The Romance of Runnibede
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
- Scott R. Dunlap
- William Reed
- Wallace Worsley
- Gayne Dexter (titles)
- John M. Giles
| The Romance of Runnibede | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Eva Novak on the set of the film | |
| Directed by |
|
| Written by |
|
| Based on | novel by Steele Rudd |
| Produced by | Fred Philips |
| Starring | |
| Cinematography |
|
| Edited by | Cecil Hargreaves |
Production company | Phillips Films Productions |
| Distributed by |
|
Release dates |
|
Running time | 6,000 feet |
| Country | Australia |
| Languages |
|
| Budget | £12,000 or £15,000[2] |
| Box office | £2,000[3][4] |
The Romance of Runnibede is a 1928 Australian silent film based on an incident in a book by Steele Rudd. Unlike many Australian silent movies, a copy of it exists today.
Dorothy Winchester finishes four years of school and returns home to North Queensland where her father has a large station. She is kidnapped by a tribe of local aboriginals who believe she is the reincarnation of a queen. She is pursued by two men who love her: Tom Linton, a stockman on her father's property, and Sub-Inspector Dale, a mounted policeman. One of the men gives his life to save Dorothy.[5]
Cast
- Eva Novak as Dorothy Winchester
- Gordon Collingridge as Tom Linton
- Claude Sauders as Sub-Inspector Dale
- Roland Conway as Arthur Winchester
- Dunstan Webb as Goondai
- Marion Marcus Clarke as Miss Frazer
- Virginia Ainworth as Mrs Conley
Production
A company was formed to make the film, Phillips Films Productions Ltd, with capital of £100,000.[6][7] The prime mover behind it was American businessman Frederick Phillips, who succeeded raising the money when the industry was excited about the success of For the Term of His Natural Life (1927). Investors in the company included Steele Rudd and William Reed, Eva Novak's husband.
Several people were imported from America, including the director, Scott Dunlap, and star, Eva Novak.[8][9] Dunlap's arrival was delayed so initial work was directed by William Reed. He received advice from Wallace Worsley, an American director visiting Australia at the time.[3][10]
The movie was shot on location at an aboriginal reserve near Murgon in Queensland and in a studio at Rushcutters Bay.[11][12][13]
