Astaire Time

Astaire Time was the third special that Fred Astaire did with dancing partner Barrie Chase. I well remember back when I was a lad these specials were considered top of the line. Well when you're dealing with Fred Astaire you can expect nothing less.

Also featured in this hour long special was Count Basie and his orchestra and his legendary blues singer Joe Williams. The highlight of the hour is Astaire and Chase dancing to Hallelujah How I Love Her So with Williams singing and the Basie orchestra playing in the background. It was a song Williams introduced, but a more famous version is found on an album that Frank Sinatra did with Count Basie for his Reprise records label.

I wish these were out on DVD and/or VHS. In all of his TV specials, Fred Astaire created some numbers that are every bit as good as the ones we all know and remember from his big screen films. A whole new generation ought to see them and appreciate the elegant man of dance.