A Rudy Postscript to “The Untold Story”

My most recent book, “Rudolph Valentino The Untold Story,” examines many of the personalities that surrounded him, his exploits, relationships, films and more. And it provides the reader with context, how Rudy perceived those people and experiences at the time, reflected in the mirror of NOW. The following comments were given to me recently, as a postscript. ~ Wayne Hatford

Vengono scritti già in questo secolo, anche nel passato, diversi libri che danno occhio alla mia vita, la persona che ero, e sempre sono, nel’Al di là...(Both in this century and the last a number of books have been written that examine my life, the person I was, and still am, in the Great Beyond.)

Has everything been explained? Did the authors detailing that life-time get things right? Yes and no. Each perceived it through their own lens, perhaps not so surprising. As a result, they have tended to ignore or fixate on certain aspects, sometimes both.

Did I want to tell all in “Rudolph Valentino The Untold Story” whose title implies that I did? No, Signori, perche questo sarebbe stato troppo facile. Invece, vi voglio far pensare, riflettere(No, because that would have been too easy. Instead, I want to make you think, reflect…)

But what this book reveals is a significant tranche of my essence as well as sanguine bits of insight and information. Not only that, it confirms and refutes conclusions that have previously been drawn. E più di nulla, sono molto lieto e volevo farvi capire questo. (And most importantly, I am, by nature, an ebullient individual and wanted you to understand that.) Some claim I was often despondent or melancholy, no, only rarely so. Sopratutto nel corpo di Rodolfo, ho bevuto la vita copiosamente, goccia per goccia. (Especially in that incarnation, I drank of life copiously, savoring every drop.)

Somehow I knew there was little time to waste!” ~ Rudolph Valentino

Nita Naldi

Nita played many roles in Rudy’s life, the most important of which were co-star, friend, and intimate. Excerpted from “Rudolph Valentino The Untold Story,” here are some of his observations on their personal rapport, also her impact on movie-goers.

This woman was one of the best foils any actor could ever have! We were opposites but that allowed us to compliment each other. Attractive but not pretty in a conventional way, she could convey the most nefarious mannerisms, vamp-like behavior that was thoroughly, and morally, bankrupt. Nita and I were great buddies and the rumors are true. We did once explore when everything seemed new. Then we had a laugh about it later, curiosity having paid its due. Without Nita to support me, I could not have mastered those roles as effectively as I did. She was an icon and, of course, the women in the audience were not threatened by our kisses, knowing that we would not truly succumb.

Nita was the archetype of temptation every time we appeared together on screen. In real life, however, she was blasé, never took Hollywood too seriously, yet grateful that her look, and demeanor, were so perfect for the moment. I remember her fondly. Love, Rodolfo.” ~ Rudolph Valentino

Charlie Chaplin

Here Rudy recollects about his interactions with Charlie, especially when they were both associated with United Artists Pictures.

Although he was somewhat of an enigma, I found him rather brilliant, engaging, and conversant on any number of subjects. He was also quite eclectic in his personal tastes and very sure of himself professionally. We did socialize upon occasion but never approached the border of intimate friends, the kind who would share most things.

During “The Eagle” shoot, he appeared several times to reassure me, and the cast, I suppose to marvel at our accomplishments, be the goodwill ambassador for United Artists Pictures. He knew our work would please the public, had a smell for that kind of thing.

I did not witness any of the quirks that have been assigned to Mr. Chaplin over the years, nor did I ever observe him in character as the little tramp, even though hints were there, present in the way he moved ~ body language you say today. I remain grateful for the opportunity he, Doug, and Mary gave me: to become a part of their film family.” ~ Rodolfo Valentino

Rudy on his French Roots

Let’s stipulate that I am/was half French to begin with and my mother had strongly embraced that language and culture, brought them to Italy with her, saw them as a trophy throughout her life. She delighted in speaking French to us as children. It was our own flavor, our refuge, something she thought would make us more able in the world. This is not to say that she did not love Italy, Puglia in particular. Anyway, French, in all its ramifications, seeped into our lives and we thought it grand, saw our capability with it as an entrée. (Door-opener.) So when I went to Paris during my teen-age years to, in fact, sow wild oats, try out the boulevardier (man about town) premise, I summoned my French parts, made them shine, and gathered my forces which later translated to the continental flair I was known to display as aspects of screen characters I embodied.

That we read in French, novels and history in particular, was a really nurturing part of my upbringing. Did I like the precision of French in composition? Not so much as a boy yet I was a sponge. I knew that language inside out, and admired the elegance inherent in the culture. Le Comte (Count) Valentino, perhaps an alter ego? Oh the excesses I knew while in the thrall of my first visit to Paris! How dandy it all was!” ~ Rodolfo Valentino

“Rudolph Valentino The Untold Story”

Am delighted to announce that my new book, “Rudolph Valentino The Untold Story” is now for sale via Amazon.com.

Who better to comment on the life and times of Rudolph Valentino than Rudy himself? Recollections from one of the greatest screen icons of all times, as told to Medium Wayne Hatford. Their third collaboration, this book sheds new light, quells rumors, addresses speculations, corrects the record ~ ‘write’ from the horse’s mouth! And Rudy delivers with wit and panache, the same magnetic charisma he displayed in films.

Read what he has to say now about his leading ladies, family, friends, lovers, wives, colleagues, films and more, his most cherished memories and adventures. A wealth of tantalizing tidbits and reveals, here is Valentino pulling back the curtain posthumously, testifying on his own behalf.

http://www.amazon.com/Rudolph-Valentino-Untold-Vincent-Hatford/dp/0983343667/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1416018086&sr=8-1&keywords=rudolph+valentino+the+untold+story