08/26/2026
🎬✨ As the historic Indiana Theatre prepares to undergo a $4.2 million renovation this fall, we’re uncovering and sharing more stories from the theatre’s fascinating past, including its connection to Terre Haute native Rudolph Valentino! The theatre’s collection includes a movie poster from his iconic silent film The Sheik, along with other movie memorabilia and countless stories from cinema’s past. 🌟🍿
Rudolph Valentino, who was the first s*x symbol of the silent film era, shockingly died exactly 100 years ago, on August 23, 1926, at the age of 31.
His death was due to infection and his condition would later be described as "Valentino's syndrome," in which perforated ulcers mimic appendicitis.
Before dying he had received many touching telegrams that gave him a feeling of wonderful happiness.
Interestingly, 4 years prior, Valentino had sent a congratulatory telegram that was read during the grand opening preview of the Indiana Theatre in Terre Haute, Indiana, on January 27, 1922. The theater was the talk of all show business people at the time and lucky for Terre Haute the legendary Rudolph Valentino was part of the big celebration!
But there’s more to Valentino’s interesting connection to Terre Haute. Just weeks before the silent film star’s death, Rudolph Valentino Render, better known as Rudy Render was born in Terre Haute on July 1, 1926. Rudy, who was named after Valentino (born in Italy in 1895), was an American singer, musician, arranger and songwriter, best known for his 1949 R&B chart hit, "Sneakin' Around" and his work as musical director for Debbie Reynolds. In Terre Haute, Rudy was helped along by Bill Hays, the son of Sullivan, Indiana, native Will H. Hays, who ran the Hays Code in Hollywood.
Another full circle moment at the Crossroads of America!
*Sources:
Indiana Newspaper Archives, Memoirs of Will H. Hays, Wikipedia
