VHS COVER/SIDE
Length of film: 153 Minutes
Rated: Approved
Genre: Musical, Crime, Drama
Director: Robert Wise, Jerome Robbins
Starring: Natalie Wood, George Chakiris, Richard Beymer, Russ Tamblyn, Rita Moreno, Simon Oakland, Ned Glass, William Bramley, Gina Trikonis
IMDB Rank: 7.5/10
Part 1 Time: 80 Minutes
Part 2 Time: 73 Minutes
Where does the first part end? Tony (Richard Beymer) leaves Doc’s Drugstore walking down the street. He is thinking about Maria (Natalie Wood).
Final line of dialogue on the first part: Tony responds to Doc,”Should I be?” Doc Replies “No i’m frightened enough for both of ya, soda guy.
First line of dialogue on the second part: The following day Maria and friends speak at the bridal shop, “What has Chino done for her?” states Graziella (Gina Trikonis).
How jarring is it when the first part ends? Minimal, the Jets and Sharks have agreed to a rumble. The rumble will take place the following day under the bridge, winning gang keeps the turf. Tony cannot stop thinking about Maria, he plans to speak with her the following day before the rumble.
Which part is better? Both parts include phenomenal choreography bringing a mixture of both broadway and cinematic sequences. Part one is given an honourable mention for the “Dance at the gym scene,” for one of the best choreographic segments in Hollywood. However, part two is given the edge as includes the sequence of “I feel pretty” as well as the climactic conclusion to the story.
Academy Awards: Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor (George Chakiris), Best Supporting Actress (Rita Moreno) Best Director (Robert Wise, Jerome Robbins), Best Cinematography- Colour, Best Art Direction-Set Decoration, Best Costume Design-Colour, Best Sound, Best Film Editing, Best Music- Scoring of a Musical Picture, Best Writing- Screenplay Based on Material from another Medium (Nominated)
National Film Registry: 1997
THEATRICAL POSTER
Hollywood Half-Time 