"West Side Story" (1961)
"West Side Story" (1961)
MGM /The Mirisch Corporation
Two youngsters from rival (ethnically divergent) New York City gangs fall in love, but tensions between their respective friends build toward tragedy. This romantic musical update of 'Romeo and Juliet' won ten Oscars. The tale of a turf war between rival teenage gangs in Manhattan's Hell's Kitchen and the two lovers who cross battle lines has captivated audiences for four decades. The Stephen Sondheim/Leonard Bernstein score is just one of the reasons.
Directors: Jerome Robbins, Robert Wise
Producers: Saul Chaplin, Walter Mirisch, Robert Wise
Screenplay: Ernest Lehman
Music: Leonard Bernstein
Cinematography: Daniel L. Fapp
Cast: Natalie Wood, Richard Beymer, Russ Tamblyn, Rita Moreno, George Chakiris
Release date: Dec 13, 1961 (United States)
Awards
Academy Awards (1962 / 34th):
- Best Picture
- Best Actor in a Supporting Role
- Best Actress in a Supporting Role
- Best Director
- Best Cinematography, Color
- Best Art Direction-Set Decoration, Color
- Best Costume Design, Color
- Best Sound
- Best Film Editing
- Best Music, Scoring of a Musical Picture
Golden Globe Awards (1962):
- Best Motion Picture - Musical
- Best Supporting Actress
- Best Supporting Actor
BAFTA (1962):
- Best Film from any Source
Directors Guild of America (1962):
- Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Motion Pictures
Overall: 28 wins and 11 nominations
Comments
One of my favorites
Probably one of Hollywood's biggest loses was when Natalie Wood inexplicably died by drowning.
Somehow the answer to that mystery will remain buried for all time!
Recent news of the boat captain having a renewed memory leaves one wondering if culpability remains protected by the Hollywood elite!