AustLit

Established in 1926, Phillips Film Productions was founded at a time when the local film industry was increasingly attracting investors keen to capitalise on the excitement generated by For the Term of His Natural Life. Set up by American businessman Frederick Phillips, the company made only one feature film, The Romance of Runnibede (1928). Beset by ill-fortune, production problems and discord, and marred by the inadequate performances of the two male leads, The Romance of Runnibede was produced along Hollywood lines but failed to attract audiences either at home or abroad.

Four months after the film's premiere a receiver was appointed. The entertainment magazine, Everyone's, reports that while the film cost approximately £12,000 to produce, it only took in around £2,000 at the box office (13 May 1928, n.p.). While one of the major investors, Steele Rudd (q.v.), reportedly lost all of his investment, American actress Eva Novak returned home with £3,000 pounds still owing on her salary. She was allegedly given the American distribution rights as compensation, but the film nevertheless failed to make any impact in either the United States or in England when released there in late 1928.