Talkies or no Talkies?
While Rudy's accent isn't a good representation via singing it is the Society's firm belief he would have made a wonderful talkie actor. For more on said theory see Conversations with Rodolfo by Hala Pickford
The Voice of Rudolph Valentino
In what could be considered a rare stroke of luck, Valentino made 2
short recordings in his lifetime. Recording technology had been
developed in the late 1800s but a standard had not been reached by the
1900s. Edison liked his cylinders, while records were introduced
around this time. Recording technology was imperfect and sadly
it wouldn't be perfected until talkies had arrived. In fact just
a few years after Valentino made these recordings (and yes he was
still alive) new and better recording technology had been created.
Its a shame he never recorded again.
There is a fascination with hearing silent film stars speak, mostly out of curiosity and the talkie myth. Many like to believe that tons of private recordings exist somewhere, made for fun at parties or at home. While possible its extremely unlikely that these existed long, if at all. One of the latest rumors had a private recording or Mary Pickford and Valentino singing some song. If it ever is proven to exist I'm sure everyone would be delighted.
A handful of radio shows from the 1930s still exist. Thanks to these we can hear the likes of Theda Bara and Norma Talmadge. Valentino went on a radio campaign during his one man strike, apparently becoming so fiery and passionate during his speeches one station had to cut his mic. If these are ever found to exist again it would be thrilling, but unlikely.
Above are the two recordings we will have to settle with. "Kashmiri Love Song" is the theme from The Sheik. "El Relacario" is the theme from Blood and Sand (sung in Spanish it's about a Bullfighter and how heroic he is). Originally Valentino played guitar with both recordings. However Phil York removed all instrumentals to restore the track. Click here to buy his CD of Valentino music.
Valentino obviously had a heavy accent, though perhaps it sounds heavier in the recordings then it did while speaking. He had a low baritone, and frankly I agree with Gloria Swanson who noted he had a 'delicious accent'. Kashmiri Love Song is hard to understand, partly because of his accent, partly because of the technology. Others agreed with Gloria: Louella Parsons said he had a lovely accent, while another columnist Margaret Mitchell said this of his voice, "I am pleas' to meet you," and oh! his voice! That was wherein his chief charm lay. Low and husky with a soft, sibilant accent that is unbelievably easy to listen to, it held me with its well- bred, almost monotone intonation."
Surely had he lived Valentino could have transitioned talkies, probably in the very roles he had been taking on. The novel "Conversations with Rodolfo" speculates on that very scenario.