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

~ (Author), Edoardo Ballerini (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

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.

About the Author

Allan R. Ellenberger is also the author of Margaret O’Brien (2004), Celebrities in Los Angeles Cemeteries (2001) and Ramon Novarro (1999). He has written for such publications as Classic Images and Films of the Golden Age. He lives in Hollywood, California.

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: McFarland & Company (January 13, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786419504
• ISBN-13: 978-0786419500
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 6.9 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,527,138 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Nothing New Here, December 13, 2005

By	Scott Rambova (New York) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I have no clue as to how to clasify this book. I do not know what it is. I am not sure what I read. Is it a reference book? Is it a tour book? Is it a travel guide? Is it a book of lists? I cannot say. The author discusses the last dying days of Rudolph Valentino and has some rather interesting pictures. That comprises Part One. OK, but nothing new; nothing other books do not have. Then the author or researcher goes into a travelogue and takes the poor reader on a tour of Valentino's old haunts in various cities as Part Two. It was intolerable. Boring. Dull. Lists and more lists. Then he gives pages and pages and more pages of references to newspaper articles about Valentino. Then he throws in quotes after quotes about what people said about Valentino upon his passing. It is as if you are present at Valentino's funeral. I have read many a Valentino book, have reviewed several here, see my reviews, but I am so sorry I ever bought this book--a waste. A total waste. Nothing new and for us Valentino fans, a big disappointment. I will not keep this book--either I will throw it out, or donate it. I felt I was reading a college term paper with lists and facts and quotes. Please don't buy this book!!!

8 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Exploring Valentino's Mystique in Death and In-Depth, June 19, 2005

By	Lisa Burks (Burbank, CA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Rudy's Last Days, September 6, 2006

By	Rosemary Suty "bookworm" (Boston, MA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.