West Side Story Pt. 2

Turner Movie Classics re-released this to theatres last week since it was the film's 50th Anniversary.  It was part of their film festival of earlier this year, where they go around the country and screen old classics on the big screen.  Here in Chicago we were treated to Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.  Last year we got North by Northwest.  Both are great films to watch for the first, or the hundredth, time in the theatre, and it was great to see how these classics still attract new, younger audiences.

This was the case as well for West Side Story.  It truly is one to watch on a big screen.  There were trivia clips during the preview, then a recorded Q&A by TCM host Robert Osborne that took place during their film fest.  The guests were co-writer Arthur Laurents, Oscar-winning supporting actor George Chakiris, and voice artist Marni Nixon, who subbed for Natalie Wood in the singing.  Each talked about their experiences and enjoyment in working on the film, as well as the history of how each of them came to be involved in this iconic work.

This screening was one that really captured the audience's attention as well as what I could tell were their fond memories.  Throughout the film, their was a collective feeling of nostalgia among the audience, and if you know the film it is not hard to understand why for so many years its artistry has engendered such fond memories and tributes.  Its emotional ending still evoked strong feelings and tears, the songs still singable, the comedy and dancing still bringing out those old emotions time and again.