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Dudley House

Located in Harvard Yard, Dudley House is the student center for the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, offering intellectual, social, and recreational opportunities to GSAS students.

James M. Hogle, House Master

Doreen M. Hogle, Co-Master

Susan Zawalich,  House Administrator

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Fred Astaire Birthday Festival: Steps in Time

Posted April 16, 2013

Date: Friday, May 10, 12 noon – 10 p.m.
Location: Graduate Student Lounge, Dudley House

Our annual day and night celebration of Fred Astaire’s Birthday (he was born May 10, 1899 and would be 114 this year!) will be held this year at Dudley House on his birthday, Friday, May 10, 2013. From 12 noon to 10 p.m. the Timeless Mr. Astaire will dance us backwards in time… from 1981, through 1953, 1948, 1942, all the way back to 1933… as we enjoy together some of his most wonderful films! 

Come in anytime during the day or evening to participate in the joy which this great American entertainer has brought to the world. Films will be shown on the big-screen TV in the Graduate Student Lounge. Everyone is welcome to join us. Refreshments served … have a Ginger Float, sip Fred Water, enjoy birthday cake, and other treats.

12 noon. Introduction to Fred Astaire

12:15 p.m. In 1981 The American Film Institute honored Fred with its LifeAchievement Award at a televised banquet.  This is a magnificent introduction to the life and work of this great American dancer. Tributes are offered by such stars as David Niven, Audrey Hepburn, Mikhail Barishnikov, Cyd Charisse, Gene Kelly, and Jimmy Cagney.  And clips of some of his greatest film performances are shown. A real treat!

2 p.m. The Bandwagon (1953, 112 min.) From the Era of Great MGM musicals. A glimpse into the backstage traumas of putting on a stage musical. This is often mentioned as one of the greatest film musicals of all times. Funny, satirical, and moving, with terrific numbers.

Birthday Cake and Coffee will be served after the film.

4:15 p.m. Easter Parade (1948, 103 min.) The only film Fred made with Judy Garland and they make a marvelous team. Set in the New York of 1912, this endearing movie is full of special moments.

6 p.m.  Holiday Inn (1942, 100 min.)  Fred is joined by Bing Crosby in this Irving Berlin musical.  Fred’s Firecracker Dance makes you long for the Fourth of July, and Bing introduces “White Christmas” to the world.

7:45 p.m.  Flying Down to Rio (1933, 89 min.) We end our journey back in time, enjoying this madly entertaining film that first paired Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers