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

By Allan R. Ellenberger and Edoardo Ballerini

Book Overview

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.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0786419504
• ISBN13: 9780786419500
• Release Date: January 2005
• Publisher: McFarland & Company
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 1.25 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 6.9" x 10.0"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

Rudy's Last Days

At first i was disappointed because it was a paperback book and it WAS a little expensive. But it is a great book for the Valentino fan. Great lists!! I'd recommend it for Rudy fans. It concentrates on the last few days of his life.

Exploring Valentino's Mystique in Death and In-Depth

I read "The Valentino Mystique: The Death and Afterlife of the Silent Film Idol" after purchasing it from author Allan R. Ellenberger at one of his insightful and visually entertaining speaking engagements on the topic. Having visited Valentino's crypt at nearby Hollywood Forever Cemetery several times, I was definitely drawn to the "mystique" of his afterlife and Mr. Ellenberger left no stone unturned satisfying my curiosity. The book is constructed in three parts: the first focusing on the last days of the screen legend's life, the controversial events surrounding his death, right on through to the subsequent funeral, which can only be described as Hollywood's premiere bi-coastal fan frenzied media circus. Even if you have read other Valentino biographies, I still highly recommend this book not only for the compelling writing style but also because it also offers details in the last two sections that you wouldn't necessarily find in print elsewhere. I especially enjoyed reading the Valentino-related site tours (part two) and the numerous information-packed appendices (part three) which cover the gamut from Valentino's medical diagnosis, operation and treatment to his Last Will and Testament and highlights from the estate sale including item descriptions and prices they sold for, to detailed newspaper references.