Astaire: A Man of Grace

I was delighted to read Bill Desowitz’s article about Alfred Hitchcock’s centenary (April 16). He is certainly deserving of all the tributes and retrospectives that are planned.

As I read, I remembered that Fred Astaire would have been 100 years old on May 10, but--as yet--have not heard a peep (or is it a “tap”?) for any plans to salute or remember one of the greatest artists of the 20th century. It seems he will be erased from our culture and collective memory, except to dance with vacuum cleaners or to be the subject of countless lawsuits.

What a tragic fall from grace for the man who defined the word.

LARRY BILLMAN

President, Academy of

Dance on Film, Hollywood

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences will pay tribute to Astaire on May 14 at 8 p.m. in Beverly Hills and May 27 in New York at the Museum of Modern Art. Information: (310) 247-3600.