Dante Alfonso, Italian God of the Silent Screen: Italian God Of The Silent Screen

By: David Bret

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Synopsis: Dante Alfonso lives with his family in a small village in southern Italy until they learn of his affair with Roberto, the nephew of the local priest, and send him to live with relatives in New York City. Onboard the ship to America, Dante meets Jean-Paul, a French entrepreneur, and upon his arrival in New York City, they begin a relationship based on mutual benefits. Dante gets a job as a waiter at Harry's Place, a popular dance hall, and when Jean-Paul is arrested and deported, Dante moves in with Martin, a coworker, who soon becomes a lover. By way of a wealthy client, Dante gets an audition that earns him a bit part in a film from a major studio. In Hollywood of the early 1920s, Dante's star is rising, and he and his handsome publicist, Bob, who reminds him of Roberto, soon become lovers. As a movie star and heart-throb, Dante steadfastly refuses to submit to the pressure and dictates of the studio bosses who want him to marry to stop the rumors about his sexuality. Can a prejudiced Hollywood make him change who he is, or will he find a way to stay true to himself?