Film Program in Orange County honors Silent Star Rudolph Valentino

A film program honoring the 81st anniversary of the passing of silent film star Rudolph Valentino was held in the newly expanded portion of the Dorothy and Donald Kennedy Wing of Bowers Museum in the Norma Kershaw auditorium.

The event was a collaborative effort between the museum, the Italian government's Italian Cultural Institute and the Orange County American Italian Renaissance Foundation. Over two hundred seventy-five people attended the celebration which included a new short film called Daydreams of Rudolph Valentino, the original Son of the Sheik, a 1926 United Artist release which was Valentino's last film before his death and a spectacular live musical organ performance by legendary silent film accompanist Bob Mitchell.

On conclusion of the film program, attendees were treated to culinary dishes and scrumptious desserts that were provided by popular Italian restaurants in the John M. Lee Court. "I am quite pleased at the public's response to the film program and support provided by the museum staff, the Italian Cultural Institute and the Foundation to make this happen," said event chairman Frank J. DeSantis, president of the Orange County American Italian Renaissance Foundation.

Actual costumes rarely seen from the Son of the Sheik were obtained from Western Costume Company in Burbank and displayed at the reception as were original movie posters and still shots from scenes of Valentino's films.

Special guests in attendance were Sylvia Valentino Huber, the niece of Rudolph Valentino, Jay Boileau, operator of the Hollywood Cemetery where Valentino is buried and who conducts an annual memorial service each year, Giuseppina Candia, Deputy Director of the Italian Cultural Institute of Los Angeles and Tracy Terhune, author of several books about Valentino.

One of the event's highlights was the dramatic entrance of an exact Valentino look-alike, actor and producer Vlad Kozlov, dressed in authentic Sheik costume, who welcomed the guests. Koslov produced and starred as the protagonist in the newly shown Daydreams of Valentino, a film about Valentino's reflections on his life while in a coma right before his untimely passing at age 31.

Valentino's death caused worldwide hysteria and millions mourned. After seeing the films attendees could recall or appreciate how Rudolph Valentino became known as the ultimate Latin Lover with a magnetic pull and dashing manner that captivated audiences. Fascinating facts of the screen star's life were mentioned at the event in honor of his passing and all who adored him.

Restaurants and individuals who sponsored the event were: Anaheim White House Restaurant; Claro's Italian Markets; Vessia Italian Ristorante; Jay's Catering, A Mastroianni Family Enterprise; L.A. Italian Kitchen; Consul General of Italy, Diego Brasioli, Italian Cultural Institute Director, Francesca Valenti; Peter Keller, Bowers Museum of Cultural Art; Frank J. DeSantis, Orange County American Italian Renaissance Foundation; Sam Perricone; Robert Barbera; Guy Biagiotti, M.D.; James Stovall, Best Western Stovall Inn; Sam Ingardia, Ingardia Brothers Produce; Larry Curti, L. Curti Trucking; Al and Carmela Licata, Paul Licata. M.D.; John Anello, Cexton Records; John M. Maggiano, MD, Alessandro Laguercia, Karl Romero, Tony Fiorini, Silver State Coach and Joe LaBanca.

For more museum information and membership call the Italian Arts Council of the Bowers Museum at 714-836-4655.

 

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