"I wanted more than mere fortune," a young Italian wrote in his diary. "I wanted fame. I wanted love. I wanted my name to ring around the world. I shall never go home until I can go home somebody." And he did go home somebodybut not where it counted the most.

Only 18 years of age this young Italian immigrated to America and changed his name. At first he worked as a gardener and cabaret dancer before heading to Hollywood. After years as a bit player, he hit it big in 1921 and went on to star in such films as THE SHEIK. Billed as the "World's Greatest Lover," this young Italian immigrant was hounded by women who tore his clothes and even followed him to bed. His film name, if you haven't already guessed, was Rudolph Valentino.

On a trip back to Italy in 1923, however, Rudolph Valentino lea…