Valentino [Rudolph Valentino] (Original screenplay for the 1951 film, presentation copy belonging to screenwriter George Bruce) by Eleanor Parker, Anthony Dexter (starring); Lewis Allen (director); George Bruce (screenwriter) - 1946

Culver City, CA: Edward Small Productions, 1946. Revised Fourth Draft script for the 1951 film, seen here under the working title "Rudolph Valentino." Presentation copy belonging to screenwriter George Bruce, bound in full brown leather with gilt titles and rule, and Bruce's name on the bottom right corner of the front board. Manuscript pencil check marks on several pages.

Not to be confused with the 1975 film of the same name.

A largely fictional biographical account of the life of Italian immigrant Rudolph Valentino, famed matinée idol and womanizer. A controversial release, marred by a number of lawsuits shortly after its release: in 1951 actress Alice Terry (upon whom the character of "Joan Carlisle" was based) filed a suit against producer Edward Small and Columbia Pictures on the grounds of defamation, and the following year Valentino's real-life brother and sister filed a similar suit, alleging that the film wrongly depicted their brother and his life.

Screenwriter George Bruce was best known for "The Duke of West Point" (1938), "South of Pago Pago" (1940), and "Two Years Before the Mast" (1946).

Housed in a brown paper slipcase. Title page present, noted as REVISED FOURTH DRAFT and dated November 1, 1946, with credits for screenwriter George Bruce. 246 leaves, with last page of text numbered 240. Carbon typescript, rectos only, with revision pages on white stock throughout, dating between 11/16 and 2/7. Near Fine in an about Near Fine slipcase.