Astaire Unwound HD (ceiling dance from Royal Wedding)

[jrbaskind]

Even when I can see how they managed the trick, it still looks magical.

[xenontesla]

Some people say that explaining an effect ruins the magic, but in this case, that can’t be less true.

[tomcunniffe]

This is all well and good, but I just happen to believe that Fred Astaire could dance on the walls and ceiling without camera tricks.

[nicholasimholte]

If anything, knowing how it's done is even more impressive. The way he keeps his balance and doesn't miss a step as the room literally spins around him....

[ModusOperandom]

Even seeing it painstakingly explained, my head still hurts at how incredibly well done this effect and shot truly is. And one single continuous take? Masterful.

[DennisDegan]

It's not apparent how much work went into your 'rotation' video on the right side, but I can see it! You must have spent hours tracking and undoing the camera pans and tilts from the original film in order to keep the whole scene properly placed, while masking the tracking shot at the same time as well. It's quite a subtle yet successful job. I applaud your work.

[taragreenetarotastro]

this was such a brilliant engineering and choreographed routine Fred Astaire was a master.

[erik]

A masterclass in choreography, collaboration, timing and execution!

[hiridavidfeign]

The use of the photo prop and the randomly thrown jacket, the misdirection when he first dances against the door on the right, the sustained takes that are just jaw dropping. And now to get to see it right side up, so to speak. I can't imagine what it was like being the camera guy working against gravity. Thanks so much for this. It's really excellent.

[susanagerbowski]

watching this again on TCM in Canada. Amazing!! and I am fascinated that the picture of his sweetie doesn't move until he picks it up, as well as the coat and hat don't move from the rack or the chesterfield wonderful!!

[dcdad]

Instead of explanation with confusing audio, the graphic with camera positions keeps it simple and clear. Bravo!

[WonderfulAkari]

I'm super impressed with the fake coat and jacket plus the magnets on the picture are a nice touch.

[ertmnews]

Impressive techniques from 1951, with no CGI: intelligent angles, talent and magic! EPIC!

[martymcfly]

It's crazier to think he's dancing in a spinning room. That shit somehow seems harder than defying gravity.

[JaimeMesChiens]

I could watch Mr Fred Astaire dance for hours and hours.

He’s magical.

[dancingintheshadows]

This never ceases to amaze me even knowing how it was done. Fred Astaire was truly a master of his craft!

[testauk]

An amazing feat at the time (1951)....Simply superb!

[melindamullins]

iconic scene and Freds moves so simply done yet so very hard to do but he made it look so smooth and elegant what a remarkable dancer he was thank goodness for the archives.

[Hali]

Can you imagine the amount of work it took to set this scene up for filming? Then think about Astaire's performance. He had to dance to match not only the rotation but also dance his movements to match the finished illusion...

[yvonnewalesuk]

Wow! Watching how Fred Astaire did that just makes me appreciate him even more. Thank you.