Rodolfo Valentino

I was just 15 when I first viewed this magnificant film, I found out later it was Anthony Dexter's first. No one could have picked a better leading man, he looked the part. I know movie make up can do a lot ,but this was him as if Rudy were alive. I myself would like to see it once more before I pass on. I have wrote to AMC ,no luck, and it is not on a tape! A very first rate film if you can get to see it you will not be disappointed. A good evening film for all the family. Emery J.Bittmann

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.

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 saw this movie when I was 13 years old and have never forgotten it or its theme music, "The Valentino Tango". Anthony Dexter is uncanny in his resemblance to Rudolph Valentino and is mesmerizing in this role. Although most of the movie is fictional, it is a fascinating look at the silent film era. The costumes and Eleanor Parker are beautiful and it is worth seeing just for the magnificent tango scenes. When Dexter dances as Julio with Patricia Medina, any ladies heart will beat a little faster! I have been able to obtain a VHS copy of it recently and I watch it at least once a week. I still love it. There are a lot of people who remember this movie and Anthony Dexter and it's very unfortunate that no one is interested in showing it on TV or preserving it. It really is a part of our movie history because it was the only picture in which Anthony Dexter starred and successfully portrayed a silent film legend. It is thoroughly enjoyable!

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.