The Last of Philip Banter (film)

The Last of Philip Banter is a 1929 British silent mystery film directed by A. V. Bramble. It is based on the 1928 novel of the same name by John Bingham. The film stars Franklin Dyall, Hay Petrie, and Cyril McLaglen.

The plot centers around the mysterious disappearance of Philip Banter, a wealthy and eccentric man. A detective is hired to investigate and uncover the secrets surrounding Banter's life and potential motives for his vanishing. The investigation leads through a web of suspects, including family members, business associates, and former lovers, each with their own potential reasons for wanting Banter gone. The film is known for its suspenseful atmosphere and intricate plot twists, typical of the mystery genre prevalent during the late silent film era. Although initially well-received, it is now considered a partially lost film, with only fragments surviving. Its historical significance lies in its contribution to early British cinema and its representation of the mystery genre in the silent film format. Archival efforts are ongoing to locate and restore any remaining portions of the film.