History of West Side Story (1961 film) in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: December 6, 2024

West Side Story is a 1961 musical romantic drama film directed by Robert Wise and Jerome Robbins. Adapted from the 1957 Broadway musical and inspired by Romeo and Juliet, it reimagines the story within the context of New York City gangs. The film stars Natalie Wood, Richard Beymer, Russ Tamblyn, Rita Moreno, and George Chakiris. The Sharks, a Puerto Rican gang led by Bernardo, and the Jets, a white gang led by Riff, clash over territory. Amidst this rivalry, Tony, a former Jet, and Maria, Bernardo's sister, fall in love, mirroring the tragic romance of Romeo and Juliet. The film explores themes of love, prejudice, cultural differences, and gang violence. The iconic score by Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim is an integral part of the film's enduring popularity. The film was shot by Daniel L. Fapp in Super Panavision 70, capturing the vibrant energy of New York City.

1957: West Side Story Broadway Debut

The original Broadway production of "West Side Story," the inspiration for the 1961 film, premiered in 1957.

1957: Setting of West Side Story

The story of "West Side Story" is set in 1957 New York City, focusing on the rivalry between two teenage gangs.

October 18, 1961: West Side Story Film Premiere

"West Side Story" premiered in theaters on October 18, 1961, distributed by United Artists.

1961: West Side Story Box Office Success

"West Side Story" became the highest-grossing film of 1961 upon its release.

1961: West Side Story 50th Anniversary Score

A score closer to the original Broadway version was created for the film's 50th anniversary in 1961.

1961: West Side Story Film Release

In 1961, the film adaptation of the Broadway musical "West Side Story" was released, directed by Robert Wise and Jerome Robbins.

1962: Mixed Review from Mae Tinee

In 1962, Mae Tinee of the Chicago Tribune published a mixed review of "West Side Story," praising some aspects while criticizing others.

1965: Sound of Music Surpasses West Side Story

"The Sound of Music" overtook "West Side Story" as the highest-grossing musical film in 1965.

1965: West Side Story Parodied

The 1965 French film "Gendarme in New York" includes a scene parodying "West Side Story."

1997: West Side Story Enters National Film Registry

In 1997, the Library of Congress added "West Side Story" to the National Film Registry for its cultural, historical, and aesthetic significance.

2004: Ebert Adds West Side Story to "Great Movies"

Roger Ebert included "West Side Story" in his "Great Movies" list in 2004.

2009: Vanity Fair Recreates West Side Story

Photographer Mark Seliger recreated scenes from "West Side Story" for Vanity Fair in 2009.

2011: 50th Anniversary Celebration

The cast of "West Side Story" was honored at the Ventura Film Festival in 2011 for the film's 50th anniversary.

2012: West Side Story's Editing Recognized

A 2012 survey by the Motion Picture Editors Guild ranked "West Side Story" as the 38th best-edited film of all time.

December 10, 2021: Spielberg's West Side Story Release Date

Steven Spielberg's adaptation of "West Side Story" was released on December 10, 2021.

December 2021: Spielberg's West Side Story Released

A new adaptation of "West Side Story," directed by Steven Spielberg, was released in December 2021.

2023: West Side Story's Adjusted Gross

As of 2023, "West Side Story's" worldwide gross is equivalent to approximately $450 million when adjusted for inflation.

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