Valentino - Liebling der Frauen

I have only seen this film on the late show, and that many years ago, when there was still a late show! In common with some of the other posters, I should so much like to see "Valentino" again, and wonder why it has not been put on tape. I'd buy it in a heartbeat! Having been a fervent fan of Valentino since I was 13 years old, I have no illusions about this film. It is largely fictitious, but that really doesn't matter. It has the feeling of its time, and Anthony Dexter looks so much like Valentino it is almost scary. It is amazing how much of this film I remember, even though it has been so long since I last saw it. The tango sequence is unforgettable, and worth watching the whole film for that alone. My next favorite scene is that between RV and "Lila." She is just finishing her lunch, and she offers Rudi her dessert. "You take the cake," she says. "I'm pounds overweight!" (She exaggerates.) Amused, he gives her a long, lingering gaze and says, "Where?" Somewhat uncomfortable, she replies, "Oh--places!" He says, "It doesn't show!" She replies, thoroughly under the influence of Valentino's famous "bedroom gaze," "Keep looking at me like that and it'll MELT off!" A must-see for Valentino fans, fictitious or not!

It made me sad and long to watch a Rudy movie. Rudy is magical and wonderful – the guy who played him this movie didn't even touch on any of Rudy's wonderful qualities. This movie may do well if considered FAN FICTION but even calling that is being too kind.

Also, disappointing is that it didn't capture the era of the 20's at all. I love that time period and would have loved to watch this movie if it were able to capture such a memorizing time in history. But no luck.

I can see where this movie would appeal to the 1950s move goers though, who probably at that point did not have much interest in Rudy, really, and very little available to them to learn more about him (where I've been lucky). And I can see why some not knowing Rudy at all or being caught in his spell (unfortunate) would go for this. It was a movie of IT'S time. Not Rudy's though, or anything close to it.

I loved Anthony Dexter's portrayal of Valentino, he especially looked like him and that's why he was chosen over 400 other auditioners for the part. But, the story wasn't told even close to what his real life was about. Also, in real life, he spoke with a Franco/Italian accent as he was fluent in both French and Italian languages, this was not portrayed in the film. He died in a delirium speaking French, which also was not dramatized in the film. I guess they thought since no one had ever heard Valentino speak in a film since he was never in a "talkie", they felt they could get away with it. Also, the costumes for the ladies, they should have taken a page out of "Singing In the Rain" although that didn't come out until 1952. They didn't use any 1920's fashions! Maybe a couple of hats. What a waste! Eleanor Parker's wardrobe was decidedly 40's/50's which for me ruined the aura of the film. Don't forget Valentino was the King of the 1920's film age which was decadent to say the least. Other than that, the film was entertaining.

First, let me say that I had a very hard time finding a copy of this movie. I found the cast very good and Anthony Dexter as Valentino gives a sensitive and respectful performance portraying the much loved silent screen star. Eleanor Parker is lovely as Valentino's true love, and Patricia Medina is beautiful in a supporting role. Richard Carlson is also very effective in his role as the director in love with the star, (Eleanor Parker). For me, the highlight of the movie is the dancing, which is beautifully interpreted. Although loosely based on the life of Rudolph Valentino, I still found the movie entertaining and would recommend it to any Valentino fan or anyone who loves a good romantic movie.

Filmed in 1951 to coincide with the 25th anniversary of the actor's death, "Valentino" is part fact and part fiction. Photographed in glorious Technicolor, the true charm of the film is the uncanny resemblance of actor Anthony Dexter to the silent screen legend.

Although some characters are fictionalized and some were real with name changes, the film moves along nicely, especially when the title character does some tango dancing under the direction of Lewis Allen. Young people will not enjoy this film, unless they are into older movies.

But for older viewers, watch this film if you can. I don't believe it's on VHS or DVD, but hopefully, it will be one day.