The final year of Rudolph Valentino’s life, spanning late 1925 to his death on August 23, 1926, was a period marked by professional triumph, personal turmoil, and the intense public scrutiny that accompanied his status as Hollywood’s first great male sex symbol. Valentino stood at the height of his fame, yet his final months revealed the pressures and vulnerabilities that came with being the “Latin Lover” of the silent screen.
Though he succeeded in film, his personal image was in disarray. In late 1925, his second wife Natacha Rambova filed for divorce and he was technically free from shackles of a woman not easy to please. On 13 December 1925, Valentino arrived at Paris’ Gare du Nord and stayed at Plaza Athenee. During his time in Paris, celebrating in Montmartre nightclubs, gambling in Casino de Paris, or participating in Charleston Dance Contests. It was all something of a whirlwind. On 30 December, travelled by car to South of France. In early February, Valentino departed France for New York and arriving back on 14 February. From April – May, Valentino was in Yuma filming “Son of the Shiek.” On 6 May, Valentino, celebrated his 31st Birthday at United Artists Studio, Hollywood. This was a studio function, and many Hollywood stars were in attendance and one item on the menu was a pink ice cream sandal served to guests. On 19 June, Valentino travelled to Constance Talmadges Beach Party, 1020 Beach Road, Santa Monica. The party was a belated birthday celebration for actor Richard Barthelmess. In late June, Mabel Sykes found out Valentino would be stopping through Chicago. She wanted him to have updated photographs taken. Valentino was now on nation-wide tour San Francisco, Chicago, New York promoting his final film. On 9 July, “Son of the Sheik” premiered at Million Dollar Theater, Los Angeles, California and ran for 4 consecutive weeks. On 18 July, a Pink Powder Puff newspaper article was published in the Chicago Tribune. On 18 July, Valentino arrived in Chicago and was met by favourite photographer, Mabel Sykes, who took a photograph of him on the train. On 20 July, Valentino travelled to Mabel Sykes Studio for more formal photographs. In early August, Valentino arrived in New York City and stayed at the Ambassador Hotel. On 14 August, Valentino dined at the Colony Restaurant. Later he arrived at the Apollo Theater for George Whites Play “Scandals” and from there attended a small gathering at 925 Park Ave, New York, Barclay Warburton’s home. On 15 August, he collapsed in his New York City Hotel room and rushed to the hospital, only to develop peritonitis and died on 23 August. His last movie was released across the country on September 5, earning more than $1,000,000 at the box office. In December, there was an estate auction of all personal assets, he died totally broke.
All About Rudolph Valentino 