Al Daff

Albert Edward Alexander Daff (1902 – 1991) was a prominent Australian-American film executive. He served as president of Universal Pictures during the 1950s and played a significant role in the studio's resurgence during that era.

Born in Australia, Daff began his career in the film distribution business in his home country before moving to the United States. He joined Universal Pictures in the 1930s and quickly rose through the ranks. Known for his shrewd business sense and marketing acumen, he became instrumental in expanding Universal's international distribution network.

Daff's most impactful period at Universal was during his presidency from 1952 to 1957. Facing financial challenges and the rise of television, Daff made key decisions that revitalized the studio. He aggressively pursued the sale of Universal's pre-1948 film library to television, providing a crucial influx of capital. He also oversaw the production of a string of successful and profitable films, shifting the studio's focus towards more commercial genres, including science fiction, horror, and melodramas, often utilizing the new widescreen formats like CinemaScope. Under his leadership, Universal became one of the most profitable studios in Hollywood for a period.

He stepped down as president in 1957 but remained involved with the studio for several years as a consultant and board member. Daff's legacy is primarily associated with steering Universal through a challenging transitional period in the film industry and laying the groundwork for its future success by embracing new technologies and markets like television.