42 Facts About The Movie West Side Story

West Side Story was released in 1961 and is a movie adaptation of the Broadway musical of the same name.

One of the most iconic musical films of all time, West Side Story tells the modern-day Romeo and Juliet story set in the Upper West Side neighborhood of New York City.

The film was directed by Jerome Robbins and Robert Wise.

Jerome Robbins was originally hired to direct the film adaptation because of his success as the choreographer of the Broadway production. However, due to creative differences, Robert Wise was brought in to co-direct the film.

The movie received critical acclaim and won ten Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

West Side Story is one of only three musicals to have won the Best Picture Oscar, along with Gigi and The Sound of Music.

The film’s cast includes Natalie Wood, Richard Beymer, Rita Moreno, and George Chakiris.

Natalie Wood portrays Maria, the female lead, while Richard Beymer plays Tony, the male lead. Rita Moreno won an Academy Award for her role as Anita, Maria’s friend and Bernardo’s girlfriend. George Chakiris also won an Academy Award for his portrayal of Bernardo, the leader of the Sharks gang.

The movie features timeless songs composed by Leonard Bernstein with lyrics by Stephen Sondheim.

Songs like “Maria,” “Tonight,” and “Somewhere” have become classics in the musical theater repertoire.

West Side Story was the first film to use the technique of recording the songs before filming.

This allowed the actors to lip-sync to the pre-recorded tracks while filming the dance sequences, resulting in a seamless integration of music, dialogue, and dance.

The film’s screenplay was written by Ernest Lehman.

Ernest Lehman adapted the screenplay from the stage musical, working closely with Arthur Laurents, who wrote the book for the original Broadway production.

The movie addresses themes of love, prejudice, and social tensions.

West Side Story explores the conflicts between two rival gangs, the Jets and the Sharks, as well as the forbidden love between Tony and Maria.

The dance sequences were choreographed by Jerome Robbins.

Jerome Robbins brought his innovative and energetic choreography from the Broadway production to the big screen, creating iconic dance numbers that still captivate audiences today.

West Side Story was shot on location in New York City.

The film utilized various neighborhoods in Manhattan, including the Upper West Side, Hell’s Kitchen, and the rooftops of buildings in the West 60s.

The original release of the movie had an intermission.

Due to its lengthy runtime of over two hours, the film had a built-in intermission, allowing the audience to take a break before the intense climax of the story.

The film’s soundtrack album spent over 50 weeks on the Billboard charts.

The popularity of the movie translated into a highly successful soundtrack album, featuring the memorable songs from the film.

Marlon Brando was considered for the role of Tony.

Marlon Brando was initially approached to play the role of Tony, but he declined the offer, leading to Richard Beymer being cast in the role.

Natalie Wood’s singing voice was dubbed by Marni Nixon.

Marni Nixon, a renowned vocalist known for dubbing the singing voices of Hollywood actresses, provided the singing voice for Natalie Wood’s character, Maria.

The film features a blend of ballet, jazz, and Latin dance styles.

The choreography incorporates a mix of dance techniques to reflect the different cultural backgrounds and styles of the characters in the story.

West Side Story was a box office success, grossing over $43 million worldwide.

The film’s popularity and critical acclaim contributed to its impressive financial success.

The opening prologue of the film was shot in a single take.

The iconic aerial shot that introduces the audience to the world of West Side Story was meticulously planned and executed in one continuous take, showcasing the scale and intensity of the neighborhood rivalry.

The film’s costume designer won an Academy Award for her work.

Irene Sharaff’s vibrant and distinctive costumes added visual flair and helped define the characters and their respective gangs.

The Jets’ signature song, “Gee, Officer Krupke,” was almost cut from the film.

The song, known for its humorous lyrics, faced potential censorship due to its satirical portrayal of police officers. However, it was ultimately included in the movie, becoming a fan favorite.

West Side Story includes several reprises of its songs.

Songs like “Tonight” and “Somewhere” are reprised throughout the film, adding depth and emotional resonance to key moments in the story.

The film’s dance sequences were inspired by real-life gangs in New York City.

Jerome Robbins researched and observed the movements and interactions of teenage gangs in New York City to authentically capture the energy and dynamics of the Sharks and the Jets.

The film’s score combines elements of classical music with jazz and Latin rhythms.

Leonard Bernstein’s composition for West Side Story blends different genres of music to create a unique and vibrant sound.

West Side Story is noted for its innovative use of camera techniques.

The film employs dynamic camera movements, including tracking shots and overhead shots, to enhance the visual storytelling and capture the intensity of the dance sequences.

The movie was a milestone in onscreen interracial romance.

At the time of its release, West Side Story depicted a taboo romance between a white character, Tony, and a Puerto Rican character, Maria, challenging societal norms and prejudices.

West Side Story was preserved in the National Film Registry in 1997.

The film was recognized for its cultural significance and added to the National Film Registry, ensuring its preservation for future generations.

The Sharks and the Jets have distinctive dance styles.

The Sharks’ dance sequences incorporate Latin-inspired movements, while the Jets’ dances draw inspiration from more contemporary and jazz dance styles.

The film’s depiction of street violence was considered groundbreaking for its time.

West Side Story showcased realistic and intense fight scenes, bringing a new level of authenticity to the portrayal of gang violence onscreen.

The song “America” explores the contrasting perspectives of Puerto Rican immigrants and American-born Puerto Ricans.

The song delves into the complexities of identity and the challenges faced by immigrants in a new country while showcasing the vibrant and resilient spirit of the Puerto Rican community.

West Side Story was re-released in theaters in 2021 to celebrate its 60th anniversary.

The film was restored and re-mastered for its 60th anniversary, allowing new audiences to experience the timeless story and iconic music on the big screen.

The movie was considered controversial upon its release.

Some criticized the film for its portrayal of Puerto Rican characters and accused it of perpetuating stereotypes. However, West Side Story has also been praised for its powerful storytelling and memorable performances.

The film’s title is a play on William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.

The story of West Side Story draws inspiration from Shakespeare’s tragic love story, transplanting it to the streets of 1950s New York City.

Leonard Bernstein conducted the film’s recording sessions.

The renowned composer and conductor played an active role in overseeing and conducting the recording of the film’s musical numbers.

West Side Story became a cultural phenomenon.

The film’s impact extended beyond the screen, influencing fashion, popular culture, and subsequent musicals.

The lyrics of the song “Maria” were written at the last minute.

Stephen Sondheim wrote the lyrics for “Maria” in a single night, capturing the innocent and hopeful essence of the character.

West Side Story was a breakthrough role for actor George Chakiris.

George Chakiris’s portrayal of Bernardo earned him critical acclaim and launched his career as a leading actor.

The film’s opening credits were created by renowned graphic designer Saul Bass.

Saul Bass’s distinctive and stylish opening credits set the tone for the film and became an iconic part of its visual identity.

The movie’s intense choreography required extensive rehearsals.

Jerome Robbins and the cast spent months rehearsing the elaborate dance sequences to ensure precision and fluidity in their movements.

West Side Story was inspired by real events.

The story draws inspiration from the escalating tensions between immigrant communities in New York City during the 1950s.

The film’s original Broadway cast members were not chosen for the movie adaptation.

The filmmakers opted to cast Hollywood actors for the film, bringing in fresh faces to portray the iconic characters.

West Side Story showcases the energy and rhythm of urban life in the 1950s.

The film captures the vibrant atmosphere of New York City during that era, immersing the audience in the sights and sounds of the time.

The film’s legacy includes numerous stage revivals and a 2020 reimagining directed by Steven Spielberg.

West Side Story has remained a beloved and influential musical, inspiring new generations of performers and directors to revisit the timeless story.

The movie continues to resonate with audiences worldwide and is considered a classic of American cinema.

West Side Story’s enduring popularity and impact make it a significant milestone in the history of film and musical theater.

Conclusion

In conclusion, West Side Story is a timeless cinematic masterpiece that continues to captivate audiences with its powerful storytelling, exceptional performances, and memorable music. The film’s relevance and impact have endured over the years, solidifying its place in cinematic history. With stunning choreography, compelling characters, and a thought-provoking exploration of social issues, West Side Story remains a must-watch for movie enthusiasts of all generations.

FAQs

Q: When was the movie West Side Story released?

A: West Side Story was released on October 18, 1961.

Q: Who directed West Side Story?

A: The movie was directed by Jerome Robbins and Robert Wise.

Q: Is West Side Story based on a true story?

A: While the story of West Side Story was inspired by William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, it is not based on a true story.

Q: Who starred in West Side Story?

A: The film features Natalie Wood, Richard Beymer, Rita Moreno, and George Chakiris in the lead roles.

Q: Did West Side Story win any awards?

A: Yes, West Side Story won a total of 10 Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director.

Q: What is the runtime of West Side Story?

A: The movie has a runtime of approximately 2 hours and 33 minutes.