Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-04-15
The Truth About Rudolph Valentino


light Of day in May, 1895. Rudy him
self was sent to France as a youth, be-
fore he came to America, when his
family deSpaired Of keeping him out Of
mischief at home.
ThrOwback TO Saracens.
Rudy had a cultural background that
wasn't apparent on the surface. On
certain subjects he was surprisingly
well read. He had a passion for history
and historical novels, particularly those
that dealt with medieval times, in which
he could live the adventures of the
characters. lie Cid" was one of his
heroes; he adored Sabatini's books, and
anything that dealt with Moorish his
tory fascinated him.
That is why he loved the role of the
sheik. The particular thing that in
trigued him was the sheik's Snorting
Arab horse with its silver trappings, the
rich costumes and settings, the whole
Oriental atmosphere of the picture.
Rudy was really a "throwback" to
the Saracens, the pirate tribe of the
Mediterranean, who pillaged the sea-
coast towns. Somewhere at the root
of his family tree may have been
Saracen ancestor. At least, Tarento, his
birthplace, near the heel of Italy, had
been drenched for centuries by Saracen,
blood.
Since Rudy and had both grown
up in Europe, speaking French and
Italian, we soon found common ground
for mutual friendship and understand
ing. We often talked of our life abroad,
making happy plans to return, though
at that time we did not dream we would
really revisit those places together.
Liked Italian Dinners.
When work at the studio was over,
Rudy often came home with me to my
gay bungalow on Sunset boulevard,
which boosted bed room, bath, living
room and kitchenette, to prepare him
self what he called "a real Italian din
ner." Before the elaborate preparations
were finished, it was often nearer mid
night than the dinner hour, but what
we lost in time we made up in good
fun and sharp appetites. Sometimes
June Mathis and her mother honored
us at these feaStS.
Soon after Camille" was finished
came the Los Angeles opening of THE
Four HorSemen" The film had already
been released in New York, and June
Mathis had wired Rudy Of its aStound-
ing ovation, but 1t seemed too far away
to be true. After so many years Of hard
ship and struggles the ong-dreamed-of
success seemed still mirage. Now both
momentous evening Of the Western
debut of the picture.
When that evening came every star
In the Hollywood armament gathered
at the theater, an impressive audience,
yet many, knew, had come to scott
and say, IT told you sol" The picture
colony was skeptical. The Aim had
been made at unheard-of expense by
new, almost unknown director. With
woman at the head Of 1t and an un-
known actor in the lead, what could
one expect of it 1t would be the ruina-
ton of the Metro Co.
Silent After Opening.
During the running of the film not
a sound could be heard in the theater,
except here and there a stifled sob as
the story unfolded. About the middle
of the picture Rudy reached out and
tightly In his own until the end. I
knew he wanted to feel that there was
Just some one who cared and under
stood. We were both weeping from
mingled emotions-joy at success, which
was now assured, and sorrow for the
tragedy of the story.
It was finished. A moment Of hushed
silence was followed by a thunder of
applause. Rudy was almost swept of
his feet by the crowd. who thronged to
congratulate him, many of whom he
did not know. It was spontaneous APP
probation of thing well done.
But his one aim was to reach the
door. He wanted to be alone. under
stood. During the ride to my bunga-
low don't think a word was spoken
just brief Good night"-and he left
me for his own bleak little apartment.
(Copyright. 1880. in the United States and
foreign countries by Natacha Ram
bova. AL rights reserved)
The next installment of "The Truth
About Valentino" will appear in The
Star tomorrow.