#screen idol

Rudolph Valentino and his wife Natacha Rambova photographed at their Whitley Heights home, 1923.

From Julie Burchill's "Girls on Film", 1986.

May 6, 1895 — August 23, 1926

Rudolph Valentino photographed by Donald Biddle Keyes, 1922.

Valentino caused a frenzy when he returned from Europe with a beard. The following announcement was issued by the Associated Master Barbers: “Our members are pledged not to attend a showing of Rudolph Valentino’s photoplays as long as he remains bewhiskered.” There was fear that the ‘male population of America is very likely to be guided by Valentino to the extent of making whiskers fashionable again,” and that “such a fashion would not only work harmful injury to barbers, but would so utterly deface America, as to make Americans difficult to distinguish from Russians.” Because of the public outcry and pressure, Valentino shaved off his beard.

                       Rudy in his dual role in ‘The Son of the Sheik’ 1926.

Rudy as the daring matador Juan Gallardo in ‘Blood and Sand’ 1922.

Rudy as the trim Juan Gallardo in ‘Blood and Sand’ 1922.