IT is 40 years since film director Ken Russell used Bournemouth and Poole to portray 1920s Hollywood for his controversial biopic of Rudolph Valentino.

And the anniversary coincides with a rare chance to see Valentino on the big screen, introduced by the director’s widow.

The film brought a starry cast headed by Rudolf Nurveyev to Bournemouth, where the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum was used as Valentino’s house and the apartment of his lover.

Shooting took place from September 22 to October 1, 1976, with local people enlisted as extras. The driveway of St Ann’s Hospital in Canford Cliffs was used as the approach to Valentino’s home, while Westbourne’s Grand Cinema – now a bingo hall – stood in for a Hollywood picture palace.

Duncan Walker, curator of the Russell-Cotes, says he still sometimes comes across local people who were in the film.

“When I do the behind the scenes tour, a couple of people sometimes pipe up and say they were extras as young children,” he said.

As well as proving controversial for its mix of fact and fiction, the film attracted attention for its sex scenes, some of which took place on the floor and a dining table in the Russell-Cotes

“There aren’t many places whose curators can say they’ve had Rudolf Nureyev’s bottom on their gallery floor,” said Mr Walker.

The anniversary coincides with a short season of Ken Russell films at the Malt cinema in Lymington, all attended by his widow Lissi Tribble Russell. Valentino shows on Tuesday, October 4.

Southampton-born Russell lived nearby and died in 2011.

Philip Stevens, who led the group organising the season, said: “We got a local group together and I was talking with our volunteers. One of them went off to the cafe and was talking to someone about it and that person said ‘I’m Ken Russell’s widow’.”

The Malt’s Ken Russell season runs from Tuesday, October 4, to Saturday, October 8, and includes Isadora Duncan, Valentino, Dante’s Inferno, Women In Love, The Debussy Film and Tommy. Call 01590 672337 or visit thelymingtoncentre.co.uk

Valentino is available in a Blu-ray/DVD pack from the BFI.

Do you remember the filming of Valentino? The Echo is planning a feature in our Echoes nostalgia section. Email darren.slade@bournemouthecho.co.uk or ring 01202 411297.