West Side Story: The Jets, the Sharks, and the Making of a Classic

(Hardback)

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Description

A major hit on Broadway, on film WEST SIDE STORY became immortal-a movie different from anything that had come before, but this cinematic victory came at a price. In this engrossing volume, film historian Richard Barrios recounts how the drama and rivalries seen onscreen played out to equal intensity behind-the-scenes, while still achieving extraordinary artistic feats.

The making and impact of WEST SIDE STORY has so far been recounted only in vestiges. In the pages of this book, the backstage tale comes to life along with insight on what has made the film a favorite across six decades: its brilliant use of dance as staged by erstwhile co-director Jerome Robbins; a meaningful story, as set to Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim's soundtrack; the performances of a youthful ensemble cast featuring Natalie Wood, Rita Moreno, George Chakiris, and more; a film with Shakespearean roots (Romeo and Juliet) that is simultaneously timeless and current. WEST SIDE STORY was a triumph that appeared to be very much of its time; over the years it has shown itself to be eternal.

Reviews

"Barrios has a way with words and his elegant turn of phrase along with his thoughtful and informed insights make this a thoroughly enjoyable read. ... This the perfect gift for the West Side Story fanatic in your life. ...an engrossing read."--Out of the Past blog
"In this engrossing volume, Barrios recounts how the drama and rivalries seen onscreen played out with matched intensity behind the scenes, yet still managed to result in an artistic feat."----Publishers Weekly
"Informative and engaging"--The Washington Post
Barrios has a way with words and his elegant turn of phrase along with his thoughtful and informed insights make this a thoroughly enjoyable read. ... This the perfect gift for the West Side Story fanatic in your life. ...an engrossing read.--Out of the Past blog
In this engrossing volume, Barrios recounts how the drama and rivalries seen onscreen played out with matched intensity behind the scenes, yet still managed to result in an artistic feat.--Publishers Weekly
Informative and engaging--The Washington Post
While remaining always respectful to the movie and the people who made it, the author lays bare the behind-the-scenes tumult, elevating the book from a typical making-of story to something really special: a no-holds-barred chronicle of what it really takes to get a great movie made.--Booklist starred review

Author Bio

Richard Barrios is the author of the award-winning A Song in the Dark: The Birth of the Musical Film and Turner Classic Movies: Must-See Musicals. He has presented films at the Smithsonian Institute and the Film Forum; appeared as narrator in documentary films; and contributed audio commentaries to numerous DVD and Blu-Ray releases. Barrios lives in Beverly, New Jersey.