RUDOLPH VALENTINO | SON OF THE SHEIK (1926) Close-up photo

[Hollywood: United Artists, 1926] Vintage original 8 x 10″ (20 x 25 cm.) black-and-white single weight glossy silver gelatin print still photo, USA. Rudolph Valentino, Vilma Banky, George Fawcette, Montagu Love, Karl Dane, dir: George Fitzmaurice; United Artists.

Sequel film to THE SHEIK, which would be Rudolph Valentino’s last film. He plays a dual role, as both the Sheik and his son. As the son he ravages dancing girl Vilma Banky in his tent palace, and much of the adventurous action is played for fun. Banky’s father and gang do not care for what is going on in the lover’s lair, so they capture and torture Valentino. One of the first “sequel” films to be made, it is also one of the first to be released after a star’s death.  Sets by William Cameron Menzies.

Valentino smolders while holding a cigarette in this close-up image coded “V-3-1A70”. Stamped by photographer Nealson Smith on verso. FINE.