Posts Tagged With: Death of Rudolph Valentino

For fans of both this blog and the late silent film actor Rudolph Valentino know there are two month (Aug & Sep) out of the calendar year, which makes us stop for a moment to pay a tribute to our favorite actor. Although none of us ever personally knew him yet each one of us feels as though we do. For example, each milestone of his movie career and life has been discussed, dissected, detailed, delved into a degree until we can recite from memory. We have a renewed sense of appreciation for his wit and wisdom and his presence on the big screen that comes to life only for us each time we watch a movie of his. Sadness may suddenly come upon us on the anniversary of his death (23 August) and the days that follow.

But with the passage of time, new generations of fans come forth who discovered what we all have and that is appreciation for silent film genre and Rudolph Valentino.

Rudy reconciled with the Catholic church and went back to the religion of his youth.  For someone who said he was not a religous person it’s interesting how he turned to the comfort of his faith to give him peace.  Oftentimes, people will feel at home with other religions and explore what is beyond their own back yard.  But in the end, when individuals get older and wiser they will return and seek guidance and comfort in heavenly places.

As I continue to post articles and start wrapping up this blog. Again Dec 2030 is the end date and this blog will no longer exist. I found this interesting article where it talks about Valentinos book collection. So, those that bought Ebay items that claim this bookplate was part of that collection it looks like that is false, according to this article.

Tribute to Rudolph Valentino is paid in a donation received by the Near East Relief from an American woman in Maryland.  The money was accompanied by a letter, in which the donation stated that “this gift is to be used for the support of an orphan child in memory of Rudolph Valentino, who brought so much joy into the world for so many people”.

Several readers have complained because the newspapers devoted more space to the death of Rudolph Valentino.  An editor is not a historian who seeks to put happenings into their proper perspective. If the great preoccupation of the public with Valentino is a thing to evaporate in a short time, that is more reason why it becomes news today.  It is well to remember also that the story of Valentino’s death is not concerned alone with the individual in question but with the reaction of the public to this event.  When thousands stand in the rain for hours seeking a chance to pass the dead man’s bier, that is news beyond any question.  It does not matter that many of the people in line were morbid curiosity seekers. The precise extend of morbidity is also a proper subject of journalistic concern. I rather think that some reports have been too severe in judging the motives of the crowd.  I saw long lines at a distance in the dripping rain, and it is my belief that if it had been possible for a reporter to investigate the hearts of all who waiting there he would have found in many who trudged the slow march through the doors a profound emotion. Valentino had become that priceless thing – a symbol. It was not so much a motion picture actor who lay dead as Pan of Apollo whom they are to bury from Campbell’s funeral parlor. He was to the thousands the romance which they never knew.  He was Prince Charming and came from the other side of the moon.  And if a symbol of romance in the lives of many millions fades, that is a not undignified matter of newspaper interest.  It is a long sleep to which Valentino has gone, and soon the thousands will have another symbol to take his place. It seems to me a little cruel to deny a dead actor his last full measure of press clippings.

A silent screen idol, Rudolph Valentino was eulogized at memorial services Tuesday as the man who “filled a need” for women who lost their loved ones in the first World War. About 50 persons, most of them middle-aged or elderly women, attended that memorial service that marked the 34th anniversary of Valentino’s death at the peak of his career. Former silent film star James Kirkwood, a life-long friend of Valentino, and Belle Martell, also of the silent screen era, both spoke in the solemn service at Valentino’s crypt at Hollywood Memorial Park.  Absent for the third straight year was the “Lady in Black”, who formerly made an annual pilgrimage to the crypt.  Miss Martell insisted this is not just a bit of showmanship, not a carnival. Rudolph Valentino was a great artist with a great big spark of genius. Kirkwood quoted from Hamlets speech to Horatio “Thou has been as one, suffering all…” and recalled the “great qualities” of the silent screen star whose “Son of the Sheik” recently was shown in a new television series.

A Rudolph Valentino autograph recently was sold for $75.00.  A mechanics weekly salary will buy Rudolph Valentino’s $18,000 Isotta Town Car, now dusting on a used automobile lot. Nina Wilcox Putnam has a Voisin formerly owned by Valentino.

Silent Film Star Rudolph Valentino is still beloved by fans the world over and every 23 August is remembered through a memorial tribute showing Hollywood one of its own is “Never Forgotten”. His every career move has been documented in newsprint or media, books, blogs, vlogs, and outside interest has never wavered. While greedy property developers and others seek to destroy buildings of historical significance related to the Hollywood movie industry this is one event that will never go away.   

There are two highly recommended books “Valentino the Unforgotten” by Roger Peterson and “Valentino Forever the History of the Valentino Memorial Services” by Tracy Terhune. These great references give the reader further insight from the first-person perspective on how fans still adore our beloved Rudolph Valentino.