Director :Robert Wise and Jerome Robbins

Stars :
Natalie Wood .... Maria
Richard Beymer .... Tony
Russ Tamblyn .... Riff
Rita Moreno .... Anita
George Chakiris .... Bernardo
Simon Oakland .... Lieutenant Schrank
Ned Glass .... Doc
William Bramley .... Officer Krupke

Preparation :
Read the movie review at filmsite.org

Historical/Social Significance :
A musical adoption of the Romeo and Juliet tragedy, with the setting moved to 1957 NYC.

To capture some of the realism of the social tragedy and its urban environment, some of the movie was filmed on location in Manhattan.

Synopsis :
A tale of two lovers and two rival gangs in 1957 NYC

Guided Questions for Viewing :
Assessment questions will be based on the following :
• Who was your least favorite character in the movie? Why?
• How were the police represented in the movie? Give examples.
• Do you think Maria should have forgiven Tony for killing her brother? Why or why not?
• Do you think it was strange for a movie with such dark themes to be done as a musical? Do you think the movie "worked"?
• Are the racial themes that were explored in this movie still viable today? Give examples with reference to the movie.
• List some of the similarities between this movie and Romeo and Juliet. List a few differences.
• Was there a hero in this movie? Discuss with illustrations from the movie.