"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.
Fred Astaire 25th Anniversary
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Open Image Modal Acors and dancers Rita Hayworth and Fred Astaire rehearse on a roof top at Columbia Pictures for a scene from their film 'You Were Never Lovelier' in 1942 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Earl Theisen/Getty Images)
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Open Image ModalDancer and actor Fred Astaire demonstrates a dance step with Jo Ann Giles as his ballroom dancing instructors watch at his studio in New York City, Dec. 15, 1946. (AP Photo)
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Open Image ModalJoan Crawford and Fred Astaire are shown in character in the 1933 musical movie "Dancing Lady." (AP Photo)
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Open Image ModalActor Fred Astaire and his wife, Robyn, dance at a party following a benefit premier of the New Universal Amphitheatre in Los Angeles, Ca., Friday night, July 31, 1982. (AP Photo/Reed Saxon)
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Open Image ModalPA
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Open Image ModalPin Up Girl Cyd Charisse and Fred Astaire in Girl Hunt from The Bandwagon (PA)
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Open Image ModalAmerican actor-dancer Fred Astaire, left, gets a welcome hug from his sister, Lady Adele Cavendish, on his arrival in London, England, Sept. 4, 1944. Astaire will entertain at the Rainbow Corner, an American Red Cross club where Lady Cavendish works. (AP Photo)
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Open Image ModalFred Astaire performs his firecracker dance number from the musical movie "Holiday Inn" in Hollywood, Ca., on June 29, 1942. (AP Photo)
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Open Image ModalEleanor Powell and Fred Astaire dance together in the sweet version of Cole Porter's song
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Open Image ModalEleanor Powell and Fred Astaire dance to Cole Porter's
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Open Image ModalActor-dancer Fred Astaire and his wife, Phyllis, arrive on the liner Queen Mary in New York City on June 5, 1939. The couple spent six weeks in Europe where they were visiting Astaire's sister in Lismore, Ireland. (AP Photo)
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Open Image ModalFred Astaire and Ginger Rogers dance during rehearsals in their third film together,
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Open Image ModalFred and sister Adele Astaire pose during rehearsal of
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Open Image ModalFred Astaire is shown in 1937. (AP Photo)
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Open Image ModalCIRCA 1800: (AUSTRALIA OUT) Photo of Bing CROSBY and Fred ASTAIRE; with Fred Astaire (Photo by GAB Archive/Redferns)