Dan Clifford | |
|---|---|
&sq=Envato&lang=en&file=File:Star_Theatre_Norwood_plaque.jpg) | |
| Born | Daniel Clifford 1887 |
| Died | 9 December 1942 (aged 54–55) |
| Occupation(s) | Entrepreneur, philanthropist |
| Years active | 1917−1942 |
| Known for | Founding a cinema chain (Star and Clifford circuits) |
Dan Clifford (1887 – 9 December 1942) was a well-known cinema entrepreneur and philanthropist in South Australia. He was also a keen promoter of the cinema industry, and owned 20 cinemas across the state at the time of his death, including several in Art Deco style, such as the Piccadilly Theatre and the Goodwood Star (now the Capri).
He founded the Star chain of picture theatres in 1917, which became Star Pictures Ltd in 1922 and then D. Clifford Theatres in 1923. The business was also referred to as the Clifford Theatre(s) Circuit, the Dan Clifford Cinema Circuit or Star (Theatre) Circuit in newspapers.
Five years after his death, in 1947 his theatres were bought by Greater Union; however, the business name of Clifford Theatres Ltd and the Clifford Theatre Circuit continued to be used until at least 1954.