Rudolph Valentino (as Amos Judd) is a holy Indian prince, brought to America as a small boy; there, he was adopted by the Judds. The throne of Amos's real father had been seized by tyrannical Bertram Grassby (as Ali Kahn). Mr. Valentino is told of his true identity, but happily remains in America, where his muscles and magnetism make him a popular student at Harvard University. Valentino's innate precognitive abilities surface as he meets and falls in love with Wanda Hawley (as Molly Cabot). Due, undoubtedly, to his divine past, Valentino's gift of prophecy grows more pronounced. After his life is threatened, he must decide whether or not he should return to India and reclaim his throne.
Excellent restoration by Flicker Alley, the Library of Moving Images Collection, and Turner Classic Movies - the available footage and supplementary material have the integrity of the full film; the beginning footage is mostly lost, so the viewing pleasure improves over the running time. However, the story's "Mystical Eastern Hindu" exoticism hasn't aged well, and the film is only partially successful in its intent. Valentino and Grassby are passable as Indians (from India); actually, Valentino is better as an All-American.
The best aspect of the film is how it addresses racism - and, it is best portrayed by Wanda Hawley as Valentino's love interest; in effective scenes, she struggles with her own racism. She loves Valentino, but questions marrying a man who isn't her "kind". The film advises, "Men should be judged not by their tint of skin, the Gods they serve, the Vintage that they drink, nor by the way they fight, or love, or sin - but by the quality of thought they think." Ms. Hawley's struggle parallels Valentino's own - should he stay in America, or return to native India?
****** The Young Rajah (11/12/22) Phil Rosen ~ Rudolph Valentino, Wanda Hawley, Bertram Grassby
