One of the foremost entertainers of the twentieth century--singer, actor, choreographer, and, of course, the most dazzling "hoofer" in the history of motion pictures--Fred Astaire was the epitome of charm, grace, and suave sophistication, with a style all his own and a complete disregard for the laws of gravity. Steps in Time is Astaire's story in his own words, a memoir as beguiling, exuberant, and enthralling as the great artist himself, the man ballet legends George Balanchine and Rudolf Nureyev cited as, hands down, the century's greatest dancer.

From his debut in vaudeville at age six through his remarkable career as the star of many of the most popular Hollywood musicals ever captured on celluloid, Steps in Time celebrates the golden age of entertainment and its royalty, as seen through the eyes of the era's affable and adored prince. Illustrated with more than forty rare photographs from the author's personal collection, here is Astaire in all his debonair glory--his life, his times, his movies, and, above all, his magical screen appearances and enduring friendship with the most beloved of all his dancing partners, Ginger Rogers.

Jim Hardy (Bing Crosby) and Ted Hanover (Fred Astaire) are a successful song and dance double act until Jim decides to retire and become a gentleman farmer following Ted's seduction of his girlfriend. Jim fails as a farmer, but decides to convert his property to an inn that is only open on public holidays. He also finds happiness with the lovely Linda Mason (Marjorie Reynolds) - that is, until Ted shows up! Packed with Irving Berlin songs, including 'Let's Say It With Firecrackers' and 'Easter Parade'. This is also the film which introduced 'White Christmas', a song that won an Oscar and spawned the movie with the same title in 1954.

A huge glass tower block, touted as the tallest building in the world, bursts into flame on its opening night.

An all-star cast includes Steve McQueen as Michael O'Hallorhan, the fire chief determined to get the blaze under control, while Paul Newman stars as embarrassed architect Doug Roberts, trapped inside with fellow guests Fred Astaire, Richard Chamberlain and Robert Wagner.

The Towering Inferno became the biggest of the Seventies cycle of disaster movies, which began four years earlier with 'Airport'.