Customer Reviews

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

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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.

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.

I have no clue as to how to classify 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 in 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!!!