Finding Aid for the Donald O'Connor orchestration arrangements collection 2007.010.r
Finding aid prepared by Norm Lee
Chapman University
One University Drive
Orange, CA, 92866
(714) 532 - 7711
rboyd@chapman.edu
Title: Donald O'Connor orchestration arrangements collection
Identifier/Call Number: 2007.010.r
Contributing Institution:
Frank Mt. Pleasant Library of Special Collections and Archives, Leatherby Libraries
Language of Material:
English
Container: 1-32
Physical Description:
16.5 Linear feet
(32 boxes)
Date (bulk): Bulk, 1952-1960
Date (inclusive): 1925-2003
Abstract: A collection of musical arrangements owned and used by entertainer Donald O'Connor for the production of television shows
including "The Donald O'Connor Show" (two separate variety and concert shows of the same name that ran in both the 1950s and
1960s) and "The Bell Telephone Hour." Of particular note are the scores for "Make 'Em Laugh," "Singin' In The Rain," and "Moses"
from O'Connor's film "Singin' in the Rain," and scores from the variety show "The Julie Andrews Hour."
32 boxes of musical arrangements including song arrangements, miscellaneous popular songbooks and sheet music, 2 plaques,
2 photos of Donald O'Connor and an index of arrangements.
This collection is arranged alphabetically by song title.
Conditions Governing Access note
This collection is open for research.
There are no restrictions on the use of this material except where previously copyrighted material is concerned. It is the
responsibility of the researcher to obtain all permissions.
Immediate Source of Acquisition note
Loan from Ms. Alicia Van Der Veer (daughter of Donald O'Connor).
[identify item], Donald O’Connor Orchestration Arrangements collection (2007.010.r), Frank Mt. Pleasant Library of Special
Collections and Archives, Chapman University, CA.
Donald O’Connor (28 August 1925 – 27 September 2003)
Born in Chicago to vaudeville performer parents, O’Connor began performing as a child actor in the late 1930s, appearing in
films including "Sing You Sinners," "Tom Sawyer," and "Beau Geste." After taking a break from film to perform vaudeville he
returned to film, signing with Universal Pictures who produced musicals as a starring vehicle for him throughout the 1940s.
He won a Golden Globe for his performance in the 1952 film "Singin’ in the Rain."
He hosted several shows from the late 1950s to the 1970s, including NBC’s "Colgate Comedy Hour," and two versions of "The
Donald O’Connor Show." In his later years he hosted the Academy Awards, and appeared in several films and television shows.
Famous for his song and dance skills, during his lifetime he appeared in 15 stage shows, and 59 films.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
O'Connor, Donald , 1925-2003
Van Der Veer, Alicia
Dance in motion pictures, television, etc
Motion pictures.
Musical -- Films
Musicians.