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Hat & Tails
Mollie Webb turns the spotlight on Jack Buchanan (1890–1957)
and reports on other interesting additions to the ISTD
library
The
dates may make him far removed from the musical scene
of today, but he really was Britain’s greatest
song and dance man of that period.
With success in revue, silent films, Hollywood musicals,
as producer and star of musical comedies on stage and
in films, as an actor, producer and director of straight
drama, all this demanded a talent and versatility that
outshone many of his fellow professionals.
Fred Astaire, to whom Jack had always been an idol,
was delighted and proud to work with him. Laurence Olivier
– “He taught me to tap dance in many hours
of pains taking and patient rehearsal!” Gene Kelly
– “How I wish I could have worked with him!”
These are some of the many tributes from a book by Michael
Marshall ‘Top Hat & Tails’.
Those of you looking for information in the Tap and
Musicals areas may find this an interesting and a worthwhile
research.
Latest
Acquisitions
Dancing into the Unknown
Tamara Tchinarova Finch
A fascinating and very personal look backstage at the
Ballet Russes, and her involvement in the affair between
her husband Peter Finch and the actress Vivien Leigh
Somewhere – The Life of Jerome Robbins
Amanda Vaill
The definitive and major biography of the great choreographer
and Broadway legend
A
Valuable Resource Centre
The Dancing Times issue for August publishes information
in the Teachers & Training section, on the resources
available in our library at ISTD HQ in London.
I am hoping that this may encourage both members and
non-members to spare the time for a visit this autumn.
I shall look forward to welcoming you.
Library
News is compiled and written by Mollie Webb, FISTD ARAD.
To arrange a visit to the Library you can call Mollie
on +44 (0)20 7377 1577 (Mondays and Thursdays) or email
her at library@istd.org
Above:
Jack Buchanan (L) and Fred Astaire (R) performing ‘I
Guess I’ll Have to Change my Plan’ from
The Band Wagon in 1952. Photograph taken from the book
(left)
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