Sheikh Of Araby Rudolph Valentino Coming Back To... (Press, 10 January 1976)

Rudolph Valentino, the iconic silent film star known as the "Sheikh of Araby," is experiencing a revival in Hollywood, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of his death in 1926 at the age of 31. The resurgence of interest follows the successful release of nostalgic films like "That’s Entertainment," prompting filmmakers to explore Valentino's life with a range of projects. Among them, British director Ken Russell is set to lead a wide-screen production for United Artists, starring ballet dancer Rudolf Nureyev. Paramount is also working on a biopic, while an Italian-American project titled “The Story of Valentino” is preparing to start filming in Rome. Additionally, Elvis Presley has been offered a substantial sum to star in an Americanised version of the Italian musical “Ciao, Rudy.” Ken Russell's vision is expected to present a different take on Valentino's life, including a more in-depth exploration of his complicated sex life and rumours of his homosexuality. This approach might provoke mixed feelings among Valentino's dedicated fans, who have gathered annually every 23 August to commemorate his legacy at a Hollywood mausoleum since shortly after his passing. Born in 1895 in Castellaneta, Italy, Valentino began his career modestly after being sent to the United States at age 19. He initially struggled financially before entering show business by working as a "professional host" at New York tea dances. His breakthrough came with the film “The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse,” where he epitomised a new type of male lead—exotic, alluring, and distinctly different from the all-American hero archetype. His arrival marked a significant shift in on-screen masculinity and representation of foreign characters. Despite his meteoric rise, Valentino’s life was marred by personal struggles and scrutiny regarding his sexuality. His tumultuous relationships, particularly with his wives, raise questions about his emotional life, including accusations of effeminacy and the stress that ultimately led to his decline in health. Critics of a recent two-hour television film about Valentino expressed disappointment at its superficial examination of his life and legacy, lacking insight into the deeper complexities of his character. As Valentino's narrative is revisited in light of modern sensibilities and storytelling techniques, it raises the possibility that Kenneth Russell's film could provide a fresh perspective on both the man and the myth—exploring the intriguing duality that made Valentino a captivating figure for multiple generations. The energy surrounding this coming cinematic revival highlights Valentino’s enduring appeal and the curiosity that continues to surround his life and untimely death, which, perhaps, only solidifies his status as a symbol of romantic allure and rebellion against societal norms of the time.

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