Dan Petrie Interview
This is a Visual History Recording

Visual History with Daniel Petrie

Interviewed by: Ron Underwood

Daniel Petrie (Eleanor and Franklin, Sybil, A Raisin in the Sun) shares anecdotes from more than 50 years directing, including his early experiences in live television, his working philosophy with casts and crews, and the value of longtime service as an active member of the DGA.

Director Dan Petrie explains how he controlled the atmosphere on his set to help create a nurturing environment for Sally Field to explore a character with multiple personalities in Sybil.




Petrie fondly recalls his beginnings in the early days of live television when he directed many shows for NBC in Chicago throughout the 1950's.


Petrie discusses his active role in the Directors Guild of America, and its importance to directors.