West Side Story

Release date 18th October 1961
Country : USA
Running time : 152 mins
Genre : Musical
Starring Natalie Wood, Richard Beymer, Rita Moreno
Screenplay by Jerome Robbins, Arthur Laurents, Ernest Lehman
Directed by Robert Wise, Jerome Robbins

Musical version of the story of Romeo and Juliet in which rival street gangs the Jets and the Sharks battle for territory and respect. The Jets' leader Tony falls in love with the sister of  Sharks' leader Bernardo leading to tragedy.

Solid film version of the Broadway musical with a great score and electrifying dance sequences. The male lead might be a bit bland, some of the settings a bit artificial and it is rather slow to start but generally this is an exhilirating and moving film.
 

Songs by Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim include Maria, Tonight, America, The Jet Song, I Feel Pretty and Somewhere.