Uncommon black-bordered 5.5 x 3.5 funeral mass admission card for famed Italian silent film star Rudolph Valentino, who tragically passed away at the age of 31 on August 23, 1926, following complications from a perforated ulcer. The card features embossed text, which reads: “Solemn High Funeral Mass for Rudolph Valentino, St. Malachy’s Church, West 49th Street, between Broadway and 8th Avenue, Monday August 30th 1926 at 11 A.M.” In fine condition. An estimated 100,000 people lined the streets of Manhattan to pay their respects at Valentino’s funeral, which was handled by the Frank Campbell Funeral Home. Windows were smashed as fans tried to get in and an all-day riot erupted on August 24. Over 100 mounted officers and NYPD's Police Reserve were used to restore order. Valentino's funeral mass in Manhattan was held on Monday, August 30 at Saint Malachy's Roman Catholic Church, which is often called ‘The Actor's Chapel,’ as it is located in the Broadway theater district and has a long association with show-business figures. After Valentino's remains were taken by train from New York to California, a second funeral was held on the West Coast, at the Catholic Church of the Good Shepherd in Beverly Hills.
