West Side Story (1961)

Two youngsters from rival New York City gangs fall in love, but tensions between their respective friends build toward tragedy.

Directors:

Jerome Robbins, Robert Wise

Writers:

Ernest Lehman (screenplay), Arthur Laurents (book)

Stars:

Natalie Wood, George Chakiris, Richard Beymer

Won 10 Oscars. Another 18 wins & 10 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Natalie Wood	...	Maria
Richard Beymer	...	Tony
Russ Tamblyn	...	Riff
Rita Moreno	...	Anita
George Chakiris	...	Bernardo
Simon Oakland	...	Schrank
Ned Glass	...	Doc
William Bramley	...	Krupke
Tucker Smith	...	Ice
Tony Mordente	...	Action
David Winters	...	A-rab
Eliot Feld	...	Baby John
Bert Michaels	...	Snowboy
David Bean	...	Tiger
Robert Banas	...	Joyboy

Storyline

West Side Story is the award-winning adaptation of the classic romantic tragedy "Romeo and Juliet". The feuding families become two warring New York City gangs--the white Jets led by Riff and the Latino Sharks, led by Bernardo. Their hatred escalates to a point where neither can coexist with any form of understanding. But when Riff's best friend (and former Jet) Tony and Bernardo's younger sister Maria meet at a dance, no one can do anything to stop their love. Maria and Tony begin meeting in secret, planning to run away. Then the Sharks and Jets plan a rumble under the highway--whoever wins gains control of the streets. Maria sends Tony to stop it, hoping it can end the violence. It goes terribly wrong, and before the lovers know what's happened, tragedy strikes and doesn't stop until the climactic and heartbreaking ending.

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Plot Keywords:

young man | virility | sexuality | love interest | girl | 

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Taglines:

The Screen Achieves One of the Great Entertainments in the History of Motion Pictures

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Genres:

Crime | Drama | Musical | Romance

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Certificate:

Not Rated

Did You Know?

Trivia

The boys' jeans were dyed, re-dyed and "distressed," using special elastic thread to allow for the severity of the choreography.

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Goofs

After the war council meeting, everyone leaves; then soon after, Tony and Doc close and lock up the candy store and are shown walking away in different directions down the street. Then, before the rumble while the rumble song is being sung, they show various people, and Tony and Doc can be seen back in the candy shop again.

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Quotes

[first lines]
[the Jets dance across the streets of New York, eventually coming to a playground where they toss around a basketball. The ball is intercepted by Bernardo, leader of the Sharks]
Riff: [snaps fingers at Bernardo] Come on.
[Bernardo drops the ball, Riff picks it up]
Riff: Beat it.

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Crazy Credits

There are no opening credits; a stylized, tinted aerial still of Manhattan is shown as the overture plays. The background changes color as the themes change throughout the overture. As the overture ends, the tinting is blue, the title appears, and the shot segues to aerial photography of Manhattan streets and landmarks.

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Alternate Versions

In 2011, as part of the 50th Anniversary Blu-Ray release, a new score, closer to the original theatrical version, was orchestrated by the Leonard Bernstein Estate. It was performed live by the Los Angeles and New York Philharmonics at screenings with the original score excised. (The original vocals were retained.) The New York performance was at Lincoln Center's Avery Fisher Hall, built atop the movie's filming locations.

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Connections

Version of Romeo and Juliet (1947)

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Soundtracks

Jet Song
(1957) (uncredited)
Music by Leonard Bernstein
Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
Performed by Tucker Smith, Russ Tamblyn, Bert Michaels, and The Jets

User Reviews

special

It is strange to say why. because it is the musical "par excellence". many of its songs are well known by young public before they see the film. because each character has its perfect actor. because it is one of the most inspired adaptations of "Romeo and Juliet". because it is...magic. and one of motifs to admire scene by scene this film about the essence of youth, love and life. a film absolutely special. whithout know why. without define the motif for who, after its end, you desire see again. maybe, for the most inspired Mercutio of Russ Tamblyn., for lovely Maria of Natalie Wood ( and Marni Nixon), for Richard Beymer and, off course, George Chalkiris. so, special. and could be enough .

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English Spanish

Release Date:

18 October 1961 (USA)

Also Known As:

West Side Story

Filming Locations:

Church of Saint Paul the Apostle, Columbus Avenue & West 60th Street, New York City, New York, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$6,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$207,145, 24 June 2018

Gross USA:

$44,055,492

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$44,061,777

Company Credits

Production Co:

The Mirisch Corporation, Seven Arts Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

153 min

Sound Mix:

4-Track Stereo (35 mm magnetic prints) 70 mm 6-Track (Westrex Recording System) (70 mm prints) Mono (35 mm optical prints)

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.20 : 1