The Valentino Mystique: The Death and Afterlife of the Silent Film Idol

by Allan R. Ellenberger, Edoardo Ballerini

The circumstances surrounding the death of legendary star Rudolph Valentino have been a constant source of fascination for admirers worldwide. This work examines every aspect of his passing, analyzing the circumstances and gathering information into one convenient source for the Valentino scholar and enthusiast. The first part examines every moment of the last days of Rudolph Valentino, his illness and operation, the reactions of such intimates as Pola Negri, and all controversy such as riots, suicides, and fights over his funeral and estate. Part two gives tours of Valentino-related sites in New York, Hollywood and West Hollywood, downtown and suburban Los Angeles, and Beverly Hills, explaining each site's part in Valentino's history, giving quotes from the star and his associates about the place, and describing its present state. Part three consists of eleven appendices giving such information as the infamous "Pink Powder Puff" editorial and Valentino's responses, the medical diagnosis, operation on and treatment of the idol, tributes and eulogies, the list of mourners attending his funerals, his last will and testament, the summation of his estate, quotes about his death, references from newspapers, and a complete filmography.

Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[Graceann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Allan Ellenberger explores Valentino from a different angle - the emphasis here is on the Shiek's last days, the furor surrounding his funeral, and the way in which he is remembered today (most notably with the annual memorial service at Hollywood Forever Cemetery). Very interesting reading.

[James Bazen · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absorbing look at Valentino from a different perspective. Allan Ellenberger examines the last few eventful days of Valentino's life leading up to his untimely death in 1926. And also, how Valentino's legacy and mystique has endured. An excellent book.

[Greta · Rating 3 out of 5]

Full of details on the last couple of weeks of Valentino’s life, text of his will and estate papers, and guests at his funerals. All sorts of odds and ends, copiously footnoted. In reply to Nancy's review, i would have found this book disappointing if it were the only book on Valentino. But since there is so much out there (of varying quality), i thought it filled a unique niche (and helps show up those authors who are totally lying!). For me it had some useful information about Norma Talmadge. Besides, it was fun to see what Rudy was doing the day my husband was born! (in fact, the nurses in the hospital called him Rudy!)

[Nancy Loe · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm glad to know there are others out there who get obsessed with a particular event in the past and even gladder that they can get book contracts. That said, this book felt padded - long appendices with wills and lists of property and the like only added to that impression. Instead of explaining why this cultural phenomenon happened, the author is content instead to merely recite various events that happened in the course of Valentino's death and burial.

[Kayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

As the other reviewers have indicated, this is not a in-depth biography of Rudolph Valentino. However, within the scope of its topic, it is comprehensive and well-written.