ALS in Italian, signed “Rodolfo,” on one 6 x 8 panel of a tri-fold card-envelope design picturing sights around Washington, D.C, September 20, 1915. Valentino writes his mother, Grabriella Guglielmi. In full (translated): “When you receive this from me, you probably already have read the long letter sent from New York with my photo. Today I started here and I had a great success. The town is very nice and pleasant. In the meanwhile I was received by a gentleman that I know—who has a great influence in politics—a special ticket in order to get the US citizenship and the title of government employee of US, so this saves me in an honorable way to be obliged to return for the war. I think that this will make you happy, even because I have now received a proposal in San Francisco where it will be possible for me to make a lot of money, besides the idea to enter into the cinematograph. Give my wishes to Mary and reciprocate my salutations to everybody.” Addressed by Valentino on the address panel. In very good condition, with horizontal fold, scattered creasing touching one letter of his signature, a few spots of soiling, and slight paper separation at the intersecting folds.
Having arrived in New York City in 1913, Valentino struggled to make a living in the promised land. He spent some time on the streets, performing whatever odd jobs he could procure to garner what little wages could be made. But in May of 1915, he would face a new fear: Italy had entered the war, immediately implementing a stringent recruiting tactic which prohibited men from emigrating, and even if already abroad, calling them back to serve. If these men opted for desertion, they faced penalties ranging from jail time to death. After a failed attempt to enlist at the Italian Recruitment Bureau due to poor eyesight, he turned his sights to what his heart most desired-to stay in the U. S: “A gentleman that I know—who has a great influence in politics” provided “a special ticket in order to get the US citizenship and the title of government employee of US, so this saves me in an honorable way to be obliged to return for the war.” This ticket to freedom from the Italian trenches gave Valentino a renewed hope for pursuing a much more enticing path: “I have now received a proposal in San Francisco where it will be possible for me to make a lot of money, besides the idea to enter into the cinematograph.” By 1917, Valentino found himself in Los Angeles, having landed the first of many bit parts that would feed into the culmination of a successful career as Hollywood’s ‘Latin Lover.’ Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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