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Creator
Tracy, Lee, 1898-1968
Call number
*L (Special) 89-37
Physical description
35 sound discs.
Preferred Citation

Lee Tracy Collection, *L (Special) 89.37, The Rodgers and Hammerstein Archives of Recorded Sound, The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts.

Repository
Rodgers and Hammerstein Archives of Recorded Sound
Access to materials
Request an in-person research appointment.Restrictions apply

These recordings were collected by Lee Tracy and primarily consist of his performances in radio plays. Radio programs most prominently represented are Hall of Fame, Hollywood Hotel, Kraft Music Hall, Lux Radio Theater, The Rudy Vallee Hour, Shell Chateau, and Silver Theater. Performers appearing with Tracy on these programs include Edward Arnold, Noah Berry, Bing Crosby, Sally Eilers, Joan Fontaine, William Gargan, Shirley Ross, Lionel Stander, and Rudy Vallee.

Biographical/historical information

Lee Tracy (4/14/1898 - 10/18/1968) was an American actor in radio, theater, film and television. He was born William Lee Tracy in Atlanta, GA, and died in Santa Monica, CA. He was married to actress Helen Thomas.

Before his acting career began, Tracy worked for a brief time as an U.S. Treasury Agent. His show business career started with his work in vaudeville. He made his New York City debut as Joe in The Show-off (2/5/1924), and his London debut succeeding Raymond Massey in the role of Harry Van in Idiot's Delight. His theatrical career includes work in: The Book of Charm; Oh, Promise Me; Bright Star; Metropole; Mr. Barry's Etchings, and Every Man for Himself.

Tracy made his film debut in Big Time (1929). His film career includes work in such films as: Doctor X; Blessed Event; The Half Naked Truth; Bombshell; and The Best Man.

Tracy played Mr. Malone in the television series The Amazing Mr. Malone; the title role in the private eye series, Martin Kane; and Lee Cochrane in the NY Confidential television series.

Lee Tracy received the New York Critics Association's best actor award in 1929 for his performance as Roy Lane in the theater production of Broadway, and was nominated for a Tony Award in 1960 for his performance as ex-President Arthur Hockstader in The Best Man.

He performed in various radio programs such as Hall of Fame; Hollywood Hotel; Lux Radio Theater, and Shell Chateau.

Scope and arrangement

These recordings were collected by Lee Tracy and primarily consist of his performances in radio plays. Radio programs most prominently represented are: Hall of Fame; Hollywood Hotel; Kraft Music Hall; Lux Radio Theater; Rudy Vallee Hour; Shell Chateau, and Silver Theater.

Performers appearing with Tracy on these programs include: Edward Arnold; Noah Berry; Bing Crosby; Sally Eilers; Joan Fontaine; William Gargan; Shirley Ross; Lionel Stander, and Rudy Vallee.

The collection also contains three recordings of incidental music from various film studio productions. One of these productions is identified by name, a pilot for the television program, Steptoe and Son, produced by Paramount Studios.

Administrative information

Source of acquisition

Gift, Tracy, Mrs. Lee, 1970

Processing information

Processed by Rodgers and Hammerstein Archives of Recorded Sound staff.

Using the collection

Location

Rodgers and Hammerstein Archives of Recorded Sound
New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, Dorothy and Lewis B. Cullman Center
40 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023-7498
Third Floor

Conditions Governing Use

For permission to publish, contact the Curator, The Rodgers and Hammerstein Archives of Recorded Sound.

Access restrictions

Access to original items is restricted.