Rudolph Valentino, le grand séducteur

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!

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.

This motion picture was an unsuccessful film, lost in a quagmire of fiction and caricature. Dexter who portrayed the Great Lover made a great performance including a dance of a fine Argentine tango. The naked truth is the story had everything of a good movie but strange facts happened before the shooting. The real past Madam Valentino, Natacha Rambova threatened legal action against Columbia Pictures if they attempted to portray her in the picture. Valentino's siblings Alberto and Maria did successfully sue for this unauthorized biography. So did Rex Ingram's wife, the actress Alice Terry, for the movie's portrayal of her having had an affair with Rudy both before and after her marriage to her director-husband. Final Conclusion: Columbia has changed the script and lost a masterpiece. In truth the film has been done too early when the principals personages were still alive. Nevertheless the movie released has charm due to Valentino myth and to unforgettable Dexter performance. Applauses from an old Valentino and Dexter fan. Adalberto P. Rodrigues

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.

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