Dwight Hemion

Dwight Hemion (1926-2001) was interviewed for three hours plus in Hollywood, CA.  Mr. Hemion started his interview sitting with producing partner Gary Smith and they discussed their production company (Smith Hemion Productions) and the projects they did together.  Mr. Smith left and Mr. Hemion then talked about his early television career at ABC in the late 1940’s.  He discussed in detail the beginnings of the ABC network and his early directing work on the television series Rootie Kazootie and The Tonight Show with Steve Allen.  Hemion later discussed his collaboration with Smith on Perry Como’s Kraft Music Hall and their subsequent company collaborations in producing and directing television musical variety specials.  Hemion finished the interview discussing the stars of these specials, particularly Barbra Streisand.  The interview was conducted by Michael Rosen on July 9, 2001.