Steps in Time

by Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers (Foreword), Jennifer Dunning (Introduction)

The actor and dance wizard shares a candid look at his own nlife, from his early work on the vaudeville tour to his roles in musical comedies and his personal relationships. Reprint.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, Autobiography, Film, Memoir, Music, Biography Memoir

327 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1959

About the author

Elegant style of noted American dancer, singer, and actor Fred Astaire, originally Frederick Austerlitz, partnered with Ginger Rogers in such films as Top Hat (1935).

Ginger Rogers partnered with Fred Astaire in several motion pictures, including Swing Time (1936).

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fred_As...

Reviews

[ALLEN · Rating 3 out of 5]

The indefatigable optimist Friedrich Austerlitz (known to the world as Fred Astaire) sounds forth on his life and work in this popular 1959 autobiography. You won't hear much about Fred's travails and difficulties -- while filming DADDY LONG LEGS in 1955, co-star Leslie Caron remembers him weeping into a makeup towel over his wife's death -- but none of that here. What's left is breezy and entertaining, but leaves the reader with the feeling he or she has not experienced the real man.

Update (November 20, 2018): To help round out the picture, consider as well PUTTIN' ON THE RITZ by Peter J. Levensohn.

[Debbie Zapata · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ah, Fred. I thought we would dance the nights away together but it turns out that I have two left feet when it comes to your writing.

I tried, I really did. But you simply could not make me feel the music, not even when you wore your top hat and tails.

I'm sorry, but a gaucho from Patagonia has cut in and I must leave you to finish your Steps In Time on your own.

Lovely pictures, though. And thanks for trying.

DNF around page 100.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I stumbled on this autobiography while browsing at the library and it took all of two sentences for me to decide I was going to enjoy it. You can hear it in Astaire's voice in the writing: lighthearted, ironic, reminiscent.



It reminded me of Dick Van Dyke's memoirs. He's not really there to spill any tea, either personally or professionally, but instead rattles through the highpoints of his life with factual detachment, only occasionally throwing in a quippy story or press clipping, usually at his own expense. He is clearly an entertainer.



He treats dancing seriously but also as something he "fell into," more or less crediting the women in his life for each new transition in his career. His childhood stardom in Vaudeville came from a seriously talented older sister and a mother determined to give them a chance at the big time. His transition to the movies depended in part on his early successes with Ginger Rogers. Even the reminiscences of his more enduringly popular films (Funny Face, Daddy Long Legs) center on his female co-stars. (I loved how he described the challenges besetting Funny Face: "I knew that Audrey [Hepburn] wanted to make that picture and that sooner or later they would all come around—because Audrey is a lady who gets her way. So, I just told my agents to forget all other projects for me. I was waiting for for Audrey Hepburn. She asked for me, and I was ready...I guessed right. Within a few weeks everything was arranged and I was at it at Paramount."



This book provides a glimpse of other Astaire interests: golf, horseback racing, his family. (His teenage daughter clearly had him wrapped around her little finger. It is adorable to see.)

But...I hate to say it, despite all this good, Steps In Time isn't particularly interesting unless you particularly like Fred Astaire. And even then I'm not sure it really recovers from being downright boring at times.

The biggest problem is that this book depends in large part on name-dropping, and I didn't recognize about 97% of those names. Astaire presumes a certain level of familiarity with his world that simply doesn't exist anymore. (He did write this memoir in 1959.) Whether it is the early Vaudeville greats or the leading ladies that graced the stage with him (Vera Ellen? Cyd Charisse?), he scatters his text with references to this person or that, and I could only go: "Okay? So? Who?"

Every now and then I would get a glimpse of the world he ran in, like with references to Robert Benchley. Then the lightbulb would go on and I'd realize he was running parallel to the Algonquin Round Table crew, only to get lost in trying to figure out which members of the British royal family he's talking about when he mentions dancing with the Duchess of York. There is a lot of history here, just not contextualized in ways that make it easily consumable.

And also, as mentioned Astaire isn't really spilling any secrets (or emotions, period), so there isn't a lot of grist to keep this tale going.

Then again, we're talking Fred Astaire, and that alone probably makes it worth a read. He certainly set my toe tapping.

[Brittany Petruzzi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quite the enjoyable read. He writes as if he were sitting in your living room telling you his life story over drinks and cigarettes. It also made me want to pause reading and watch each film as he mentioned them.

Now to sign up for ballroom classes...

[Marci · Rating 3 out of 5]

Since I was in high school, I have never tired of watching Fred Astaire movies. I've seen them over and over through the years, and finally I decided to see what he said about his movies and his life. It is easy to "hear" the voice of Fred Astaire in this book, and it is consistent all the way through. He is an affable person, not given to negatively criticizing anyone else. There are a lot of interesting anecdotes in the book, and some description of dances from the films, but curiously, you finish it not knowing much more about the man than when you started. You know what happened to him, but you don't know what he thought or felt about important things. He doesn't inject much, if any, emotion into this book, although you could read between the lines and know that he was disturbed to some degree by his sister's retirement and his consequent need to establish a solo career, and when his wife died you can tell he must have been devastated because of what he does, but he never says so. He talks about the deaths of associates and friends as if he were reporting for a newspaper, not as if he had any personal interest. He talks about the fun and laughs he had with various co-stars, but he relates few actual stories of fun things they did or said. So, overall, it left me dissatisfied and wanting to know more.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Through this autobiography, I learned that Fred Astaire has always been a very positive, agreeable person. He's very generous in telling us funny stories and details about all of his works. You can learn a lot by what he does NOT say too. Giving paragraphs to Leslie Caron, Bing Crosby, and others makes his one sentence about working with Gene Kelly quite a statement.

[Barry Hammond · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although written in 1959 when Astaire still had many years of his career ahead of him, this book covers his vaudeville, New York stage and the classic dancing years of his film career from his point of view. It also covers his relationship with his dancing sister, Adele, and his first wife, Phyllis, with forays into his other love of horses and horse-racing as well as his friendships and social life. My only complaint is that someone should write a complete biography that covers his last few decades as well. - BH.

[Christopher Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Astaire by Astaire. Good insight into his early years on the stage.

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a huge Astaire fan I thought this was a really interesting and enjoyable read

[Georgie’s Book Nook · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really interesting look into the life of Fred Astaire up to the end of the 50's, told by the man himself.

I grew up watching Fred Astaire in his films, and became completely enthralled by his dancing style as well as his partnership with Ginger. To read about his origin story, as well as his thoughts behind some of his later work that I knew and loved was a thrill. He writes exactly how he speaks, but I did find that this meant that we seemed to skim over the surface of a lot of details that I would personally have loved to hear about. I did find that he did delve into a bit more detail as the book went on, but I'm wondering if that's because those years were more fresh in his mind.

Still extremely interesting and I'm kind of sad that he didn't end up writing that second autobiography that he mentioned at the end of the book.

[4cats · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you are wanting Fred Astaire to spill the beans on life in Hollywood and the stars he worked with, then you will be disappointed with Steps in Time. As I understand Fred Astaire was a very private man and it is reflected in Steps in Time. What you get is a potted history of his life, it deals especially with his working life with his sister Adele and the shows in which they worked. I found this an interesting read as I love all things Astaire.

[Tonya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun to read this autobiography by Fred Astaire. It was written in 1959 (he was 60) and he still continued to act and dance for ~30 years after this was released. He name drops like a champ - I didn’t know most of the names he dropped until he hit the 1930’s. It was interesting to read about his life experiences and follow along with his career. Interestingly, with as much as he name drops, there are no salacious details. This is fine, the book is interesting without knowing who is sleeping with who or drinking, etc. to excess.

[Jamie Manley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I appreciate the fact that Fred Astaire goes over his entire career. He doesn’t leave out a single film. Even the ones he didn’t feel were very good. That’s nice and very uncommon. Really enjoyed this.

[NON · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was quite an enjoyable read. What I learned from reading Astaire's autobiography is that he was funny, honest, and agreeable. I liked him a lot more with every page because of his good energy that I sensed with every word. However, if you are looking for a confessional autobiography, this is not the one. To be honest, this is the case with all the older celebrities, they rarely wrote autobiographies with revelations and stuck with keeping their “clean” image. I was looking forward to know what made Astaire tick like what was his emotional makeup, his views about life and stuff like that or simply better details regarding dance and his inspirations but unfortunately this book lacked such depth.

Overall, it was delightful and I enjoyed it immensely.

[Kelly · Rating 1 out of 5]

This hurts my heart as I utterly adore this man but I just can't keep going. I'm over halfway and we are still on the stage, it just seems to be the same thing over and over and, while I know and appreciate the stage is what got him to Hollywood, this time just seems to be incredibly repetitive.

His writing style is exactly what you would expect of this incredible, classy man but I just can't continue and read about one more stage show. I still love this man completely.

[Sherwood Smith]

I only read this once, while I was waiting out a rainstorm, when I ducked into a little library annex at the American Embassy in Vienna, in 1972. It was a slim little book, gracefully written but not very forthcoming--just as one would expect from Astaire.

[Alethea · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a quick and easy read and worth it if you're a fan of Astaire. It's not the most insightful or emotional telling of a life, however, if you watch any interviews with the man it's clear that he's just not all that comfortable talking about himself. I actually find it kind of shocking he did write this book, as non-controversial as it is.

But I'm glad he did write it. The most interesting chapters are those in the beginning, where he recaps his career with his sister. His perspective on his childhood career is interesting, and some of the anecdotes from his stage career, although told with limited detail--as though he's not sure why someone else might care to read it--are amusing.

A bulk of the book is just a rundown of life events: "I did this show, and then I did that show. These were the people that were also in that show. And then I did this other show." The times when he seems most real are when talking about flops and how much his career successes and failures affect him emotionally, although even that concept--while returned to whenever another flop occurs--is told in a straightforward fashion.

That's not to say that the book seems inauthentic. Some of his comments are somewhat contradictory from things published elsewhere (such as his frustrations with certain scripts, or discomfort with certain professional developments), but this is not a tell-all, and it seems less that he’s being disingenuous and more that he’s just following Thumper’s advice: “If you can’t say something nice, then don’t say nothing at all.” I just wish he had a little more to say about the things he did talk about, but the man’s a performer, not a writer, so I’ll take what I can get.

[Maj · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delivered exactly what I expected from it.

I'd already read a partial biography of Fred, so I knew to expect some glossing over in this book, and there indeed was a lot of it, - but it made for a pleasant read.

The sort of vibe Fred gave out while dancing and/or singing is present here as well. I think he struck a good middle ground between screen Astaire and real Astaire, letting us know there was hard work in his craft, and just what a worrier and a bit of a bore he was, without the book itself ending up to be boring or on the other hand featuring too much "unpleasantness". Just the right tone.
I think he was the master of that, really. On screen as a presence, as a dancer and as a singer. And, apparently, as a writer as well.

(I believe he actually wrote this himself, by himself, though I'd assume somebody gave it a once-over afterwards. But it seems authentic. Sometimes a bit meandering or jumping between unrelated things. As I think somebody's actual memoirs would be.)

And I guess having spent his life surrounded by 3 women he by all accounts loved deeply (mother, sister, wife), the conservative & Republican Fred actually managed not to sound sexist at any point in the book (unlike my dear Buster Keaton), so I considered that a lovely bonus. (Ain't it sad.)

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have always been a fan of Fred Astaire. This memoir was written in 1959. I was pleased to find it had been reissued recently. I was surprised to read he has been working since he was a bout six years old. He worked with his sister Adele in Vaudeville and in plays since childhood and into his early 30s. When his sister decided to retire get married that was when Fred Astaire started his movie career. It was nice to learn more about his career on stage traveling throughout the country on stages with his sister. He writes of the movies he was in and the actors he worked with like Ginger Rogers, Judy Garland, Rita Hayworth. He is careful not to write badly of anyone. Usually being complimentary of his co-stars.
He also writes of getting married becoming a father of two {step-father of one} buying horses to race and his interest in horse racing. This is a pretty good memoir.Slightly dry in areas yet still pretty good memoir. If you are a fan of Fred Astaire, you may like his memoir. just wish he could have come back years later and added to what else went on in his life.

[Juliana Vitolo · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Step in Time” by Fred Astaire is a inspiring and wonderful book about the life of Fred Astaire; who is one of the best dancer, choreographers, and actors in all US history. The storyline of this book starts when Fred is younger and as you get to the end of the book it takes you through his whole life. I would definitely recommend this book to kids in grades 7-8th. I think this because it would be very challenging for younger kids to read due to the wording throughout the book. One of my favorite things about this book was how well written this book was. I loved how each chapter continued through his life. This made the story so much more enjoyable. All in all, the autobiography book “Step in Time” by Fred Astaire is an amazing book and if you haven’t read it yet it should be one of your options when picking a new book.

[Pamela Aikman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Picked this book up at an estate sale. Read it on vacation.No sordid tales of deceit. Crisp, wholesome story of Fred's career with side bars on sister, mother, father, children. I am a big fan of Ginger and Fred's dancing. This gave me insight into some other dancers that he admires and I've made a list to sit in front of youtube or some other streaming service to enjoy them as well. Favorite passage: During a long career such as mine, there are bound to be ups and downs once you reach the top - if there is such a place. I mean, when you have a succession of hits the law of averages seems to catch up with you and you'll have your 'nothing' intervals. I say that because they seem like nothing in comparison with a hot streak. Seems like a book many young entertainers should read to stay grounded as Fred never let the crazy Hollywood interfere.

[Christine Sinclair · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Fred Astaire, and his autobiography is very interesting. What a life he led, on stage with his sister Adele from the age of five, vaudeville tours, Broadway shows, trips to London, audiences with royalty, then the movies, Ginger Rogers, radio and TV. Not to mention his horses, his dance studios, his marriage to Phyllis, their two children; all in all, an amazing story. The book ends in 1959, and he lived to be 88 years old, so there was still a great deal more to tell until June 22, 1987. When asked to expound on the history and philosophy of "the dance" he replied, "I just dance." Indeed.

[JFH · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF, well actually read the first 100 pages then skimmed the next 100, read most of the Hollywood years, skimmed all of the horse racing and came back for the loss of his wife. Perhaps if I had read this when it was published (before I was born), it might have thrilled me. But Astaire makes his extraordinary life so dull, bland and lacking all emotion. Everything is swell. Everyone is great. Everything gets about one sentence of acknowledgement then it’s into the next. Not enough anecdotes, no behind the scenes scuttlebutt. No real insight. Fred, you were my idol. I wanted to be the man who danced through life, like you did. You had amazing talent and success. I wish your book was readable.

Edit: the limited insight into Vaudeville and the schedule for those artists was insightful and could have been fascinating. I just watched the Moms Mabley doc and the glimpse into the black theater circuit was equally eye opening.

[Emmaline Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a dancer, I loved reading Astaire’s personal accounts and endeavors in the entertainment industry; however, I was a bit disappointed in the lack of personal touch to his words. His story was engaging, but it didn’t feel personal. I prefer reading autobiographies that are insightful or introspective. This book did not provide this for me—he shares a lot about his professional life (which is immensely enjoyable), but not as much about his life beyond that.
If you are looking for the accounts of a talented performer who came to be well-known by actors and dancers alike, Fred Astaire’s life is a wonderful example.

[Cheryl Klein · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute book. Not the easiest read, a few times I had to grab the dictionary. Not a horrible amount, but I leaned a few new words.

The story is a detailed history up to around the late 50’s so not a full life biography. The stories of the old Vaudeville days were fascinating to me. And when he talked about movies I found myself looking up various dances he spoke about.

Fred Astaire must have been quite the gentleman because he has nothing bad to say about anyone & there is zero gossip about the activities happening in Hollywood. Even so it was a fun read.

[Elizabeth Haynes · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't feel like I really got to know him. It was more like reading a timeline of his life and his career. Very little in the way of personal feeling or emotion or insight. I think, for example, his personal commentary about when his wife died was all of three or four sentences. All in all it was written alright but lacked the depth of other autobiographies.

[Not-A-Linguist · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very conversational style which I appreciated, without being gossipy. Loved how he went through all his films and shows that he did and appreciated the time spent on his early partnership, Adele, which I did not know about compared with him and Ginger Rogers. Could have done without the boring parts focused on his horse racing.

[Terri Wangard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Captivating autobiography about a most unusual life. Fred's father pushed his son and daughter into a show business life, sending them to New York with their mother. Fred was six when he began appearing in vaudeville shows, followed by Broadway musicals. When his sister Adele retired in 1932, he transitioned to movies with his amazing talent.

[Neil · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fred Astaire is a great hero of mine his dancing (and singing) captured for eternity on film is imperishable.
This autobiography is exactly what you'd expect from Astaire it doesn't give anything away, doesn't go into great detail and brushes off major events in his life. Fred is too modest and, well nice.
Watch the films you'll learn far more.

[Terteach1 · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a fascinating account of probably the most graceful man to ever grace the screen. He was a humble man. Although his dancing seemed effortless, the work, planning and practices before he put them on the screen were endless. He doesn’t pick favorites among his dance partners but is complimentary to all as the true gentleman he was.