D. Clifford Theatres

Dan Clifford
Born	1887 Adelaide, South Australia
Died	1942-12-09 North Adelaide, South Australia
Occupation(s)	Cinema entrepreneur, philanthropist
Years active	1917–1942
Known for	Founder of D. Clifford Theatres Ltd, operator of 20 cinemas in South Australia

Dan Clifford (1887 – 9 December 1942) was a leading cinema entrepreneur and philanthropist from South Australia. At the time of his passing, he controlled 20 cinemas throughout the state, including distinguished Art Deco landmarks such as the Piccadilly Theatre and the Goodwood Star (currently known as the Capri).

He launched the Star chain of movie theatres in 1917, which later became Star Pictures Ltd in 1922 and was renamed D. Clifford Theatres in 1923. The enterprise was also referred to in the press as the Clifford Theatre(s) Circuit, Dan Clifford Cinema Circuit, or simply the Star (Theatre) Circuit.

Following Clifford's death, his cinema holdings were purchased by Greater Union in 1947; however, the Clifford Theatres Ltd brand and its associated circuit name continued to be used until at least 1954.

Early life and education

Clifford was born in Adelaide in 1887, the eldest among eight siblings in a large family residing in the western suburbs. One of his sisters, Ellen, married John Walkley, who attended Rostrevor College.

His schooling included attendance at St Joseph's School on Russell Street—where he later served as the first vice-president of its Old Scholars Association—and Sturt Street School, both situated near Adelaide’s central business district.

Beginning his working life in 1902, Clifford sold newspapers outside the Supreme Court of South Australia before becoming a newsagent with an additional stationery business. He expanded operations with a second kiosk at Outer Harbor and also worked as a horse racing bookmaker.

Cinemas

Dan Clifford entered the film exhibition industry around 1916 or 1917, investing £800 to purchase the Torrensville Star. He grew his enterprise by transforming town halls in Hindmarsh, Thebarton, and Woodville into cinemas. Initially branded as Star, his company was restructured as Star Pictures Ltd. in 1922 and then D. Clifford Theatres Ltd. in 1923. His primary rival was Ozone Theatres, founded in 1911.

In 1923, Clifford constructed Adelaide’s first single-tier cinema, the Norwood Star (now known as the Odeon Theatre), designed by Sydney architects Kaberry and Chard alongside local architect Chris A. Smith. He also established cinemas at locations including Semaphore, Port Adelaide, Capitol Saint Peters, Unley, Kadina, Murray Bridge, and Mount Gambier.

By 1920, Clifford had acquired Wondergraph's suburban circuit encompassing Unley, Goodwood, and Semaphore cinemas, although Unley and Goodwood eventually reverted to Wondergraph ownership. During the 1920s, he integrated vaudeville performances between film screenings and in the following decade developed a three-story shopping complex featuring a cinema in Unley.

The Star Theatre at Torrensville—designed by R. R. G. Assheton—was renamed Plaza Theatre in 1937 but remained part of Clifford’s circuit through at least 1957.

On 14 May 1938, after an extensive refurbishment by architect Chris Smith and outfitting with furnishings from John Martin & Co., the former Central Picture Theatre on Wakefield Street reopened as the Star. This venue was among Adelaide's most contemporary cinemas until its closure around 1959–60; it briefly operated as the Pantheon Greek theatre before being demolished. The location is now occupied by a car park adjacent to an office building leased by SAPOL.

By mid-1938, Clifford owned approximately 15 theatres across Adelaide suburbs such as Wakefield Street, St Peters Town Hall and Capitol, Unley, Parkside, Norwood, Goodwood, Thebarton, Woodville, Hindmarsh, Semaphore, and Plaza Torrensville.

The Vogue Theatre in Kingswood opened its doors in July 1939 as Adelaide’s first newly constructed cinema in nearly ten years; it remained operational until October 1976. Additionally, the Windsor Theatre located in Lockleys was part of his holdings under the Odeon Star branding.

Built in 1940 based on Vogue’s design, the Piccadilly Theatre became Clifford’s flagship venue. In Goodwood, he replaced the previous Ozone Theatre with two establishments: the Curzon (formerly Star) and the New Star (later renamed Capri), both continuing operation into the 1960s. Overall, Clifford’s circuit represented Adelaide’s largest group of picture theatres, with Piccadilly serving as its premier location.

During World War II, government assistance enabled Clifford to obtain scarce construction materials for new theatres due to cinema's significant role in maintaining public morale.

Size

By February 1945, Clifford's holdings included four of the five largest suburban cinemas in Adelaide:

1. Star Theatre, located in Hindmarsh Town Hall, with seating for 2,012 patrons
2. Ozone Theatre, Glenelg (inaugurated on 5 November 1937), accommodating 1,853 seats
3. The Piccadilly in North Adelaide (opened in 1940), offering 1,437 seats
4. The New Star Theatre, Goodwood (launched on 8 October 1941; currently known as the Capri Theatre), featuring 1,472 seats

The company

Managed directly by Dan Clifford, D. Clifford Theatres—also referred to as the Clifford Theatres Circuit or Dan Clifford Cinema Circuit—originated its "Star Circuit" brand from his initial theatre purchases. His business headquarters were situated on King William Street, Adelaide. Clifford earned a reputation as a hardworking executive who cultivated strong industry connections.

After Clifford passed away in 1942, his theatre chain was purchased by Greater Union in 1947. Nevertheless, the names "Clifford Theatres Ltd" and "Clifford Theatre Circuit" continued to be used at least until December 1954, with a listed address at 313a King William Street.

Other roles

A dedicated philanthropist, Clifford particularly supported children's causes linked to Catholic groups. He held the presidency of the Motion Pictures Exhibitors organization from 1932 through 1935, having served as vice-president for several years prior.

Personal life

Clifford was married to Nonie, and together they had four children: Daniel, James, Joan, and Honora. Their family residence was on Kensington Road in Norwood. He set aside Thursday afternoons exclusively for family time.

He generously contributed to Rostrevor College, providing the institution's first flag and movie projector. His son Dan Clifford Jr. enrolled at the college starting in 1944.

Death and legacy

Dan Clifford passed away on 10 December 1942 at Calvary Hospital in North Adelaide. As a devout Catholic, his funeral took place at St Ignatius Church in Norwood, and he was interred in the Catholic section of Centennial Park Cemetery.

At the time of his death, Clifford owned a total of 20 cinemas throughout South Australia, representing a major presence within the local film exhibition industry.

External links

• Partial list of theatres operated by D. Clifford Theatres Ltd. on Cinema Treasures
• Partial list of theatres operated by D. Clifford Theatres Ltd. on CAARP / Cinema and Audience Research Project