Rudolph Valentino, Silent Films greatest Latin Lover

just happened to watch this movie on TCM lately and though it really didn't follow Rudolph Valentino's life story, I still enjoyed Anthony Dexter in the role.

I also loved the close up of this Preview Card, with a comment about Valentino's film, the Sheik... having the most thrilling love scenes ever seen on the screen.

Here is Anthony Dexter as the Sheik in the 1951 film.

and here is Rudolph Valentino as the Sheik, in the 1921 film.  There is no comparison in the passion and sexuality Valentino exudes on camera.

Anthony Dexter looked like Valentino at certain angles, especially while dancing the Tango, but his perfect English and diction ruined it for me...  I'm sure the real Valentino spoke with broken English and was a little more rough.  I did however, love the costumes and Valentino style.  

I was thrilled to see this close up of an invitation from Valentino, including the address of the Villa Valentino in Whitley Heights.  The real Villa, however, was actually located at 6776 Wedgewood Place, Whitley Heights.

Valentino was one of the first residents to build a Mediterranean Villa in Whitley Heights. Soon after making the Sheik and The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, in 1921.

My great uncle Tom Lyle Williams, founder of the Maybelline Company, with his lifetime partner, Emery Shaver.  Tom Lyle bought the Villa after Valentino's death in 1926.

 ASPIRATION, overlooking the pool at the Villa...in honor of Rudolph Valentino.