Fred Astaire: A Bio-Bibliography (Bio-Bibliographies in the Performing Arts) [Hardcover]

Larry Billman (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0313290105 | ISBN-13: 978-0313290107 | Publication Date: August 30, 1997 | Edition: annotated edition

One of the most dynamic figures of the entertainment industry, Fred Astaire's career spanned most of the twentieth century. For some, he brings to mind the world of Broadway. For others, he represents the golden age of the movie musical, particularly because of his eleven-film collaboration with Ginger Rogers. Virtually all of his fans will long remember his effortlessly graceful dance routines. International dance giants have credited his work with inspiring their careers and giving them a model of excellence. His innovations as a choreographer, dance director, and creator of musical sequences forever changed the presentation of dance on film. Though he was always in the public spotlight, he treasured his family and cherished his privacy. For a star of such stature, he was remarkably free from scandal. This reference book is a complete guide to his life and career. The volume begins with a biography that traces his life from his birth in Omaha in 1899, to his professional debut in 1905, to his Broadway and Hollywood careers, to his death in 1987. A chronology then highlights the chief events of his life. The chapters that follow provide detailed information for his work on stage, film, radio, and television. Each chapter includes entries for individual performances, with entries providing cast and credit information, plot synopses, critical commentary, and excerpts from reviews. The volume also lists his recordings, unfulfilled projects, and other information. An extensive annotated bibliography concludes the work.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Without doubt the most definitive compilation of Astaire's credits yet. Billman, who knew Astaire quite well in the latter part of the great dancer's life, details every Astaire appearance, including those on stage... Every film is also listed, complete with reviews--also each disc, radio and TV appearaance.”–Hollywood Reporter

“...an excellent resource in investigating the career of one of the screen's immortals and one who made some memorable contributions in other media as well.”–Discoveries

About the Author

LARRY BILLMAN is the Consultant Creative Director for International Theme Parks.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 424 pages
• Publisher: Greenwood Press; annotated edition edition (August 30, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0313290105
• ISBN-13: 978-0313290107
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.3 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,188,729 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars For Very Serious Fred Astaire Fans, December 27, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Fred Astaire: A Bio-Bibliography (Bio-Bibliographies in the Performing Arts) (Hardcover)

I believe Larry Billman's "Fred Astaire" is the most comprehensive reference source on Fred Astaire ever printed. The other seven Fred biographies that I own pale by comparison, and only Fred's autobiography is more enjoyable. Anything anyone wants to know about Fred's stage, film, radio, television, recording, and songwriting careers is in this book - cross referenced! In addition, the book offers behind-the-scenes/backstage peeks, comments, anecdotes, interviews, etc. that illuminate Fred's character and personality. This book is highly recommended for very serious Fred fans.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Best of All the Astaire Books, July 24, 2002

By 

Michael Russell (Washington, DC USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Fred Astaire: A Bio-Bibliography (Bio-Bibliographies in the Performing Arts) (Hardcover)

This book was recommended to me by Fred Astaire's daughter, who described it as "wonderful." I found it to be all of that and more. The author knew Mr. Astaire personally and made extensive use of the Astaires' papers (both Fred's and and his sister's) that are preserved at Boston University. The book covers the full gamut of Astaire's life and career, including vaudeville, stage, films, radio, recordings, and television. Insightful and meticulously researched, this is a "must have" for any admirer of the man who has been described as "the greatest musical perfomer in the history of motion pictures" and "the premier American dancer of the Twentieth Century."

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Regarding Photos, May 18, 2007

By 

D. Thompson (Columbia, MO) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Fred Astaire: A Bio-Bibliography (Bio-Bibliographies in the Performing Arts) (Hardcover)

The format is easy to follow and it does contain some pieces of information that I haven't been able to find elsewhere. It appears that none of the people who gave reviews mentioned anything about the photos in this book. In all fairness to the buying public I think it should be mentioned that the photos are dark and some are so dark you can't make out facial features to know who is in the photo. If you are a strong Fred Astaire fan you will want this book but do not count on any of the photos when making your decision to purchase this book.