Rudolph Valentino as the World now called him had come along way since he had landed as a youthful immigrant ten years before. He had suffered hardship privation and hunger, conditions which he tempered, and moulded his character as nothing else could have done a simple soul at heart he disliked snobbery, and bigotry, and had a sympathetic leaning towards ‘The Underdog’. He also tried to live up to the motto live and let live.

Fond of children and animals, he was always at his best when in their company. He believed that a child was an individual with an intelligence of its own.

He would spend hours quietly at home completely at ease asking nothing more than a congenial atmosphere in which to absorb and experience the delights of the great world of Art, Music and Books. His interests were varied. He was a fine athlete he wrote a book entitled:’How to keep fit’ consisting of seventy six pages and thirty photographs of Valentino performing various exercises published in America and Great Britain, 1923.

Valentino, was also a fine horsemen and often rode with his friend Mario Carillo, who had been an Italian Cavalry Officer. Putting their horses through various stunts.

His style of dress was European. In his early day he had favoured colours possibly because of his Italian upbringing, but with the influence of Saville Row, his taste was more mature. Conceited he was not, although his air of self assurance was often misconstrued by those that did not know him. He held the belief that man is an individual and as such should be allowed freedom of expression, whether in dress Jewellery, or any other form. Always providing that no harm is done to another person.

Anything richly coloured attracted Valentino. Paintings, tapestries, brocaded materials, sunsets. The play of the water in the sunshine. He had not reached the stage when he had no time to stand and stare. He was a part of the Hollywood film firmament, but not of it. The shallow brassy social life of the film capital held no attraction for him.

Brought up the wines of southern Italy he was not a heavy drinker, he smoked a heavily, and also liked a pipe. His temper was that of the average French/Italian, quick to rise, and just as quick to fall. Clouds, one moment, sunshine the next, with a vocabulary drawn from five languages, listening to one of his outbursts must have been a rare experience for the listener.

To women he was courteous and always mastered the situation even when some of his fans became to emotional and literally threw themselves upon his person. He was not generally, liked by men, possibly they regarded his continental ways suspicious. Considering the hysterical and nonsensical columns of some writers this was to be expected. Men who really knew him liked him and became loyal friends.

By public usage the Rudolpho had been changed into Rudolph. Finding that so many people made the mistake, he voluntarily adopted the name which was affectionately shortened to Rudy. Forty years after his death a mucial was produced after his death called: ‘Caio! Rudy’.

Valentino never learnt to be thrifty generous to a fault many dollars found their way into the pockets into the unfortunate who touched him for a loan.

It was only after his passing that the people concerned broke their promise and spoke of his generosity. Now at 28 with the world at his feet two exceptionally fine films, the ‘Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse’ and ‘Blood and Sand’ behind him, the prospect of more to follow and a secure place in the affection of the public American and English surely his future must look bright, and yet during his success he was to endure, perhaps, more misery in his heart than he had ever endured in his body.

Christmas 1923 was spent at the Chateau in Juan Les Pins, but the visit only lasted a few days, and then the Valentino’s returned to America, to continue with the production of the film being made under the newly made contract.

‘Monsieur Beacarie’ adapted from the novel by Booth Tarkangten, was the first of two films made by Valentino. A story of the French court in the time of Louie XV, the early scenes were set in Versailles then changed to Bath. An all star cast included BeBe Daniels, who played the part of Princess Henrietta, and Valentino played the part of Louie Philippe of Orleans Duke of Chartres, later becoming Monsieur Beacarie, when he flees to Bath.

 During the making of a film it was always observed by those around him that Valentino seemed to lose his own personality and become that of the character he was portraying. Just as he had adopted the swaggering walk of the trained bull fighter whilst making ‘Blood and Sand’, so now, he became the French Nobleman. Even at home while talking with friends he adopted the mannerisms of a gentlemen of the period. This was not acting it was not done to impress. The simple fact was Valentino was so influenced by the part that he became that person.

There can be no question that the film was fortunate in having first class artists in every part. One of the most beautiful films and technically perfect for the time of which we are writing, it owed much to the wonderful writing and first time in use and the artistic ability of Natascha who was in charge of the sets and costumes which were made in Paris. Her every wish was backed by Valentino, who, apart from recognising her authority on such matters naturally wished to please his wife on such matters she was in complete control. From the Director downwards she supervised everything and everyone including the lighting, and camera angles. A perfectionist Natascha wanted the best for Valentino and was determined to get it. In this she overplayed her part and allowed her zeal and ambition to overcome her common sense.

‘A Sainted Devil’ was adapted from the story ‘Ropes End’ by Rex Beach. When the author read the book to the Valentino’s they were impressed with his story about war, love, and hate, and they thought that it could be made into an excellent film. However Paramount that the theme of war would offend certain people and it was deleted. Without this powerful stimulant the story degenerated into second class drama. Natascha objected loudly but in vein, and Valentino was forced to make a film that was unworthy of all concerned.

For two years Valentino had been absent from the screen, yet wherever ‘Monsieur Beaucire’ or a ‘Sainted Devil’ were shown, the cinema’s were besieged by crowds of excited picture goers. Contrary to the general belief the public is fickle it was proved in the case of Valentino, that they knew what they wanted, and demonstrated this in the most convincing manner possible.

Financed by Paramount and called the ‘Ritz Carlton Pictures Inc.’ A new company was formed to produce the next Valentino film. Having the right to select his own story, Valentino decided to make ‘The Hooded Falcon’. Written by Natascha. The story told of the Moores  in the 14th Century and had as its principal character a Spanish Prince. Making use of large spectacular sets elaborate costumes, wide open spaces, Natascha at last had the opportunity to show the film industry her ability. She estimated that it would cost $1,000,000 and was overjoyed when she and Valentino left New York for a journey through Spain to buy props and costumes for the new film. With their sum of $40,000 dollars to spend she could indulge her artistic nature to the full.

August 1924 found the Valentino’s back ate the Chateau In Juan Les Pins where Maria, Rudolph’s sister was also a guest. They often went cruising down the coast on a motor boat with Valentino at the wheel. In the evening he hoped to give film shows in the large hall of the house. While in New York the previous year he had ordered a film projector to be sent to the Chateau the one chosen was a replica of the one used in the Capital Theatre in the New York. Warned that it would be far too large for private showing Valentino said that the Chateau was large. Since no electrician would undertake the assembly of the machine, it had remained packed up awaiting Valentino, who immediately began the complicated job of putting the parts together. The first real of ‘Monsieur Beaucaire’ had been fitted onto the projector and brushing aside the fact that dinner was about to be served, Valentino ushered his starving audience into their seats to watch the full length film. Of course the Chateau was not powered to run a theatre projector, and suddenly every fuse was blown.

After dinner eaten in the mellow light of candles another attempt was made with the same result. Finally an expert had to be called and special cables laid before anyone saw the full version of ‘Monsieur Beaucaire’.

Accompanied by Mrs Hudnut Valentino and Natascha travelled by train to Madrid for lunch but Valentino left the hotel Ritz without even looking at the rooms. He had heard of a collection of armour. Always bursting with energy, he would dash off immediately, in pursuit of anything that looked promising. Even forgetting meals and time of day. His impulsive nature was strong and he possessed a driving force that enabled him to carry on for long spells without fatigue. Whether he was engaged in work, pleasure, his energy was dynamic, and it must have been a tremendous strain on the two women.

From Madrid they travelled to Seville. The old town had been the setting for Blood and Sand and the original story written my Vincente Blasco had been based on the classic story of a famous Bull Fighter. Valentino was fascinated by Seville. He obtained the address of where the man had lived, it was now in need of repair and was occupied by a peasant and his family. Whilst in Seville Valentino bought velvet costumes lined with satin the capes heavy with embroideries worked in gold thread those had once graced the slender figures of famous matadors, but now hung limp and forgotten. The Spaniard is a creature full of superstition, those connected with the bull ring perhaps more so than others. Black cats old women begging for Alms clothes worn by men killed in the ring all these things spell disaster in the minds of the susceptible matador. Valentino was not superstitious. His mind was not clouded and warped by old wives tales and religious creeds, a relic of medieval times and mostly designed to frighten the illiterate and keep people amenable to authority.

At first Natascha refused to go near the bull ring but later she and Mrs Hudnut accompanied Valentino.

Bull fighting is the most insidious and cruellest of all sports, insidious because it breeds mass hypnotism and dulls the inherent humanitarian instinct of the average onlooker. It is cruel to man and beast. Cruel to the horses that are used the poor animals are made to stand while the picadors prick the bull with a lance, and although, they are protected by a mattress like covering many of them are ripped open by the long horns of the bull. The man, or bull, a horrible death awaits one or the other yet the crowd yells its appreciation, and flings its tokens of approval into the ring.

Valentino arrived with movie camera and still camera but neither of them were used. But a man that was noted for his love of horses, dogs and all animals should have been so completely swayed by the spectacle he witnessed speaks for itself. The influence lasted several days Valentino was through with movie making in the future his life’s work would be in the arena. Knowing that the phase would pass, Natascha coolly allowed him to rave.

It must not be thought the film ‘Blood and Sand’ supported bull fighting on the contrary the theme of the film condemns the practice and finally ends with the philosopher pointing the finger at the crowd and saying ‘There is the real beast’.

The work now began of collecting material and background for the hooded falcon. Many reels of film were taken of the Alcazer Palace and Gardens. In one of the art galleries Valentino found a portrait of a Spanish nobleman and decided he would take it as a model, he began to grow a beard. From Seville they travelled to Granada. The Alambra Palace is a perfect example of a Moorish civilisation. A civilisation that lasted eight centuries, and fell to the Spanish on January 2nd 1492. Valentino spent days filming and photographing the delicate tracery and marble halls. They lingered in the beautiful court of lions with its fountains and on terraces planted with Oleander, Cypress, and Myrtle and everywhere hung the sent of geraniums, pinks, and carnations. From Granada the party returned to France where they were joined by Nita Naldi, and then started a tour of the Chateaux of the Loire.

In November ‘The Levanthian’ docked in New York harbour and Valentino, Natascha and Nita Naldi stepped ashore to face a battery of camera’s and noisy fans. Valentino was still wearing the beard he had grown in Spain. This beard caused a sensation and the following announcement to be issued by the Associated Master Barbers: ‘Our members are pledged not to attend a showing of Rudolph Valentino’s photoplays as long as he remains bewiskered. The male population is very likely to be guided by the famous actor to the extent of making beards fashionable again and such a fashion would not only work harmful injury to Barbers but would so utterly deface America as to make American citizens difficult to distinguish from Russians’.

When reviewing a span of over seventy years one realises that circumstances are only relevant to the narrow confines of a time in which they occur. Each generation holds to its strict dogmatic conception of right and wrong what is permissible in one era is not in another. The threat of the Association of Master Barbers strike against Valentino’s films seems ludicrous when viewed by later generations. In the future it is even possible that a hairless face could become a novelty.

Society beats his head against a wall of its own errection. Why cannot humanity break loose and channel all the energy and effort expended on trivialities into a more tolerant, humane approach towards the rights of man. Vast energy is generated by the youth of every nation. Hitlers youth movement was an example of its misuse. Always, it seems, horror, blood shed, and violence which has never achieved any lasting benefits, are the only answers to the discontented souls who are like paper ships swaying upon a sea of emotional discontent.

Two thousand years ago a man was born into the same environment of hate, distrust, and suspicion that ‘we enjoy’ today. He brought an ideal. He taught mankind of the survival of the soul after the death of the body. Over the centuries so called Christians have walked and raped the simple truth’s, which Jesus preached so eloquently, into the horrific state where by atomic bombs, legalised murder, and vivisection are as natural and acceptable as the early morning cup of tea. Criticism of the young is irrelevant until such times as they are given hope and a wider conception of humanity where in peace, friendship, and freedom from want can exist. This will inevitably lead to greater spiritual awareness. And the foundation of a new society where all can enjoy. What is wrong with a society that is shocked and horrified when a single child or animal is burnt to death and yet happily gives its life, and money for the destruction of a whole nation.

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