Rodolfo Valentino

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.

The best representation of Valentino's life than has been presented to date. It's a shame that there hasn't been more biographys done on this great actor who was also a gentleman and a good friend to all who were fortunate enough to know him personally. At the time this film was produced it was considered an inferior film, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. After seeing the film, I continued to be fascinated with Valentino.

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 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!

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