Dazzling the Screen Fred Astaire

American dancer, actor, singer, musician, choreographer, and presenter Fred Astaire had a career in stage, film, and TV that spanned 76 years. He received an Honorary Academy Award, a BAFTA Award, a David di Donatello Award, three Emmy Awards, three Golden Globe Awards, and a Grammy Award. He passed away on June 22, 1987.

Director Vincente Minnelli directed the 1953 American musical romantic comedy “The Band Wagon." The film starred Fred Astaire and Cyd Charisse.

The storyline revolves around an aging musical star, Tony Hunter (Fred Astaire), who hopes a Broadway show will revive his career, but the play’s director envisions a pretentious retelling of Faust and brings in a prima ballerina, Gabrielle Gerard (Cyd Charisse), who clashes with the star.

Director Stuart Heisler directed the 1946 American musical romantic comedy “Blue Skies." It starred Bing Crosby, Fred Astaire, and Joan Caulfield. The film was based on a story by American composer Irving Berlin. The music, lyrics, and story were written by Berlin, with most of the songs recycled from earlier works.

The storyline revolved around Jed Potter (Fred Astaire), a dancer who loves a chorus girl named Mary O'Hara (Joan Caulfield), who in turn loves a compulsive nightclub-opener Johnny Adams (Bing Crosby) who cannot stay committed to anything in life for very long.

Director Charles Walters directed the MGM 1948 American Technicolor romantic musical film “Easter Parade." The film starred Judy Garland, Fred Astaire, Peter Lawford, and Ann Miller.

The storyline revolves around Don Hewes (Fred Astaire), who sets out to turn young singer and dancer Hannah Brown (Judy Garland) into a stage star after being abandoned by his former dancing partner Nadine Hale (Ann Miller).

Director Stanley Donen directed the 1957 American musical romantic comedy film drama “Funny Face." The film was based on the 1927 Broadway musical of the same name by the Gershwin Brothers.

The storyline revolves around bookstore owner turned fashion icon Jo Stockton (Audrey Hepburn) acting opposite Fred Astaire as Dick Avery, a top fashion photographer.

Director Mark Sandrich directed the 1934 American musical romantic comedy “The Gay Divorcee." The film starred Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers, Alice Brady, and others. It was based on the Broadway musical Gay Divorce," written by Dwight Taylor.

The storyline revolves around a woman, Mimi Glossop (Ginger Rogers), who travels to England seeking a divorce from her estranged husband, where she meets a dashing performer, Guy Holden (Fred Astaire).

Director Mark Sandrich directed the 1942 Christmas musical comedy-drama “Holiday Inn." It starred Bing Crosby, Fred Astaire, Marjorie Reynolds, Virginia Dale, and Walter Abel. The music was written by American composer Irving Berlin, with the best-known song being “White Christmas." The film received the 1943 Academy Award for Best Original Song.

The storyline revolves around Jim Hardy (Bing Crosby), who pens a holiday-exclusive inn where he falls for a beautiful up-and-coming performer, Linda Mason (Marjorie Reynolds). Things get complicated with the arrival of Ted Hanover (Fred Astaire), a former friend of Jim’s who once stole his beloved.

Director George Stevens directed the 1936 American musical comedy “Swing Time." The film starred Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers, Helen Broderick, Victor Moore, and others. It had music by Jerome Kern and lyrics by Dorothy Fields.

The storyline was set in New York City and revolved around a gambler and dancer, John "Lucky" Garnett (Fred Astaire), who is trying to raise money to secure his marriage when he meets a dance instructor, Penelope "Penny" Carroll (Ginger Rogers), and begins dancing with her; the two soon fall in love and are forced to reconcile their feelings.

Director Mark Sandrich directed the 1935 American musical comedy “Top Hat." The film starred Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers, Eric Blore, and others. It was the fourth film pairing Astaire and Rogers.

The storyline revolves around an American tap dancer, Jerry Travers (Fred Astaire), who arrives in London to star in a show. He meets and attempts to impress wealthy Dale Tremont (Ginger Rogers), a young woman on vacation.