Stolen Moments

August 23, 2006 marks the 80th anniversary of Rudolph Valentino's passing.  The grief and frenzy that followed his untimely death in 1926 has led to an unprecedented annual memorial service that is held in Hollywood to this day.  Rudolph Valentino is the only star afforded this kind of tribute.

One of the mysteries of the annual ritual is the story of the "Lady in Black."  Now known to be Ditra Flame, who better to talk to than Tracy Terhune, author of Valentino Forever, the chronicle of the annual memorial services?  We've also got some rare audio of Ditra, herself!

In this episode, we explore the life of Rudolph Valentino through the opera he would have listened to.  The inspiration came to me one day as I was looking through Valentino's copy of The Victrola Book of Opera.  He had the book, that means he had to have had some records, too.

It goes without saying that this podcast could not have come to be without the artistry of Enrico Caruso, Beniamino Gigli, Rosa Ponselle, Lucrezia Bori, Miguel Fleta, Amelita Galli-Curci and Claudia Muzio.  It is also through the artistry of Ward Marston, Mark Obert-Thorn that we get to enjoy the music sounding so wonderful.

Scott Alexander of www.redhotjazz.com gets a special nod for permission to use the Paul Whiteman recording. Thanks Scott!

The recordings used are from Romophone (sadly now defunct) and from Naxos Historical.  If you wish to find the source for each of the recordings used in this podcast, please visit www.rudolph-valentino.com for a link to the file with that information.  Without Naxos and Romophone this podcast could not have been possible.   We've also got a DVD review in this episode.

Even if you think you might hate opera, this podcast might well surprise you!

Stolen Moments has proven, after only a few episodes, to be a success far beyond my imagining. To celebrate the milestone of 200 subscribers to this podcast, offered for your enjoyment is our very first vidcast.

This debut vidcast is a short photo tribute to Valentino that I prepared for the 2005 Valentino Memorial service at Hollywood Forever.

In June and July, those fortunate individuals who live in the San Francisco Bay Area will have two film festivals to choose from.  In this special episode, we're going to be talking about the San Francisco Silent Film Festival at the Castro Theatre and the Bronco Billy Film Festival in historic Niles, California.

We're speaking with David Kiehn from the Niles Essanay Silent Film Museum and Stephen Salmons from the San Francisco Silent Film Festival about the terrific programs both these festivals have lined up.

We're also having a chat with preeminent Harold Lloyd expert, Annette D'Agostino Lloyd who is presenting five Harold Lloyd shorts at the Bronco Billy Festival.

A special thank you to New World Records and their CD The Mighty Wurlitzer which features Gaylord Carter on the Mighty Wurlitzer and to Saydisc and their CD The Theatre Organ which features Ronald Curtis on the Compton Theatre Organ.  Both labels have courteously allowed use of music from their CDs.  If you enjoy theater organs and silent film music, check them out! 

In this episode, it's not Rudolph Valentino who gets a present, it's us. On May 21, 2006 Turner Classic Movies will present, in television premieres: Beyond the Rocks, A Delicious Little Devil, Moran of the Lady Letty, Stolen Moments and The Young Rajah. In this regard, we're speaking with Jeff Masino of Flicker Alley and Dennis Doros of Milestone Film and Video about the restorations of these films and their upcoming DVD releases.

We also review Unknown Video's newest silent film DVD release of two films starring Wallace Reid.

Other links mentioned in this podcast:
www.turtleservices.com who kindly provided the 78 of the song The Young Rajah

Lyrics to The Young Rajah:

Beside a crystal pool that mirrors the sky above,
a sad Young Rajah stands, dreaming of his love.
And then as though by magic she comes before him there so wonderous sweet and fair.
It seems her love song fills the air;
"There's a lonely heart a calling far across the purple sea;
Oh my fascinating Rajah, come back to me. 
There is someone who is dreaming of your dark romantic eyes.
Someone has found in them her paradise. 
Oh how she yearns to hear your voice,
yearns to see your smile
yearns to rest within your arms a while,
for someone loves you, someone far across the sea.
Oh my fascinating Rajah, come back to me"

Stolen Moments - Preview show 1.0 -
In which Rudolph Valentino sings his heart out for you and you get a preview of coming attractions.   (14.33 minutes)

Links from Stolen Moments 1.0:

1. The Mousepod
2. Mineralava Musings

Per a request, here are the lyrics to the Kashmiri Love Song

PALE hands I loved beside the Shalimar,
Where are you now? Who lies beneath your spell?
Whom do you lead on Raptureâ??s roadway, far,
Before you agonise them in farewell?
Oh, pale dispensers of my Joys and Pains,
Holding the doors of Heaven and of Hell,
How the hot blood rushed wildly through the veins
Beneath your touch, until you waved farewell.
Pale hands, pink tipped, like Lotus buds that float
<On those cool waters where we used to dwell,
I would have rather felt you round my throat,
Crushing out life, than waving me farewell!