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Rudolph Valentino: A Wife's Memories of an Icon by Natacha Rambova
Release date: December 1st, 2009
Author: Natacha Rambova
Publisher: 1921 PVG Publishing
ISBN: 098164404X
Cover Photo: Kevin Scrantz
Available as an e-book for Kindle, Nook, etc
Price: $27 ($23 for Sahara Knights)
Please note 70% of the proceeds from this book go directly to the Society.
About
Ever since her marriage to Rudolph Valentino in 1922, Natacha Rambova was painted by many as a villain in Rudy's story. Sometimes fairly, sometimes unfairly. The criticism intensified, eventually leading to their divorce in 1926.
To this day, many fans don't like Rambova, who they see as controlling and mean. Rudy himself seemed to sincerely miss her, contemplating suicide after their separation. On his deathbed, both Natacha and George Ullman, reported the couple had reconciled...but it was too late.
Natacha had threatened to write her memoirs during their heated separation. Yet she put it off. Deeply stricken with grief over Rudy's untimely death, Rambova turned to her Spiritualist faith to find comfort. On the advice of her 'medium', she decided to release her stories along with a book of messages supposedly from Rudy's spirit.
Many reasons have been given for Natacha's book "Rudy: An Intimate Portrait by his Wife" (later titled "Rudolph Valentino Recollections" in 1927). Some say it was to counter George Ullman's own book (she and Ullman were bitter enemies), others say it was to cash in or snatch some fame off of Rudy's name. Natacha had plenty of money (her stepfather ran a successful cosmetics company), and she was already tired of fame. It seems more than anything she wanted to tell her own story. Her book was released; receiving only one pressing in both the US and UK. Soon after she refused to be in the spotlight, or even speak of Rudy.
"Rudolph Valentino: A Wife's Memories of an Icon" is a reprint of this very text. Part 1 "Recollections" details her time with Valentino, a sort of memoir. Part 2 "Revelations" is supposedly messages sent by the deceased Rudy, a Spiritual text if you will.
In addition to the original text and photos, we have added a part 3, "Rediscovering" containing sourced biographies, filmographies, and bibliographies on both Rambova and Valentino. In addition, this section contains the first ever published biographies on screenwriter June Mathis and silent film vamp Nita Naldi. Though some of the information is available on this site, "Rediscovering" contains new revelations about both women, and each biography contains a well detailed notes section.
In addition to the biographies we've also added three new forwards, notes to the original text, additional photos, and a further reading section.
Why are we republishing this book?
Given The Rudolph Valentino Society's stance against rampant kook-ism its easy to see why some may ask this question. When The Founding Sheba first read this book she was surprised, as she was certain it had been the cause of the kook-ism that came after Rudy's death. However, half the book is about Rudy's life, and simply things that humanize him: his foibles, his wishes, his dreams, his passions. That's the kind of stuff the Society wishes to see him be remembered for.
The second half of the book ,'Revelations', is a little more difficult. Supposedly dictated by the spirit of Rudy, via séances, its not the kind of thing one would claim as 'factual'. Its also not the kind of thing one would assume is a focus on life...but in an odd way it is. Natacha goes out of her way to say how she thought (or 'Rudy' thought), the focus on his death was 'holding his spirit back'. In addition, despite the fact a dead person is supposedly dictating this text, it has a huge focus on life and the metaphysical. It might sound odd to say, but its one of the sanest kooky texts ever. Its meant to be Spiritual, plain and simple. Natacha didn't seem to be encouraging more kookiness, and when such things did take hold (in the 1930s), Natacha would have no part of them. While Leslie Flynt was embarrassing himself, Natacha was still alive. Did she encourage him? Not one bit.
The Founding Sheba and Society have respect for all religions, no matter how they may personally agree or disagree with them. It would be wrong to leave out this second half, as it would just make people want to read it more; and likely, cause more speculation. Agree with it or not, it's a very interesting spiritual text, and it is our sincere hope it does not tarnish or hinder our mission to promote the LIFE and ART of Rudolph Valentino. Not attempts to talk to him via séances or write books about such things (that may sound hypocritical, but personally it seems Natacha did it more out of sincere belief than profit). We will personally see to it such a thing does not happen; and if need be, we will pull the book from printing.
More than anything Natacha's book is extremely interesting for its first half, containing many anecdotes. Like her or not, the fact of the matter is Natacha has had many people speak for her in the past 80 years, but no one has ever really heard what SHE had to say HERSELF. And boy does she have a lot to say...agree or disagree with her, she did leave behind a voice to be heard. We hope this might give her and Rudy are more balanced portrait.