Al Daff
DOWN UNDER iN
HOLLYWOOD - LAND
BY GREG LYNCH
Al Daff - the son of a North Melbourne fruiterer who became the president of Universal International Films.
Al Daff was one of the founding fathers of the wide screen, three-dimensional and stereophonic sound revolution. He was directly involved with the Hollywood production and distribution of approximately 232 films, and was one of the most powerful executives in Hollywood. Quite simply Al Daff was the son of a North Melbourne fruiterer who rose through the ranks from the position of office boy to become President of Universal International Films and Director of Sales. He was a Hollywood mogul and the most successful Australian film executive of our time, or any time. The Al Daff story is not only an industry story, it is a story of great achievement that deserves to be told.
REVIEWS
“I have just flicked through the Al Daff book and I can tell I’ll really enjoy it. Some great work there in capturing the industry and Al’s success in it during that wonderful era. A story that needed to be told and if not by you, then no-one!” — David Kilderry (Cinema Historian)
”I certainly found the book both an interesting and an informative read, particularly the Widescreen and 3D developments. Greg you have covered a lot of territory, all of which makes a big contribution to recording cinema history and the Australian connection.” — Ross King (Cinema Historian)
”I couldn’t put the book down…a compelling and interesting read with breath-taking research about the life and times of an inspirational achiever - Greg Lynch has written a great book that features some truly magnificent Cinema Industry photos. I can't wait to see what he does next.” — Issi Dye 60s Showman
”Great job GREG , the cover looks very impressive - The story of Al Daff's career is fascinating. The contrast between the production standards and the ‘studio system’ of those years and what is in place now was very evident. I found the added details of the 3D screenings in Australia very interesting as well” — Mike Trickett (Cinema Historian)
About
GREG LYNCH
Author of “They Built an Empire”
and al daff - downunder in
hollywood-land
Greg Lynch entered the industry in 1954 under the management of Howard Keast, repairing film for 20th Century Fox in Perth, WA, later moving to Bob Yelland’s Consolidated Theatre Group and a position at the Regent Theatre Guildford, WA, as Assistant Projectionist. During 1956, the Lynch family moved to Victoria and a position was taken with Hoyts Theatre, once again as an Assistant Projectionist..
