Changes

Valentino went on to star in many more films, notably including the [[bullfight]]ing epic ''Blood and Sand'', and ''The Eagle''.

Valentino went on to star in many more films, notably including the [[bullfight]]ing epic ''Blood and Sand'', and ''The Eagle''.

Valentino married actress Jean Acker in 1919, but the marriage was a failure, and they were divorced two years later. Lurid speculation at the time and since has suggested that the reason for the marriage's failure was a relationship between Acker and the notorious [[lesbian]] dancer [[Alla Nazimova]]. Valentino went on to have a strong professional relationship with Nazimova (appearing opposite Nazimova in the film ''Camille''), and his second wife [[Natacha Rambova]], was also a protege of Nazimova's. Nazimova herself was a fixture in the Hollywood community, and among other things would be the godmother of Nancy Davis, film actress and future first lady as [[Nancy Reagan]].

Valentino married actress Jean Acker in 1919, but the marriage was a failure, and they were divorced two years later. Lurid speculation at the time and since has suggested that the reason for the marriage's failure was a relationship between Acker and the notorious [[lesbian]] dancer [[Alla Nazimova]]. Valentino went on to have a strong professional relationship with Nazimova (appearing opposite Nazimova in the film ''Camille''), and his second wife [[Natacha Rambova]], was also a protege of Nazimova's. Nazimova herself was a fixture in the Hollywood community, and among other things would be the godmother of Nancy Davis, film actress and future first lady as [[Nancy Reagan]]<ref> Colacello, Bob (2004) Ronnie & Nancy: Their path to the White House - 1911 to 1980, Warner Books, p. 38 </ref>.

Valentino's death, probably from peritonitis, at the youthful age of thirty-one, led to one of the most elaborate and riotous funerals in New York City history, with hourly radio bulletins and huge crowds. In a typical Hollywood touch, Valentino's burial crypt (in Los Angeles) was for decades visited each year on the anniversary of his death by a mysterious "Lady in Black", whose identity has never been revealed.

Valentino's death, probably from peritonitis, at the youthful age of thirty-one, led to one of the most elaborate and riotous funerals in New York City history, with hourly radio bulletins and huge crowds. In a typical Hollywood touch, Valentino's burial crypt (in Los Angeles) was for decades visited each year on the anniversary of his death by a mysterious "Lady in Black", whose identity has never been revealed.

Walker, Alexander (1976) ''Rudolph Valentino'', Penguin Books

Walker, Alexander (1976) ''Rudolph Valentino'', Penguin Books