60 years ago, a movie musical came along that offered a modern interpretation of Shakespeare’s tragedy Romeo & Juliet and a subtle reading on the American Dream. Six decades later, West Side Story is returning to movie theaters under the direction of Steven Spielberg with a script by Angels in America playwright Tony Kushner. The movie, drawing from the original source material of the 1957 musical, has already earned swaths of praise for Spielberg’s vision, the accomplished young cast’s performance, and for reinvigorating what so many of us love about the movies.
While we’re excited to dive into Spielberg’s vision, we’re having trouble letting go of the 1961 original along the way, and know it must have served as a huge inspiration as Spielberg and his collaborators as they adapted the musical a second time around. The original movie musical adaptation was co-directed by Robert Wise and the film’s choreographer Jerome Robbins, and starred marquee talent Natalie Wood and Richard Beymer in the lead roles, with two Academy Award-winning performances in the supporting cast from George Chakiris and Rita Moreno.
From its central story of star-crossed lovers to its troubling reflection of the racial divides in America, West Side Story is unassailably one of the greatest musicals out there, and filled with song and dance numbers by which you cannot help but become mesmerized. Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim’s lyrics are unforgettable. This new adaptation is ready to inspire a whole new generation of audiences to witness the story of Maria and Tony.
But before you head to the theater for this magical story, let’s look back at why the 1961 film is so beloved. Take a look at 10 of our favorite stills from West Side Story.
The Opening Sequence
Who could forget that memorable opening of West Side Story? The eerie whistle traveling through suspiciously empty New York streets, the building crescendo of the score — we can hear it ringing in our ears right now!
Meet The Jets
Who knew that it would only take a brooding gaze and a few measured snaps to invoke some real fear? When the Jets enter the scene, you know they mean business. Russ Tamblyn played Riff, the gang’s leader, in the 1961 film. He’s flanked by Tucker Smith as Ice and Tony Mordente as Action.
Mid-Air Choreography
Jerome Robbins’ choreography is absolutely unforgettable in this film, and we hear the 2021 iteration pays suitable homage to his work. Because of Robbins’ dynamic choreography, we have stills like this from the 1961 feature film.
The Sharks vs. The Jets
Tension was never more palpable than when The Sharks and The Jets collided. Like the royal houses of Montague and Capulet, their rivalry and rows just couldn’t be contained.
George Chakiris & Company
This is by far one of the most memorable stills from West Side Story, and it’s one of our personal favorites too. George Chakiris — who went on to win the Academy Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role for this film — was as elegant a dancer as his character Bernado was protective of his loved ones.
The Dance
And here’s the memorable dance sequence at the gym — the one where our star-crossed lovers, Maria and Tony, finally meet. This intricate set piece had to be included in our round-up. How could we forget!
Maria & Tony
And here is one of the major moments — if not the major moment — that sets off the rest of West Side Story. We had to include the moment when Tony (Richard Beymer) and Maria (Natalie Wood) meet, and their secret affection is discovered by Maria’s older brother, Bernardo.
‘I Like To Be In America’
Is it a line-up of West Side Story stills if you don’t include the “America” sequence? Absolutely not. Along with being one of the show/ film’s most memorabel songs and dance numbers, Rita Moreno absolutely owns the stage with her moves, passion, and unbridled performance as Anita.
Rita Moreno & Company
There are so many fabulous moments from Moreno in West Side Story. The actress went on to win the Oscar for Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role for her work in the film. 50 years later, she plays Valentina in Steven Spielberg’s adaptation.
‘I Feel Pretty’
Finally, even the smallest vignettes have some of the most vibrant moments in West Side Story. Maria’s “I Feel Pretty” number has long been remembered as one of the film’s most iconic, and it’s hard Natalie Wood’s absolute exuberance in the performance.
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