the Bismarck Gardens. When he ended his program countless frustrated mommas took off their wrist watches, rings, etc and threw them on the stage.  That did something to me. How, I pondered, could Seagrove get some of those coconuts? So he hatched up a scheme for a deluxe volume of love poetry by Valentino, to be written and published by himself (Gordon Seagrove), and submitted to the Great Lover who said “Yes”. A serious accident in the Mackinac yacht race delayed the ambitious Seagrove, but after he had been patched up in the hospital ‘all bound with woolen string and wires” he began to write the poems. “It was Eddie Guest with allot of hot Italian background says Seagrove, “a whiff of the desert and a dash of ‘pale hands I loved beside the Shalimar”.  All in all, it was good, heart-mellowing stuff, calculated to knock the matrons not into one loop but three.  In due course, the verses were sent to Hollywood and approved.  “But here the dirty hand of romance smote me.  Valentino had met and fallen in love with Winifred Hudnut, also known as Natacha Rambova. This lady, who was a pallid kind of poet of the E.F. Cummings incoherent school, took one look at my meaty efforts and vetoed them forthwith.  She substituted her own stuff, which now appears in Day Dreams – a new love in versification, in my opinion..  Rudolph Valentino was also the alleged author of a volume of memoirs called “My Private Diary” issued by the Occult Publishing Company, Chicago in 1929. It’s ghost writer has not yet confessed but I can tell you Rudolph Valentino did not write this book.

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