"Can't sing. Can't act. Can dance a little."
Thus was Fred Astaire's fate sealed, following this damning verdict on his first taped audition in Hollywood.
Showing once again that nobody knows anything when it comes to spotting a star, Astaire went on to become one of the world's most beloved all-round screen entertainers - singing, acting, and tapping his way into audiences' hearts for more than half a century, in more than 40 films, including the iconic Top Hat, Funny Face and Easter Parade ("we'll WALK down the avenue...").
What's your favourite Fred Astaire film? Let us know...
Both in his celebrated screen partnership with Ginger Rogers, or with a host of other glamorous ladies - Cyd Charisse, Leslie Caron, Joan Crawford, Rita Hayworth, Audrey Hepburn, Judy Garland et al - Fred Astaire brought a deceptively light touch to his on-screen presence that belied the hours of practice he put into his moves.
In contrast with his fellow dancing star Gene Kelly, Astaire was both popular but vulnerable - his face one of those lovely happy-sad combinations of a born clown, but his feet always light.
And whatever drama was going on, he was only ever a few taps away from swinging his cane, donning his top hat and launching into one of those numbers that make rainy Sunday afternoons sing, 25 years after he finally shuffle-stepped away.
Here he is in action...
