THE SON OF THE SHEIK (1926) Rudolph and similar items

Vintage original 8x10 in. U.S. single-weight glossy photograph from the classic silent film drama/romance, THE SON OF THE SHEIK, released in 1926 by United Artists and directed by George Fitzmaurice. Rudolph Valentino stars in his final film appearance due to his untimely death at the age of 31. The son of the Sheik and a beautiful dancing girl (Vilma Banky) fall in love but when he is made to believe that she has betrayed him, he seeks his revenge. The cast includes George Fawcett, Montagu Love, Karl Dane, Bull Montana, Bynunsky Hyman, Agnes Ayres. The image features a beautiful interior close shot of the older Sheik Ahmed Ben Hassan (Rudolph Valentino), wearing an elaborate Middle Eastern costume, as he enjoys the affections of his beautiful wife, Lady Diana (Agnes Ayres), during a tranquil moment. The make-up used to age Valentino is very well done as seen in this image. Printed on single-weight stock with a glossy finish, this vintage original photograph is in very good- condition only with a chip in the center of the bottom border; signs of wear and some light smudges in the borders; and some small creases in the image area that are all unobtrusive. There are no pinholes, tears, stains, or other flaws and the image quality is razor-sharp with very fine detail and beautiful contrast. Provenance: The Sydney R. Barker Collection (Mr. Barker was perhaps the most famous of the early collectors on Valentino).