Hollywood Musical: West Side Story (1961)


'West Side Story' is a 1961 film adaptation of the hit Broadway musical of the same title. Directed by Robert Wise (Sound of Music) and Jerome Robbins, the film was inspired by the characters of William Shakespear's tragedy Romeo & Juliet set in 1950's New York City. The film garnered a total of 11 Oscars nominations and won 10 including Best Picture, a record breaker for any film musical. The film's major achievement is the inclusion of Rita Moreno (Best Supporting Actress) as the dazzling Anita who gracefully nailed the song and dance number 'America'. Robert Wise and Jerome Robbins were popular in the world of stage play even before they did West Side Story and it's been manifest in their collaboration on this film. 'Somewhere' is probably the most popular in the film's array of music, it is often a competition piece in a singing contest. West Side Story remains as one of the best choreographed and one of the greatest musical films ever made!

WEST SIDE STORY (1961) MOVIE POSTER

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