The American Film Institute salute to Fred Astaire

This series from the American Film Institute (AFI) salutes some of the biggest stars that helped to shape the face of Hollywood as we know it today. Fred Astaire whose career as a dancer, actor and singer is honoured here with the AFI’s Lifetime Achievement Award after a career of more than 77 years and a screen career of more than 40 films. This remarkable and versatile actor whose reputation was established in the films made with actress and long-time dance partner Ginger Rogers is joined by his colleagues in a celebration of his contribution to film including excerpts from the films, ‘The Gay divorcee’, ‘Top hat’, ‘Funny face’, ‘Swingtime’, ‘On the beach’, ‘Finian’s rainbow’ and ‘The Towering inferno’ to name a few. David Niven hosts the event with speaking guests including: Mikhail Barishnikov, Cyd Charisse, Barrie Chase, Bob Fosse, Audrey Hepburn, Charlton Heston, Gene Kelly, Hermes Pam, Eleanor Powell and Leslie Caron.