Check out these stunning photos from the making of West Side Story

Words by Adam Woodward

Four people, three men and one woman, running through a rainy street surrounded by trees. The individuals are wearing casual summer clothing in red, orange, and dark colours, and appear to be participating in an energetic activity or celebration.
Four people, three men and one woman, running through a rainy street surrounded by trees. The individuals are wearing casual summer clothing in red, orange, and dark colours, and appear to be participating in an energetic activity or celebration.
This collection of rarely seen production stills shows the original Jets and Sharks in action.

Although it was made after the so-called golden age of the film musical, Robert Wise and Jerome Robbins’ West Side Story remains a glistening touchstone for the genre – its catchy soundtrack, slick choreography and breathless ensemble numbers often imitated but never bettered.

A tale of doomed lovers and rivals gangs set in 1950s New York, this finger-snapping, high-kicking classic is returning to cinemas this month for its 60th anniversary – just a few weeks before the arrival of Steven Spielberg’s remake.

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To celebrate, Park Circus and MGM have kindly offered us a selection of original production photos, many of which haven’t been published since the film’s initial release.

Dilapidated urban buildings in the background, people on the street in the foreground, some sitting on rubble.
Black and white image of people in urban setting, one man performing a high kick while others watch
Group of people sitting on chairs on street
A black and white image showing a group of people gathered on a city street, including some in film crew attire.
Group of men and boys gathered together, black and white image
Busy urban street with people, vehicles, and buildings in black and white.
Four men, Black and White, standing in front of a brick wall with "LAKE" written on it, in a black and white image.
Group of people in a dance studio, some are dancing whilst others observe.
Bustling city street scene with group of people dancing on a city street, pedestrians and buildings in the background.
Group of people standing outside a shop on a city street, black and white photograph.

The original West Side Story returns to many UK cinemas this November. For more info visit parkcircus.com

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