Wayne

Valentino’s Spirit Guides

January 2, 2016 By Wayne

As chronicled by a number of his biographers, Rudy had an avid interest in spiritualism and the information he received, whether intuitively or through participating in séances and automatic writing sessions, was instrumental, he would say, in conducting his life. In fact, during his marriage to Natacha Rambova they both pursued channeling as a tool for enlightenment, and it was by this means that Rudy wrote and Natacha edited “Day Dreams,” published in 1923.

The two most frequently cited spirit guides are ‘Black Feather’ and ‘Meselope.’ In channeling my contribution to his legend, the posthumous autobiography, “Rudolph Valentino The Untold Story,” I decided to solicit Rudy’s reflections on how they impacted his life, then and now. ~ Wayne Hatford

BLACK FEATHER (Native American spirit guide)

“Black Feather was the type who would tap me on the shoulder prior to any important life decision, as if to say “Rudy, is this really what you want to do?” He was a validator, therefore, of last resorts. Not him per se, but his imploring me to reflect placed me exactly where I should be: on the hot seat as emperor of my own domain for we are our only final arbiters, in all cases. Black Feather’s presence in my life also injected instinct, a most important element of Native American lifestyle, what their survival often depended on. So I followed mine, and was encouraged to by him, in direct communication and not, within and without.

He was a mentor par excellence et je suis fort reconnaissant du rôle qu’il a joué, (and I am very grateful for the role he played) often center stage. Merci, mille fois! (A thousand thanks!) We work together now which you should not be surprised to hear, as comrades and compatriots.”

MESELOPE (Ancient Egyptian spirit guide)

“A different story, as he and I did know each other once in incarnated life whereas that is not the case with Black Feather. Meselope was a scholar who advised me, a sounding board in the position I held under Pharaoh Horemheb, that of Vizier, the one you (speaking to the author) are also familiar with, where we sometimes walked the halls at night seeking shooting stars. Later he moved up the ranks to keeper of my scrolls, master scribe, overseeing others. So that life-time left a strong imprint on my soul and I carried the energy inside and, as I expressed Rudy, some of it appeared. Meselope knows how to anchor. That is how he helped Natacha and I when we called out to spirits to respond to our questions, held automatic writing sessions to create our book. He, too, is a trusted comrade.

Meselope carries the scent of ancient Egypt, incense, perfume, and along with that, the consciousness, great order and purpose of that society. For me, in that incarnation, it was truly a wonderful place to be alive. Oddly, he has an even stronger connection with Natacha having once been her father and then again her prince. His was an exemplary role in each of our lives. I remain eternally grateful to him and here we do also converse. What a solid, constructive force in the Universe, this is Meselope!” ~ Rudolph Valentino

Filed Under: Reflections & Ruminations, Rudy Speaks, Rudy's Personal Life, Voce Valentino Blog

Douglas Fairbanks

December 10, 2015 By Wayne

“Mr. Hollywood! If ever there was a quintessential figure, someone audiences could rally around as both hero and rogue, it was Doug. He had the magic, the one that propelled him to great heights. Of course, that he had control over his pictures was paramount. He did not need to kowtow to studio demands or act in simpering productions, stale pieces of bread, even crusts, which is what I would liken some of the product of those days to be. And Doug was a really nice guy, funny, witty, always with a sly sense of humor. His physical prowess obviously delighted viewers, made him, for a while, top box office. And he picked his projects well, wished me all the best with “The Eagle” and “Son of the Sheik” once I had joined the United Artists stable of stars.

We were a bit competitive physically, had to show off to each other once in a while, our abilities with riding and sports. I have fond memories of Doug, and how our careers were, in a way, complimentary. My favorite Fairbanks film was “The Thief of Baghdad.” An incredibly impressive work of art and it was fun to watch!” ~ Rudolph Valentino

Filed Under: Celebrities, Rudy Speaks, Voce Valentino Blog

Arts et Métiers, Rudy-style

September 11, 2015 By Wayne

Rudy was a big fan of integrating his own life experiences with cinematic art, something he was innately able to accomplish as an expression of self.

Indeed, he was talented in a number of arenas, having a natural affinity for other careers which could have allowed him to assume those mantles, should he have wanted to do so. Rudy did work as a dancer, and gardener, for example, but he surely would have also been an excellent auto mechanic, photographer, or movie director. The roads not taken!

All of his personal interests and abilities were brought to bear on his work in front of the camera, and I propose Rudy used these bits and pieces of his personal reality to help create the color and vibrancy his screen roles encapsulated. As celebrated as his public persona became, there was always a sense that deep down inside he was an “every-man,” therefore infinitely relatable. Rudy showed us his heart, in a way that no other actor, before or since, has ever done. ~ Wayne Hatford

Filed Under: Reflections & Ruminations, Voce Valentino Blog

Rudy’s Career Roller Coaster Ride

July 28, 2015 By Wayne

Rudy’s experiences with the major studios he once called home can be likened to a “montagne russe” (roller coaster) in terms of propulsion and up and down motion. Universal was his first important employer, and four of the films he did there, along with his respective leading ladies (Carmel Myers and Mae Murray, each X 2) helped launch his career, their popularity at the time providing heft. In these movies, Rudy got to explore his playful side, even experimenting with pratfalls in “All Night.” He was also cast as a non-ethnic, certainly not the case later on.

Then, following a string of small roles and bit parts, Rudy signed with Metro to star in the “Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse,” an unqualified hit and the first instance of million dollar box office. Here Rudy was at the top of his game, the pieces coming together to create one of his most memorable roles. All that, and the tango too!

In a move one could only deem blasé, the studio then cast him in a series of lackluster, though at times interesting, follow-up films where his innate luminescence always ended up transcending the material. In truth Rudy probably would have created interest with the visual equivalent of reading a phone book; such was the magnetism he projected. Personally I like everything he did on screen, all his roles to greater or lesser extents, because they exuded magic, an ephemeral, quixotic spark.

Metro’s indifference soon translated to Paramount’s gain, as he started working at Famous Players-Lasky where they immediately cast him in what was to be his seminal part, Ahmed the Sheik. Loads of interest and box office cash resulted and Paramount knew they had a phenomenon on their hands. Unfortunately, they, like Metro, did not follow up very well. Several decent pictures ensued but only one other really notable one, “Blood and Sand.”

Rudy’s final employer was United Artists, the studio founded by Mary Pickford, Douglas Fairbanks, Charlie Chaplin and D.W. Griffin. His last two films were quality projects, and each allowed him to shine, again at the top of his game. By all accounts, he was delighted with his work in “The Eagle” and “Son of the Sheik” the latter providing an opportunity to reprise Ahmed, this time père et fils (father and son.) The roller coaster ride ended on a high point, and Rodolfo left this world at the peak of his fame, a level of renown that continues to this day! ~ Wayne Hatford

Filed Under: Rudy's Personal Life, Valentino Filmography, Voce Valentino Blog

Agnes Ayres

June 17, 2015 By Wayne

“My co-conspirator, for that is how we felt and even remarked upon while constructing the ‘Sheik’ films. We exchanged pregnant glances off set and sometimes on, when demanded by the director. Some would say my performance as the Sheik was eye-popping and it was that at times, again as the director so required. But, all in good fun!

Agnes was both very down to earth and quite a proper lady, though she also did not blush when there was a slightly risqué joke being shared. She and I discussed our roles a fair amount, especially during the second outing. I lament the chagrins she faced with her husband and personal life. Post-Sheiks, she apparently was high strung and had some difficulties reconciling her reality. This was not foreshadowed in our interactions; I was unaware of it at the time.

Agnes so graciously returned, as you know, for a small role in “Son of the Sheik.” I think our work together was solid and I shall forever be indebted to her for a great deal of my success or rather how I most impressed the public, which was in this vehicle, not my preferred means of conveyance but ultimately rather effective. There was never any romance between us yet we were able to play at that, hint of its existence in how we comported with each other. She remains in spirit but we are not in touch at the moment. Dear Agnes, such a formal name! She found herself in a position of great envy, breathing life into Mrs. Hull’s confection.” ~ Rudolph Valentino

(Excerpted from “Rudolph Valentino The Untold Story” ~ 2014)

Filed Under: Celebrities, Rudy Speaks, Valentino Filmography, Voce Valentino Blog