Valentino

On a passenger steamship traveling from Naples to New York, Rudolph Valentino works as a dancer and catches the eye of actress Joan Carlisle, who is traveling under the name Sarah Gray. The two quickly fall in love during the voyage, but the ship's dance leader Maria Torres grows jealous and dismisses Rudolph from the troupe.

Arriving penniless in New York, Rudolph works as a dishwasher while befriending waiter Luigi Verducci. A brawl leads to his firing, and he borrows money to buy a tuxedo, setting the stage for his first step toward stardom.

Rudolph is hired as a dancer at a nightclub, where his refined European style attracts high-society attention. One night, director Bill King visits with Joan, and Rudolph's tango with Joan catches King's eye, hinting at a future film role.

The next day Rudolph lands a small acting role alongside Lila Reyes and befriends her. Lila explains Joan's influence over casting, and Rudolph arranges a meeting with Joan, marking the start of their evolving relationship.

Bill King asks Joan if she approves Rudolph for a role; learning Rudolph knows about her influence, Joan accuses him of opportunism and Rudolph, offended, storms off. The exchange foreshadows the complicated relationship between art, fame, and romance.

Valentino travels to Hollywood and starts with minor roles, chasing the breakout that could redefine his career. He auditions for Julio in The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, and with a bold plan, performs with Lila at a Towers-hosted party, convincing the producer to cast him.

Rudolph's film debut becomes a success, and he brings Luigi to Hollywood, hiring him as an assistant. He climbs into larger roles and becomes a heartthrob, but he still tries to reconnect with Joan, who is now dating Bill King.

Rudolph relentlessly pursues Joan and follows her to a beach vacation, where they reconcile. He openly confesses his love but admits he does not wish to marry, and Joan parts from him amicably.

Rudolph's career continues to flourish, enabling him to follow King’s invitation to be best man at his wedding to Joan. The personal drama thickens as their lives interlace with public events.

Valentino's status enables him to purchase an estate he names Falcon's Lair and be cast as the lead in The Sheik, directed by Bill King with Joan as the female lead. The on-set romance and tension produce many retakes as both actors feel uneasy about the love scenes.

The Sheik becomes a blockbuster, but Towers questions why Rudolph refuses a sequel with Joan. Seeking respite, Rudolph travels with Luigi to get away from the glare of fame.

During the trip, Rudolph complains of abdominal pain and a doctor diagnoses appendicitis, recommending rest and surgery. Meanwhile Eddie Morgan continues to dig for gossip, while Morgan spies on Rudolph and Joan.

Joan confesses she still loves Rudolph but no longer feels for her husband; they plan to tell Bill King the truth. Photographers capture them together, prompting confrontation when Rudolph protects Joan from scandal.

Rudolph arranges a meeting with Joan and Morgan at his home and lies about an engagement to Lila to shield Joan from gossip; Lila backs him up, and Morgan agrees not to publish.

On the way to New York, Rudolph collapses and dies in a hospital, ending his career at a tragically early age. His funeral becomes a major public event, and for years a woman dressed in black visits his grave on the anniversary of his death. Joan reads of his death and asks Bill King if he knew her true feelings; King affirms that he did.