The Young Rajah Glass Slide

This is a wonderful example of a Glass Slide from the 1922 film, "The Young Rajah." As I have stated in previous glass slide posts, they were often hand painted and many did not survive over the years. Most of the ones that did survive are cracked or broken. They are often fairly valuable if they are not damaged. This is the first example I have come across from The Young Rajah. I bid on this one and missed out on it, it is a great example of glass slide from the 20's.

Poster of Valentino from The Sheik

One of our newest followers, Janelle sent me this one. She is a Valentino fan as we all are, she found this poster a few years ago and has it proudly displayed. It depicts Valentino from the film, "The Sheik." The Sheik is one of my favorite Valentino films. This was the film that was released a few months after The Four Horsemen that really launched his career. Thanks for sharing Janelle and welcome.

2010 Memorial Service Program

This is the program from the 2010 Memorial Service which takes place at Hollywood Forever (Memorial) Cemetery. The service has been held every year since his death in 1926, on the day of his death, August 23rd, at the time he died, 12:10 in the afternoon. It is the longest running memorial service for any Hollywood celebrity. My understanding is that the event can become quite a spectacle.

This year makes the 84th year of the service, I will be attending this year, the first year I have been able to make it out there, I am looking forward to the event. Let me know if any of you plan on attending, we could possibly meet up to discuss Valentino, his films, and of course his collectibles.

1923 French Cine Magazine

This is a French magazine from 1923 called Cine pour tous, or Cine for all. The magazine depicts a photo of Valentino on the cover from the film, "Blood and Sand." Not a common magazine, but not an overly valuable magazine as well. All the same, I would like to have a copy.

Photos from Blood and Sand

These are five photos from Blood and Sand. This is one of Valentino's best films. Originally, part of the film was supposed to be shot in Spain, unfortunately, it was shot on Paramount's back lot. He is very convincing as a Spanish toreador that is faced with fame and love. A must see for all Valentino fans!

Lobby Card from Cobra

This is a wonderful lobby card from the film, "Cobra." This was Valentino's second to last film. One of my favorite Valentino films, he plays an Italian playboy who comes to America to get away from women..... not so much. It is a great early soap opera type movie with plenty of memorable scenes including my favorite silent actress, Nita Naldi. She happens to be his most common leading lady, starring in three films with Valentino. Lobby cards from this film are rare and are quite valuable. I am looking for all of them!

1920 Rudolph Valentino Autographed Photo

This is a rare, wonderful example of a Valentino autographed photo. The photo was signed Rodolph, 1920. A year before he hit super stardom; also, before he started using Rudolph. These factors would make this autographed photo more valuable than most that are out there. This is truly a very rare and valuable autographed photo.

Glass Slide from The Conquering Power

This is a glass slide from the film, The Conquering Power from 1921. Glass slides were used in movie theaters as a still trailer to preview upcoming films. It was placed in front of the movie camera so that it was reflected on the screen. These were often hand painted, so the same slide may now be found in many color variations. These are difficult to find with out cracks, chips or breaks, they are fairly fragile. The more colorful ones in good shape can be quite valuable. I am still looking for this one myself. I find these to be unique movie collectible items, this was just one more marketing tool to promote the film.

Swedish Son of the Sheik Magazine

This is a Swedish magazine from 1926. The magazine is called Filmnyheter, which translates to Movie News. The magazine depicts Valentino from the film, "The Son of the Sheik." This is yet another obscure foreign magazine with Valentino featured on the cover. This is most likely not a common magazine. I would love to spend time overseas in search of foreign treasures such as these!

Photos from The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse

These are five photos from from Valentino's first starring role from The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. Thanks to June Mathis who noticed his performance in Eyes of Youth, convinced the studio executives to take a chance of Valentino for the role of Julio. The film was a success; however, the studio did not credit Valentino with the film's success. They then cast him in a few forgettable roles; finally, four films later....The Sheik, the rest is history.

Monsieur Beaucaire Newspaper Advertisement

This is a great example of a newspaper advertisement for the film, "Monsieur Beaucaire." "Last Week of the picture that has taught a nation LOVE." This appears to be an original ad, not a re-issue. These advertisements are not rare; however, they are great collectibles for a scrapbook and are very reasonable for an original item from the 20's. I enjoy collecting these simply due to the different artwork used for these ads. They were often different from any other material out there to promote the movie.

Movie Poster from The Conquering Power

This is a rare movie poster from the 1921 film, The Conquering Power. This was the 3rd of 5 films Valentino made in 1921. His major stardom was not realized until The Sheik, which was the 5th film he made in 1921. Notice Valentino's name is not billed on the poster, the same goes for Alice Terry. There are not a great deal of collectible items from this film; furthermore it was one of Valentino's more obscure films. This poster is however a wonderful, colorful example of classic 1920's movie poster. This piece would be quite valuable and very difficult to find.

Son of the Sheik Pressbook

This is a booklet, which by today's standards would most likely be a pressbook, this was called an Exhibitors Campaign Book. This is from the film, "The Son of the Sheik." The catalog was sent out to movie theaters to order various types of posters, lobby cards, and promotional material to promote the film. This appears to be from 1926, which would make this more unique and valuable due to the fact this film was re-released so many times. The front of the booklet reads, "The sequel to The Sheik." Most of the re-released material stated things such as "Valentino's Last Film," or "The Greatest Lover of the Silent Screen." This appears to have been sent out prior to Valentino's death. These are very collectible and difficult to find, it is fantastic to thumb through these to see a one sheet costs 25 cents or a set of lobby cards are 75 cents! I do not own this one myself, I have a similar item from The Eagle I listed a while back. This is a great piece!

Happy 116th Birthday Rudolph Valentino!

Today is the 116th anniversary of Rudolph Valentino's birth. It has been 85 years since he passed away. It is just amazing to me how many people are still huge fans and simply adore him today. I suppose we all keep his legacy going with sites such as this and fans/collectors such as yourselves! I thought I would post a combination of candid and studio photos to commemorate his birthday. At the very least watch a Valentino movie on TCM today, Ana recommends The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, it is a wonderful version that is not available on DVD, and I totally agree with that. Furthermore, have an Italian dinner and maybe a glass of wine or 5 today. Happy Birthday Rudy!

1922 French Cine pour tous Magazine

Sorry for the hiatus, I totally missed Easter, I have been really busy lately. Since this is Valentino's birthday week, I had to get back to posting. This is a French magazine from 1922, the magazine is titled Cine pour tous, or Cine for all. It depicts a great side profile of Valentino. There are so many different kinds of magazines out there with Valentino on the cover. The ones from the 20's are more desirable. The is a great magazine, that I am still looking out for.

Don't forget: TCM is showing 6 of Valentino's films on his birthday, May 6th in the morning. They include: Beyond the Rocks, Moran of the Lady Letty, The Young Rajah, Camille, The Conquering Power, and The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.