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Fred Astaire
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Book
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Publisher | Harper | ||
ISBN | 978-006156756 | ||
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Reviewer
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Gareth
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Synopsis
One of the foremost entertainers of the twentieth century- singer, actor, choreographer, and, of course, the most dazzling "hoofer" in the history of motion pictures-Fred Astaire was the epitome of charm, grace, and suave sophistication, with a style all his own and a complete disregard for the laws of gravity. Steps in Time is Astaire's story in his own words, a memoir as beguiling, exuberant, and enthralling as the great artist himself, the man ballet legends George Balanchine and Rudolf Nureyev cited as, hands down, the century's greatest dancer.
From his debut in vaudeville at age six through his remarkable career as the star of many of the most popular Hollywood musicals ever captured on celluloid, Steps in Time celebrates the golden age of entertainment and its royalty, as seen through the eyes of the era's affable and adored prince. Illustrated with more than forty rare photographs from the author's personal collection, here is Astaire in all his debonair glory-his life, his times, his movies, and, above all, his magical screen appearances and enduring friendship with the most beloved of all his dancing partners, Ginger Rogers.
Review
I consider Fred Astaire as one of my hero's and it was a wonderful insight into reading this, his autobiography. For me, Fred Astaire had a je ne sais quoi about him - it was in the way he danced, obviously, but it was also the way he walked into a room, and the way he talked. He also had a certain way of singing - I have a sublime album of him singing with the Oscar Peterson Trio (who were the house band for Verve records, and recorded at many of the Jazz at the Philharmonic). His style is so relaxed and inflexive - laid back and listening to it is like floating off on a breeze.
And he writes in the same way - it's almost impossible not to be taken along on his journey through his past (and what a past he had). As I said, this was such an insight into his early life; looking at his upbringing on stage, how he secured his first film contract and how he met Ginger Rogers - magical stuff!
The only small criticism is that the autobiography only deals with the period up to 1958 or so - and I would love to have read more. In fact, I would go so far to say that it's the sort of book I was sorry to put down; I enjoyed it so much!
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