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Watching Fred Astaire is practically irresistible to anyone who grew up in the era of his great movies: the 1930s, '40s and '50s. If you can't watch the movies themselves, then a collection of film clips is the next best thing. But Ted Turner and WNET-TV have come up with a new wrinkle for clip collections: "The Fred Astaire Songbook,'' a "Great Performances'' special PBS airs at 8 p.m. Wednesday on KCTS-TV. While there's plenty of dancing in this sparkling collection of film clips, the emphasis is on Astaire's singing, which usually preceded a big dance number. Because his dancing was so great, Astaire's unique way with a vocal tended to be overlooked. Time has given us a new perspective: His singing was every bit as singular, musical and special as his dancing. Certainly it was no hindrance that Astaire sang only the best: Gershwin, Porter, Kern, Berlin, Warren, Arlen. And it's no wonder they wanted to write for him; his way with a melody and lyric always made you more aware of the song than the singer. (Astaire didn't have to make you notice his singing; he knew he would be in the spotlight with his dancing once the song was sung!) We're treated to long clips from a great many Astaire movies, from "Top Hat'' to "The Barkleys of Broadway,'' interspersed with comments from other performers. (Only Melissa Manchester's seem unnecessary.) Audrey Hepburn, as enchanting in her own way as Astaire was in his, is the host for this delightful special, and the film closes with what has to be one of the most magical moments in movie-making: when Astaire and Hepburn float down a stream on a raft at the conclusion of "Funny Face.'' Watching this, it seems clear Astaire simply got better and better, in every way, as his career progressed. And watch Ginger Rogers carefully. Her dancing with Astaire has always been praised, but her subtle reactions to his singing were just as invaluable toward making their partnership the success it was, and will remain as long as these wonderful films are shown.

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