Theatre proprietor, film exhibitor, producer, screenwriter.
C. F. Pugliese was born Caroline Frances Donaldson in Five Dock, Sydney and in 1883 married Antonio Pugliese (1853-1916), an Italian-born labourer who eventually became a watchmaker and jeweller, and together they had seven children. The eldest of these, Umberto (aka Humbert), later played a significant role in the running of Pugliese Enterprises, a family business which was nevertheless largely controlled by Caroline. The company's first major theatrical venture saw them take over control of Sydney's Alhambra Theatre in 1906.
Caroline and Humbert were involved in a good deal of controversy in 1907 and 1908 after being charged on two separate occasions for presenting unauthorised or illegal entertainments at the Alhambra. The first instance involved Sunday entertainments (for money) and the second for providing entertainments for profit without a license. Although awarded the verdict in 1907 the company was fined £5 for the second incident. The family's association with the Alambra continued through until 1921, during which time they oversaw the production of various theatrical enterprises, including vaudeville shows, revues, dramas, musical comedies and pantomimes.
Among Pugliese's other ventures during the 1910s were the Star Cinema (Bondi) and a cinema at Leichhardt. In addition to live theatre and film exhibition she and her the family were also involved in the production of three early Australian films - notably
The Church and the Woman (1917, with a screenplay by Caroline) and
The Waybacks (1918). Caroline died on 4 May 1940 at Arden Street, Coogee, and was buried in Randwick cemetery.
[Source:
Australian Variety Theatre Archive and Bill Crowley, '
Pugliese, Caroline Frances (1865 - 1940),' ABD (2005)]
