by Tony Thomas
Based on the forthcoming film-clip compilation of the same title by Jack Haley Jr., this is little more than a two-step down memory lane, sketching—in words and old stills—the evolution of dancing in film. The book then segues into lengthy chapters on major figures of the genre—Busby Berkeley, Gene Kelly, Ann Miller, Fred Astaire. It is most interesting when it delves into the enormous problems inherent in translating a three-dimensional art form into a two-dimensional one. There are 300 pictures; while some are wonderful, the overall effect is to make you want to put down the book and go see the movie. (Abrams, $35)
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