Did They -- Or Didn't They?? (Part One)

Andre Daven, left, as Duc de Nemours, and Rudolph Valentino,
right, as Duc de Chartres, in Monsieur Beaucaire (1924).

The question: Did they -- or didn't they?? has, for some time now, hung high above the heads of the long deceased Andre Daven and Rudolph Valentino like a buzzing neon sign. In fact for two decades. Ever since David Bret unleashed Valentino: A Dream of Desire, his 1998 biography.

From time-to-time, in interested and uninterested circles, online for the most part, the question buzzes louder and more insistently. Depending on who is involved in the discussion it can be a nice or nasty exchange. If it gets heated the air becomes electric. Yet it seems that when the sparks fly and the zapping starts both Andre and Rudolph get a little lost in it all. This three part post is an attempt to return them to the centre of things. And to look more coolly and sensibly at what transpired, all those years ago, from 1923 to 1926.

It is important to state, immediately, that before they physically met in the Summer of 1923, Daven and Valentino not only knew of each other, but had already had some contact. They were not, as has been repeated and repeated, strangers, encountering each other without prior knowledge.

We can be certain of this due to the fact that, before and after Rudy arrived in Paris, there were reports in the French press revealing his plan to make a film set in France and Italy, 1 and that the scenario had been written by Andre. 2 The consistency of the varied pieces leaves little room for doubt that Valentino had received a script (or some sort of outline) before departure from the United States, had approved of it, and thus knew the author. The importance of this is that their meeting as described later, in the ghost-written My Trip Abroad, 3 is presented as if it happened by chance, rather than being planned. We are also given the impression the encounter was about the discovery of a new talent which it was not. (See link.) Importantly all of this is validated by recently auctioned correspondence between the two from that year.

Also, Rudolph Valentino's visit that August - previously he had been in 'Angleterre' and, almost, Scotland - should be seen in proper context. Far from being just a Delayed Honeymoon - in reality they were escaping the post Mineralava Tour legal battle too - it was in fact also a business trip. A short paragraph in L'Oeuvre, on August 14th, just ahead of the Valentinos' arrival, is clear about their host Jacques Hebertot's ambition to break into the film industry, and that the couple were "in talks" with him regarding this. (Amazingly S. George Ullman fails to mention it in his 1926 memoir: Valentino As I Knew Him. Categorically stating the pair journeyed to Europe: "Without a thought of business...") 4

The Valentinos arrive at Le Bourget airport, France, on August 15th, 1923.

The final hammer blow to the notion Andre was unknown, either to Rudolph or Natacha, and simply a lowly struggling reporter, is his appearance in their very first photographs after touching down on French soil. At the top of the rudimentary wooden steps is Daven, beautifully attired, hat slightly angled, and smiling. So his and Rudy's eyes locked for the first time, not at the Plaza Athenee, in the coming days, but straight away at the Le Bourget airfield.

From left to right, Andre, Kabar, Rudy and Clair. (The people in this image are often confused with others.)

From that point, night and day, Daven placed himself at the disposal of Mr. and Mrs. Valentino -- a fact supported by several pieces of evidence. One is a story in the Parisian press about an intimate after dinner drink on August 17th that drew onlookers. The Valentinos that evening were accompanied by just four others: Hebertot, Daven, Oscar M. Sheridan, 5 and Paul Olivier, the journalist. Another, soon afterwards, is an image of Andre, Kabar (Rudy's gift from Jacques), Rudy and Rene (Clair), that shows Daven with his cane raised outside the Plaza Athenee hotel. (See above.)

The Plaza Athenee in the Twenty-First Century.

While we can, for the reasons stated, confidently dismiss most of the segment of My Trip Abroad 6 dealing with the meeting of Andre and Rudy; it must be conceded that, regardless of the incorrect details, the ghosted account does reflect Valentino's true feelings about Daven. The few reports and images mentioned and presented here so far all demonstrate that these were two individuals who really liked one another. Not surprising when you consider the common ground; that both were: Southern Europeans, had been close to their respective mothers, were of similar age, were societal equals, were dreamers, that each spoke French, Italian and English. And, that both were devastatingly handsome, dressed flashily and loved life's finer things, had changed their names for professional reasons, and lastly, had worked their way up from nothing in the film business.

Taking into consideration Andre Daven's adaptation, and the desire on the part of Jacques Hebertot for some sort of cinematic partnership, it is obvious that the industry was much discussed during their days of conversation. And while Hall's retrospective, ghosted diary is not the place to look for details of exactly what was said, it absolutely spotlights the ultimate outcome: that he would "feature in future events".

Left to right: Rudy, an unidentified man, and Natacha, Juan-les-Pins (September).

Emily W. Leider is correct, on page 274 of Dark Lover: the Life and Death of Rudolph Valentino (2003), when she reveals how, when the Valentinos headed South, Andre "had to be left behind in Paris". Despite being a welcome guide, companion and adviser in the capital, he had no place and no part to play during the rest of the couple's progress. Besides, there had been, as yet, for obvious reasons, nothing between the two kindred spirits. It was all simply a delicious prelude.

Yet, after having been the first to welcome them in August, and then being so completely available afterwards, it is hard to imagine Andre did not see the pair off, either at Paris, or Cherbourg, at the end of October. If he was at Cherbourg, then he perhaps witnessed the drama when Valentino and Rambova missed the ferry to the Leviathan and decided, in a storm, to recklessly try to catch up with it in a small motorboat. 7

Echos from Paris and elsewhere

--- Rudolph Valentino has signed with J. D. Wil-

liams for several films, especially films

of the historical genre, which he will execute

in Europe, on his return from America,

where he has just returned on the Aquitania.

Translated from French from L'Echo de Paris, November 30th, 1923.

During the following month the wheels turned on both sides of the Atlantic. In France, quotes, statements, paragraphs and lengthy articles appeared in the newspapers, all, in similar ways, setting out how Hebertot would be working with Valentino. In Paris-soir, on the 17th, a piece explained that there would be both French and American staff that would work in the two countries alternately, in large, new, fully equipped studios. The point being that the output of both nations could be properly geared to the expectations of their respective audiences.

Mr. and Mrs. Valentino photographed on the deck of the Aquitania.

Curiously, in the United States, the bilateral scheme was absent from all coverage. The emphasis immediately prior and after Rudy's return being placed firmly on his amended deal with J. D. Williams, of Ritz-Carlton Pictures, Inc. 8 However journalists were given the impression the Valentino's had created "a special picture along the Riviera" 9 for which Rambova had designed the interiors. So were the couple using the talks in France to their advantage? For leverage? It is hard to draw a different conclusion.

Though Valentino's Famous Players-Lasky contract was due to expire in February 1924, the concern had the right to exercise their option to extend it for another year. That this was something he sought to avoid is made plain by Williams' public declaration he was sure some sort of compromise could be arrived at. By early December, just a matter of weeks after Rudolph and Natacha's return, a deal had been struck. The Star would make two more motion pictures for his employers - Monsieur Beaucaire would be the first - and then be free to pursue a new path with Ritz-Carlton.

The varied stays of Rudy, Natacha and friends and family at the Plaza Athenee.

Rudy's rush back to France without Natacha requires scrutiny -- particularly considering the fact they hadn't really travelled separately, or been apart, for eighteen months by this point. Natacha says nothing. And neither does Ullman. The only person to even touch on it is Rambova's mother, Muzzie, in her personal recollections of that December and January, in her daughter's Rudy: An Intimate Portrait... (1926).

In Chapter Ten, Mrs. Hudnut reveals she received a communication informing her that "the children", as she called them, would be spending Christmas and New Year in France, and requesting that she meet them in Paris from the Boat Train. (We assume on such-and-such a day and at such-and-such a time.) However, when Natacha's mother went to collect them, neither Rudy nor her daughter alighted. Worrying and thinking it odd she duly "returned to the hotel to await developments." Which there indeed were, when, at four o'clock the next morning, Valentino suddenly appeared in her room, alone. 10

Rudolph's explanation for this was he had motored from the port and that Natacha had been forced to stay behind in order to attend to important business. 11 However, with Twenties drive time at probably five or six hours - today it takes four or so - this does not account for the lost time. In other words, it did not take him until four a. m. to reach central Paris. So where had he been? The answer? With Andre! Something we can be certain of thanks to Hebertot's shore-to-ship Cablegram telling Valentino that Daven would be waiting for him at Cherbourg. 12 

This is, undoubtedly, when The Daven Affair began. With Andre collecting him, and whisking him off somewhere for a quiet, private dinner for two. Followed by -- well, we can probably use our imaginations. Two twenty-something fellows, with everything in common, and nothing else to do that evening, except revel in each other's company. Both excited to see each other, and by the prospect of a whole week together, until the arrival of Mrs. Valentino. Except, the other Winifred, Mrs. Hudnut, was in an adjoining suite at the hotel since the afternoon of December 14th. So the guilty, dutiful Son in Law had no choice but to leave the arms of his Paramour, and speed to Avenue Montaigne to fully explain himself. (Obviously the explanation was so convincing and apparently genuine that nearly three years later Winifred Hudnut could still recall it clearly.)

Page 95 offers nothing further about that week. Though why would it when, after all, Rudy and Muzzie were with each other little between the 15th and 21st, which was when Natacha Rambova finally arrived. Rudy could have breakfast and dinner with his Mother in Law and sneak off at any point he wished to see Andre (though Daven would not have been kept completely hidden, as he was to join the three in the South during the holidays). 13 The virtual press silence is also telling -- this is a man who seeks serious privacy. In contrast to the Summer he is spotted nowhere. And what few interviews there are appear to be limited to his debarcation rather than the ensuing days and nights. "I come only to spend the Christmas holidays with my family. I will leave for New York on January the 5th." he flatly informed a reporter for L'Intransigeant.

Chateau Juan-les-Pins as it looks currently.

After private days and nights with Andre, the arrival of Natacha brought to an end any intimacy, if not close contact. Rambova spent just one night at Plaza Athenee and then the quartet headed South, driving day and night, barely reaching Chateau Juan-les-Pins in time for Christmas. Did Daven stay at the Hudnut residence? If he chose not to and bid them farewell and drove West, to Montpellier, where his mother and stepfather lived, then he was back in time for the memorable New Year's Eve. party, thrown for Rudy and Wink 14 by Mr. and Mrs. John Wheaton, at the Hotel Negresco, at Nice. 15

The Hotel Negresco, at Nice, France, in 1927.

Mrs. Hudnut's description of New Year's Eve. and New Year's Day in her daughter's book is vivid to say the least; detailing, as it does, much merriment at the Hotel Negresco, followed by further fun at Le Perroquet (possibly an offshoot of the Parisian club). Andre was absolutely with the crowd of ten that night and it is an enjoyable section to read. And we easily picture him as the "friend" who, with Rudy, dangled his legs in the face of the chauffeur on the way to the second venue.

Valentino, Natacha and, probably, Daven, were back in the French capital by the third; allowing the three of them to attend what appears to have been a special party, written about by George Barbier, their costume designer for Monsieur Beaucaire. 16 His report about the event, at an unknown palace, was printed in a newspaper on the 5th, the day of their departure. And, not surprisingly, for an artist and Frenchman, Barbier mentions their stunning appearance, both as individuals and as a couple. Rudy, his regular brown face and defined jawline softened by sensual eyes and an even more sensual mouth, with slicked and shiny hair, appeared slender and slightly nervous in his tuxedo and dress shirt studded with a large black pearl. While Natacha, her face beautifully made up, was tall, slender and composed, a combination of charm and grace, with hair tightly and perfectly coiled, and attired in a simple white diamond-studded tunic, accessorised at the waist with a light belt of red pearls. The account is also notable for her pronouncements about the forthcoming Come-Back Super Production Monsieur Beaucaire. Rambova, who he revealed was now Valentino's Artistic Director, would be adding details such as a dog being carried in on a cushion by a Black servant. And she was also, she apparently told him, very interested in recreating, exactly, a painted scene of Madame Pompadour dressing, that she been given access to in the Maurice de Rothschild collection.

A demonstrative 1924 publicity image of Rudy, left, and Andre, right.

While the Valentino's returned home, focused on the imminent commencement of Rudy's first film for almost two years, Andre readied himself for his own crossing only a fortnight later. It had been during his impulsive, lightning two week stay, that Rudolph had awarded him the part in the film of his character's brother, Henri, the Duke of Nemours. A minor, and far from central role, it would, nevertheless, allow them both to be together again, and for a more extended period. 17 If such an unnecessary gesture is not sufficient indication of a deep affection, then the fact that Andre Daven was carried to America on the Aquitania, the most luxurious ocean liner of the day, as well as the favourite of Rudolph Valentino himself, should dispel forever all doubts about how Rudy felt. This was a man he cared for.

When Andre arrived in New York, on January 23rd, Rudy was there to meet him, just as Daven had been there to meet Valentino, in the December of 1923. This returning of a favour again says much about their relationship. It was more than simply a courtesy. These were two people deeply attached to and fascinated with each other -- something the indisputable mirroring of the coming days, weeks and months underscores. But more about that in Part Two of: Did They -- Or Didn't They??

NOTES AND REFERENCES:

1. The earliest is on July 2nd, a whole six weeks before Rudolph and Natacha set foot in the country.

2. Recently auctioned letters indicate this project was about Joachim, 1st Prince of Murat, King of Naples. On the face of it an extremely appropriate vehicle.

3. My Trip Abroad was written by Agnes Hall.

4. Valentino As I Knew Him, page 74.

5. At the time a correspondent for American film magazines

6. The title was borrowed from Chaplin's own My Trip Abroad (1922).

7. This incident was widely reported in the French press.

8. Rudy had signed a simpler initial contract with Williams in July before departure.

9. The only filming was for home movies.

10. Connecting suites - 204 and 205 - had been booked.

11. Natacha oddly remained behind to sign on Rudolph's behalf.

12. Dark Lover... ,page 274.

13. Andre revealed he was with the Valentinos in the South of France in a statement published in France and America in 1924.

14. 'Wink' was Natacha's Pet Name.

15. See 13.

16. Barbier no doubt had initial meetings with Andre, then Rudy and, finally, Natacha, on either the 21st or 22nd of December, or the 4th of January.

17. Daven was required for the entire period of shooting due to his two scenes being at either ends of the schedule.