Fred Astaire Cuts Loose: 1970 Oscars 

Hello! I love Fred Astaire and just added the guitar to this dance in the video. I uploaded shorts, I will appreciate if you have a look😊

Me too class act

❤❤❤ Love him

72

That is real stardom!

@@gloriaproctor532 I bet he got all the chicks....

Right on. Back when people had REAL talent.

Wish those days were back! Class and style!!

Hugh Jackman's one of the few today

ABSOLUTELY ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

Absolutely. I watched them when I was a kid. Now I'm 58 and haven't watched them for decades.

From when the academy had class.

@@alabaster193 hey I was born in 1980 and still KNOW (not think, I know) this was way better then anything today or in the last decade.

For sure!!!

70years??!!! U have got to be kidding!!!!

@@foofookachoo1136 Maybe 71

Wow 70!

"Elegant." "Classy." "One of a Kind."

I had to check that, because I couldn’t believe it.

Yeah I just worked that out just then born in 1899!!

That's really incredible, 71 and moving like a 30 year old

Actually, he was just short of 71: the 1970 Academy Awards was on April 7; Mr Astaire's 71st birthday came later on May 10.

I am 80 years old and Fred Astaire could out dance anyone today that call themselves dancers. And he does not have too grab his crouch to do so.... So there you fools, watch Fred Astaire the expert!!!!!

Wow, he looked fantastic for 71 and they didn't have Botox back then 😂😂😂. Most his age today, look 100, ladened with pharmaceutical drugs. But yet we are more medically advanced🤔

He will be with us forever. His legend will never die.

He was so amazing. I loved Gene Kelly too, but Astair was so amazing.

mamatibbors cassady Yes, they were the flip sides of 2 coins. Astair the Gentlemen's Dancer and Kelly the Everyman's Dancer. Astair very stately, suave and graceful to Kelly's raw energy, athleticism. Even with the great dancers we see grace the stages today, there will never be any that will match the talent of those 2 men.

I will always have him, in my heart. For me he danced his way into it in Funny Face and never left!

Kelly Adams Yes, that was good. I also loved Daddy Long Leggs

Michael learned from him.

Yes he was!!!!

Where is the genius in this 😂

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

Mr., yes, Mr. That is and don’t you forget it!

​@@freedomofexpression4916 this was cringey asf😂, they've been culture vulturing for a long time smh

*I SAID THIS LONG BEFORE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!,,,,, JUST STICK TO GROWING A BEARD!*

Class and talent! Great job Mr. Astaire!!

Er hätte lieber nicht mehr tanzen sollen, mit seinen dünnen, schwachen Beinchen. Gene Kelly konnte es besser.

@@valentenaupton2805 to

Beerdy - Bruce Lee Central That’s what great talent looks like!

Other stars in the audience. Need I say more?

Because the fact stars when on duty spends double the hours on their feet when on duty, so maybe can use a sit break.

Truth!

easily

From Lups,He's the GREATEST!!!

That's the perfect word to describe Fred, Fluid. He's like mercury, never seen anyone have that since, even the best ballet dancers can't land like him.

Fred is and always will be pure silk…no other dancing artist could ever come close to his elegance and style…he like Cary Grant and Cesar Romero were made for Black Tie!!

R1

@@lucillehumphrey5842 What does R1 mean?

@@roberta.lofgrenjr.9182 guess it's dark souls thing...-.-

Watching this the same day you are! Random human connection :) Fred Forever!

YES. Wish I cud I'm 66 waiting for hip replacement an yet I've been a dancer👍

@@beverlygannon4141 Well,. We All know what happened to the other Great dancers of our time,. Prince & Michael J.! So,. Don’t feel bad,. At least you made it to 60,. They didn’t,. So Sad!

It's unfortunate. We live for as much of fulfilling our desires as we can, believing the lie that we'll just "rest in peace" when it's all over (as if that means there's a point to life as well). But then we face God for a lifetime of sinning and refusing His offer in Jesus Christ to forgive and forget, offering eternal life of no more suffering, disease and death, accepted simply by faith. Religions have poisoned the truth and deceived most. God / Jesus Christ didn't come here to create a religion - He came here to seek and save people - adopting them. It's about a relationship with a person God / Jesus Christ when He adopts you, not about a set of rules - any more than having kids is about your set of rules, but is instead about the relationship with your kids. *_"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast."_* Ephesians 2 8-9 *_"And as Moses lifted up the serpent [on a wooden pole] in the wilderness [that whosoever looks upon it believing it will save them, it will], even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. [exposed]"_* John 3.14-20 I implore people to re-read the gospels yet again and forget what anyone or any church/religion claims they say. Our eternity depends upon it.

He looks very old though for some reason. Check him out in the 1981 movie Ghost story. For a guy who was athletic most of his life, he aged terribly

x gotohoward: Not sure he was more "skilled", per se, but he had an unparalleled grace and fluidity that made him seem to effortlessly float on air. No matter who Fred was dancing with, one could not take their eyes off him. He had a presence never before seen and never since equalled. When I watch his films, I have to consciously make the decision to tear my focus away from him. Even though the other dancer, whether male or female, was technically his equal in skill or star power, he had a magnetism,, I would always focus on him.

Stacy Honeycutt agree better didn’t have as much skill as others like Kelly. Gene Kelly and Astaire both acknowledged the Nicolas brothers were amazing but unfortunately there was so much racism then. Fred was the most graceful. Kelly was powerful. Michael Jackson is the only one who could blend the two and do better. Watch his tap routine in the 70s on the Jackson show. Then later in the 80s and 90s

@@joelgarcia3907 I agree~ They were robbed! Also: Bill "Bojangles" Robinson, Sandman Slim, Sammy Davis Jr., as solo act and with "The Will Mastin Trio", Bunny Briggs...the list goes on.

@Lawrance Ovarabia Yes - his hands! I always noticed his hands were different than any dancer. It is especially "telling" when he is dancing alongside someone.

@Lawrance Ovarabia One more thing, Fred was rumored to have considered Eleanor Powell the only other dancer that might be able to outshine him, when side -by - side. But what does Ben Manciewicz know anyway...

They respected talent back then. Concerts people sat and watched quietly so they could actually enjoy the show.

It wasn't like today where everybody stands for everyone, like it's an entitlement; it had to be rare and super-special back then (but I agree that this was such an occasion).

That’s what I was thinking 🤔

​@@Jesuschild3377The 70s wasn't giving you anything. You had to earn it ALL ❤

That’s cause they don’t do soft shoe. They used to be a term called Huffers. He was the oldest in the best. Wow wow wow well there was Baryshnikov and Gregory Hines and if you tap dancers put all my God.

@@lisathurlow3178 Thank you, Lisa. I had no idea. Thanks for the short history lesson.😊

He sure did, Rosanne..

Too old, can’t stand

standing on my chair!!

@@EverTheTwain Me anytime

I said the same thing when the camera panned the crowd, not one person standing.....WT_?

@@yanuriroschev7270 they were too cool, judging by the face of the person sitting next to Nicholson

Another great who was drafted into the military during the war and came home to his career. He also guest conducted the Air Force band in 1981. It was the US Army Air Force that he drafted into. It’s always amazed me the number of stars and celebs who didn’t hesitate to do their part during WW2 and yet how many wars have gone by since then and not a single star has ever given up their career for their country. “Elmer” was born to Jewish parents in NYC. He was distinguished from Leonard Bernstein by Bernstein East (Leonard)-NYC, and Bernstein West (Elmer)-Hollywood . No relation, pronounced last names differently. This concludes the history lesson for this morning!

​@user-vm5ud4xw6n this is what comment sections are for. Thank you.❤ I didn't know any of that.

this 7 minute clip is cooler then the last 7 Oscar shows combined

Too true!

Indeed! When I was little (I wasn’t born until 1975), the shows still had glamour and class! It was actually something that you would look forward to watching whether it was the Grammy’s or the Academy awards…there was waaaay less exposure to things so it was special. Nothing is really special anymore. Sometimes I wish we could just shut all this social media down a week and get back to life a little less exposed. 🤷🏽‍♀️

Did Michael Jackson get much influence from this guy??

Actually Boomers still do.

@@quicksylver5684 yes, quite a bit. if nothing else, for the sense of showmanship and spectacle.

With 70 most are still pretty mobile, but it gets downhill fast until the 80s

@@nougatbitz with unhealthy lifestyle or injuries, it can go bad in the 60s or sooner imo

Thank you for mentioning Gene Kelly!❤❤❤ He was every bit Astaire's equal, & my personal favorite.

Gene Kelly is my favourite dancer of all time, I prefer his style over Freds but that's just me.....

How to bust a move.

I, some few years ago, heard of a lady around 80, forgot her name, body builds. Started at 56. So, we as a society need a better understanding and vieepoint on age. I know someone prolly about 80 by now who literally walked from our town to almost the next state. The next state is an hour drive. He loves walking over getting a ride and prolly does it every day. It is all about taking responsibility and treating your body right. Not everything happens and it is one of those things. Not having healthful habits will eventually lead to a breakdown. Edit: Also, if you treat yourself as old, then you will act old and get old. If think youthful, even if have ohysical challenges, you will treat yourself like you are young and have better outcome. Even if stuff happens, won't be as bad as if have old mindset.

I agree im in my 40w and cant move like that

71 is NOT old.

⭐⭐⭐🎊⭐⭐⭐

MarvelDCFanGal In the mere fact that he can dance better than 97% of them

facts

People never gave standing ovations often in those days - they were rare. Now they’re a dime a dozen and I guess people are so used to this, it seems strange...

Shahara Zon thus clip was the year 1969 FYI. 50 years ago. Go do your homework and check it out. Even if it was 1989 it would be 30 years ago. He who laughs last laughs best.

@@OperaJH i meant 60s

They were both real and authentic. Artists and Gentleman to their core.

He was a big inspiration to Michael Jackson and Fred Astaire admired MJ as well

@@mycupoftea3866 aha another gullible media sheep just what I was looking for!

Agree totally. He and Gene Kelly and Donald O'Connor were just amazing dancing talents. All 3 had poise, dignity and class.

The only one who matched him was Sammy Davis Jr.

I adore him,always

One of a kind!

Omg

He’s a classic

Certainly true in comparison to this year's Oscars!!

The days before will smith.

Repent to Jesus Christ “For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus,” ‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭2:5‬ ‭NIV‬‬ K

@@trae4529 Also loved Fred when he played Robert Wagner's dad in It Takes A Thief. That was a great late-in-life role for him, and he was fantastic.

Best dancer ever

@@currentpractice4037 He made it look so easy, and you know it wasn't. Nicholas Brothers were also extremely good.

Michael Jackson's life, off stage, was sad. However, Fred Astaire was actually one of his neighbors and I've read Michael used to go over and cut loose with Fred! That makes me so happy!

@@veramae4098 Didn't know that, thank you for sharing.

@@windorsolarplease4314 Michael was good friends with Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly when he was young. They were telling him that he'll have a great career in the future and they were right. Fred Astaire even called MJ after the first moonwalk at Mowtown 25 screaming and told Michael it's the best performance he ever seen. Michael on that point said that no awards will ever top that

+Linda Harrison so true alas..a lot of today's stuff is just vulgar...without much talent to show for it

Agreed. When lacking in creativity, sink to the lowest common denominator: vulgarity. So Pathetic.

Too busy being political 🙄

The Oscars aren't worth watching anymore!! Full of HATE is all Hollywood has left!

Cmon now we have CardiB and Jlo 🤪

MJ never cited Presley to be one of his influences.

@@tintu2476 Elvis met his future wife when she was a child, must have been related to that.

I REALLY CARE about Michael Jackson! (not)

I was about to make a comment about that as it really reminded me of him

Fred astaire was lightyears ahead of Jackson, it is hilarious when ppl try put jacko in the same bracket as Fred Astaire 😂🤣😂

Mad. Skills

He loves what he does and that made me smile throughout his performance.

Beautiful xx

@Dawn Hall never stop moving and you keep body lubed up.

How tf

Damn, he was 70 yrs old? That was amazing! He's one of my favorites. 💯

What?!?! Thats got to be a lie surely!

1970 Oscars were on April 7. Astaire turned 71 on May 10.

He was so graceful

Facts

James Brown was Michael Jackson idol.😊

Yes. We will. The Bible holds out the promise of the resurrection which means "standing up again". This takes place on earth.🌎 I hope Fred tap dances out from his grave and I hope am around to see it.

@@fairedelapeche1300 Not at ALL interested in your religious beliefs.

Well if you think you’d never see anything like him again watch “Weapon of Choice” with Christopher Walken here on RU-vid.

@@philip6502 Not interested in YOURS.

No, nobody dances any more, it's all car crashes and gun battles. We live in different times.

Aber für den Stepptanz zu dünn und Sprünge, so wie Kelly konnte er auch nicht. Er war nur elegant mit einer Partnerin und das war überwiegend Ginger Rogers.

Gertrud - Pia Adam-Taylor 🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️

Lazy bunch - get on your feet!!

his name was actually Frederick Austerlitz

@@1977JohnBoy He had sense enough to change it to Astaire, i.e. That man has astaire.

Legend.

@@Pashasmom1 definitely😃

Ikr? ... if this was March of 1970, I was six months away from being conceived ...

Gene Kelly!

@@jefferyburton1518 Gene Kelly what? What are you saying that Gene was better? If so, then i tell you this, i bet even Gene Kelly would tell you Fred was the best dancer. I think Gene learned from Freddie boy.

@@TheBohemianAngels I love them both but maybe Kelly was more artistically ambitious. Stuff like 'An American in Paris' almost goes beyond its "musical" genre tag into a whole new kind of cinema.

Look at him move

He was amazing. He took up skateboarding in his 70’s…💕💕

Chivalry

Yes my friend, class is almost gone

Such a shame how men have such fear of things like dancing or anything they deem ‘feminine/gay’ these days, this skill level is so attractive

Well said, time of prestige grace & class….it’s such a disgusting & disgraceful event these days….Astair & Gene Kelly we’re my favorites during those days, I can see where Michael Jackson took a few moves from Astaire for sure😂….man is so light on his feet & he has cool graceful walk too when he came out on stage with Bob Hope…

@@popnfresh2928 This is again the problem when you let things go and accept on behalf of the woke agenda, to openly talk against whites on stage. Sidney Poitier, Morgan Freeman, Denzel Washington, are all distignguish black actors with class, they deserve to be at the oscars. Then we have that leftist Glenn Close doing that butt dance.. incredible.. We are regressing. And of course, the slap.. you would think they were in a ghetto somewhere.

I haven't watched it in years.

Look at the caliber of entertainers in Astaire's time compared to the caliber of "entertainers" in 2022. No comparison...

Totally agree!

How things have changed. You just do not see class and talent anymore.

Nah Gene Kelly was also great.

You are SOOOOO RIGHT.

@@charonboat6394 Pretty much on par but would cause a debate, I still say Fred was the better dancer not talking anything away from Gene.

Watch the firecracker 4th of July solo number in "Holiday Inn" (1942).

Nice point. You can see how improvisational he is here--at moments he makes me think of Bill Jones--finding the moves that fit the motion of the moment.

Miss Bob Hope , his Clean. Crisp & Funny lines delivered with a smile & twinkle in his eyes. Their Christmas Special shows used to be heart warming. True classy Entertainment

ARE YOU SERIOUS???? INSANE!!!! NOTHING BUT RESPECT FOR HIM!

Incredible -- I’m 54 I get out of breath just grocery shopping I feel like gonna die lol

Unfortunately it's never coming back.

Nah, they had insufferable windbags back then, too. Fred Astaire had to share this stage with one of them.

@@BigBri550 Speaking of windbags, do us all a favor & cut your wind off ok?

@@bobmalon7244 Ah! but see I'm not an _insufferable_ windbag, so it's all good.

I am 80 years old and Fred Astaire could out dance anyone today that call themselves dancers. And he does not have too grab his crouch to do so.... So there you fools, watch Fred Astaire the expert!!!!!

And add in the Nicholas Brothers and then the whole stage would explode with talent!

What about Charles Manson?

Valencia couldn’t agree more 👏🇬🇧

2

Agree

+dakotahstr Now you just see Hollywood ass - and it's NOT Booty-ful, Kim...

I so agree...well said!!

+SIENNA71 The audience really should have stood up.

C.J. O'Dell Exactly...smh

+SIENNA71 ... I totally agree ... He should have gotten a standing ovation for that performance ... especially at his age ... He still had that swag!!!

Why do people overstate like this? Of course we will see true talent like this again. What about Robert De Niro, Meryl Streep, Cicely Tyson, Itzhak Perlman, Gwen Verdon, Barbra Streisand, Tony Bennett and on and on and on...

Hello Bella

Nothing like it today!😢

Thank you Jannet;) It appears you have amazing taste. Yea, If I danced like that at any age, my body would look like a transformer with a missing part lol;)

+SMTV I once saw an award ceremony where Michael Barashnikov held a speech. He said: "I dance before croned heads and high society as well as ordinary people. Each time I feel like a god. Then I go home, turn on TV and there he (Astaire) is, and I feel so very humble."

+SMTV Totally agree! They have just witnessed a genius! They should be standing and applauding an amzing man!

I even had a comment from some nitwit claiming that people like Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Danny Kaye, Fred Astaire, etc. were just lucky enough to be at the right place at the right time. He claimed that there was nothing special about these legends, they were just lucky. Try and wrap your head around such a statement...

+Rudolf Trost total crap.Just look at the crap out today.

he was the O.G. for real

Austin .Bailey No...not everyone can do it as well no matter how much practice...🙄🙄🙄

das 1988 I agree. Although Austin Bailey does have a point that it takes years of hard work and practice to reach the high standards of people like Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly (to name but two), but I think the spark of true talent has to be there within them to start with. Probably most people can learn the basics and get by in social dancing, at a party or social event, but it takes something special, a gift that some people are just born with, to reach the heights that these performers achieved. And that goes for any craft, be it dancing, singing, playing a musical instrument, or painting or writing etc. Some people 'have it' but others just never will, no matter how much they practice.

Most dancers start out at a very young age! I took 15 years worth of tap dance, jazz dance and acrobatics. Still I am no where near Fred Astaire! He kept it up professionally practically his whole life!

+JubalCalif 👍

+Mary K Thompson Agree!

+Mary K Thompson - Elegance in "Style"

+Mary K Thompson Absolutely. I would have loved to have been his dance partner. I love watching Fred, Gene, Donald, Bing, and Danny Kaye. I wish I lived in that era. Fred is the best dancer out of all of them. Sad that times change and this style is no longer around. All we have know is TWERKING and JERKING. Now, that is sad.

He is one that is so sophisticated - Gene was athletic and Donald was close to Gene's style too - very quick on his athletic style too. Bing - I can't recall Bing dancing unless he does the soft shoe dance routine.