I agree 1000% on what RIta said on the last 1.5 minutes of this video! There is no other movie of the musical gender that can match the magic and perfection of West Side Story... also the film audiences these days fail to recognise how beautiful they can be... I have fealt so many times before that I was born on the wrong place and time :S I would give anything to go back in time and watch the very original West Side Story production & performance...
Its enjoyable enough in the movie, but she's right, though, it's way more effective on a stage - something about the lighting and the depth of the stage that makes it magical. The movie flattens it somehow.
I am also scratching my head when it comes to Rita saying that Dance at The Gym/Mambo didn't work. I thought it was the best scene in the movie except for Cool(which is my favorite).
I completely agree, 4021971! I've heard Miss Moreno say this in other interviews and I'm perplexed. I hear, "Mambo!" Mambo!" "Go!"...and I still get goosebumps...EVEN AFTER 60 YEARS!
Well, she is saying that she saw the show on Broadway and the filming of the mambo sequence did not capture the thrill of the Broadway moment. So, as strong as that moment is in the film, she strongly feels the stage version had a level of theatrical magic that wasn't matched in the film.
She DID sing her own part in "America" and "Tonight (Quintet", but she had said in an interview that she could not hit the low nots for "A Boy Like That" and that's when they brought in Betty Wand... She had also said in the interview that she didn't like the result because in her opinion her expressions and reactions to Maria did not much with Betty's tone of voice.
When I think of “WSS” do I see drippy Maria and/or squeeky clean Tony? Do I see Russ Tamblyn and those cute white boys? No. I see Anita’s flying orchid-colored petticoats as she strutted and flew around, sometimes with with handsome George Chakiris. She was the life of the movie.
@erpollock other movies too such as Tom Thumb and a western. Can't remember the name but he did a fantastic acrobatic dance in a barn. Maybe someone can remember the name of the movie. In my opinion, Russ Tamblyn was Riff. Nobody else could play that part like him and I've seen the Broadway production. He was the best.
The CD credits are incorrect; Rita Moreno most definitely sang ALL of "America" and her solo part in the quintet. When the ensemble begins, Anita's lines are sung by Marni Nixon and Betty Wand sings "A Boy LIke That." This is all well documented.
In the movie, Tony was sung by Jim Bryant, Anita by Betty Wand and, as you wrote, Maria by Marni Nixon (who also dubbed Audrey Hepburn in "My Fair Lady"). All the other characters were sung by their players.
I said in earlier comments that Rita sang everything but was dubbed in A Boy Like That because she couldn't hit the low notes. The record company made a huge mistake crediting all of Rita's singing to Betty Wand.
@weirdoinchains: It's a risky think, to recreate classic movies and magical movies such as West Side Story. Considering that film musicals do not sell that much any more and that it is very hard to find people who can dance, act and sing in Hollywood these days that makes WSS particularly challenging to remake. Maybe in 20 years time they'll think about it again, but now is not the time...
I was 9 years old when the movie came out in 1961, and children were not permitted into the theater, I suppose because of the violence that is quite tame these days in comparison. I wanted desperately to see this movie that, upon its release, took the world by storm. After, I had the opportunity to do the show twice, then see the film. My perceptions had changed. I feel that Miss Moreno and the choice to film in NYC were the most outstanding aspects. Unfortunately, the Somewhere Ballet was cut - it would not have worked on film. I do love Miss Moreno. And I don't think she's singing on the soundtrack. Sad.
She is singing all but A Boy Like That. Betty Wand dubbed it. The record company made a mistake. They should have corrected it. Everything was dubbed for Natalie Wood.
@Troublemaker1991 People don't know what real dancing is anymore. They think it's all pseudo "sexy' bump and grind stuff al la MTV, and almost no one can sing either. Seldom do you have anyone who can do all three like Rita Moreno and others from her generation.
I also disagree. Thought it was superb how the two gangs turned it into a dance competition in one frame. Jerome Robbins (or was it Peter Gennaro?) were brilliant.
@@lifeskater9899 Peter Gennaro choreographed the Mambo section (and everything else the Sharks danced). I think I agree with Rita on this. On stage, this must be one of the most thrilling dance scenes ever created but somehow, the movie version is lacking something. I think the camera work just doesn't match the dynamics of the choreography.
@@chrissi2810 well, the majority of us didn't see the original on screen. But I really don't see what's wrong with the movie version of mambo, because every revival of West side story, the choreography is so similar. It's practically the same with the mambo scene.
its funny that she said that she felt "threatened" by beautiful when she had to audition for sometihng b/c i'm sure moreno made a lot of women jealous. she was so gorgeous and still is
At the end of when she talks about how her nephew Thomas reacted to THE KING AND I saying "weird with all the singing" it is indeed heartbreaking. Just think of all the people with the a world of music, opera, and Broadway at their fingertips like never before, yet unable to understand and appreciate it in their lives. As Rita says "such a shame". It's hard to imagine a life without the pure joy of a Mozart opera or a Bernstein musical. I don't believe tragic is an overreaction.
There is this stigma with older Broadway musicals where guys think that if they like it, someone will think they are gay. I don't think that is the whole thing, but it does enter into it.
I thought that Jerome Robbins was taken off the film "WSS" before the mambo number was shot. Out of the four dance sequences in the film, it is the flattest. As a dance teacher, I believe "WSS" is a towering achievement in dance. Jerome Robbins was not a nice man, but he could sure choreograph and make dance come alive.
I agree with you on all points (and I am also a dance teacher). Rita said in a separate interview that not having Robbins there to direct the dance at the gym was the cause of it falling flat, it didn't have the edge and excitement he brought to the pieces he choreographed and directed (i.e., Cool). But I also understand what she means about the film not being able to capture the excitement of the live performance; don't you feel that way when you see videotapes of your performances?
Natilie didn't sing. in those days if they couldn't sing they dubbed another voice. One of the gals that did a whole lot of that was named Marnie Nixon. I don't think Tony sang either.
@weirdoinchains . You bet they're too scared to remake WSS. It calls for REAL acting, REAL singing, and REAL dancing, not computer generated bs, auto tune, and other electronic smoke and mirrors. There's also no nudity, so eliminates just about every "star" you can name.
She's so beautiful. Even in her older age
I agree 1000% on what RIta said on the last 1.5 minutes of this video!
There is no other movie of the musical gender that can match the magic and perfection of West Side Story... also the film audiences these days fail to recognise how beautiful they can be...
I have fealt so many times before that I was born on the wrong place and time :S I would give anything to go back in time and watch the very original West Side Story production & performance...
Rita I love you... but.. I thought the dance at the gym scene worked for me as an audience member... it blew me away , and I still enjoy it !!
... what He said ...
Its enjoyable enough in the movie, but she's right, though, it's way more effective on a stage - something about the lighting and the depth of the stage that makes it magical. The movie flattens it somehow.
Incredible amount of talent on that West Side Story set. I know Rita would not use the term 'genius' lightly. Jerome Robbins and Stanley Donnen. Wow.
I am also scratching my head when it comes to Rita saying that Dance at The Gym/Mambo didn't work. I thought it was the best scene in the movie except for Cool(which is my favorite).
I agree. Also America.
I completely agree, 4021971! I've heard Miss Moreno say this in other interviews and I'm perplexed. I hear, "Mambo!" Mambo!" "Go!"...and I still get goosebumps...EVEN AFTER 60 YEARS!
Well, she is saying that she saw the show on Broadway and the filming of the mambo sequence did not capture the thrill of the Broadway moment. So, as strong as that moment is in the film, she strongly feels the stage version had a level of theatrical magic that wasn't matched in the film.
She DID sing her own part in "America" and "Tonight (Quintet", but she had said in an interview that she could not hit the low nots for "A Boy Like That" and that's when they brought in Betty Wand... She had also said in the interview that she didn't like the result because in her opinion her expressions and reactions to Maria did not much with Betty's tone of voice.
I always fell torn ad I think that Chita Rivera is better however once Rita had the iconic screen role that was it!
When I think of “WSS” do I see drippy Maria and/or squeeky clean Tony? Do I see Russ Tamblyn and those cute white boys? No. I see Anita’s flying orchid-colored petticoats as she strutted and flew around, sometimes with with handsome George Chakiris. She was the life of the movie.
Russ Tamblyn's acrobatics were amazing.
@@troyannbladsacker1811 He also did amazing acrobatics in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.
@erpollock other movies too such as Tom Thumb and a western. Can't remember the name but he did a fantastic acrobatic dance in a barn. Maybe someone can remember the name of the movie. In my opinion, Russ Tamblyn was Riff. Nobody else could play that part like him and I've seen the Broadway production. He was the best.
Authenticity heard here. Enjoy folks.
The CD credits are incorrect; Rita Moreno most definitely sang ALL of "America" and her solo part in the quintet. When the ensemble begins, Anita's lines are sung by Marni Nixon and Betty Wand sings "A Boy LIke That." This is all well documented.
In the movie, Tony was sung by Jim Bryant, Anita by Betty Wand and, as you wrote, Maria by Marni Nixon (who also dubbed Audrey Hepburn in "My Fair Lady").
All the other characters were sung by their players.
I said in earlier comments that Rita sang everything but was dubbed in A Boy Like That because she couldn't hit the low notes. The record company made a huge mistake crediting all of Rita's singing to Betty Wand.
@weirdoinchains: It's a risky think, to recreate classic movies and magical movies such as West Side Story. Considering that film musicals do not sell that much any more and that it is very hard to find people who can dance, act and sing in Hollywood these days that makes WSS particularly challenging to remake. Maybe in 20 years time they'll think about it again, but now is not the time...
You' re; welcome!! |/:).
I was 9 years old when the movie came out in 1961, and children were not permitted into the theater, I suppose because of the violence that is quite tame these days in comparison. I wanted desperately to see this movie that, upon its release, took the world by storm. After, I had the opportunity to do the show twice, then see the film. My perceptions had changed. I feel that Miss Moreno and the choice to film in NYC were the most outstanding aspects. Unfortunately, the Somewhere Ballet was cut - it would not have worked on film. I do love Miss Moreno. And I don't think she's singing on the soundtrack. Sad.
She is singing all but A Boy Like That. Betty Wand dubbed it. The record company made a mistake. They should have corrected it. Everything was dubbed for Natalie Wood.
Huh, I saw the movie in a second-run theater in Saint Louis in around 1968 or 9 when I was 8 or 9. Things must have loosened up in only a few years.
She's a goddess.
@Troublemaker1991 People don't know what real dancing is anymore. They think it's all pseudo "sexy' bump and grind stuff al la MTV, and almost no one can sing either. Seldom do you have anyone who can do all three like Rita Moreno and others from her generation.
I disagree with Rita on the Mambo sequence on film. I think it's thrilling! :)
I also disagree. Thought it was superb how the two gangs turned it into a dance competition in one frame. Jerome Robbins (or was it Peter Gennaro?) were brilliant.
@@lifeskater9899 Peter Gennaro choreographed the Mambo section (and everything else the Sharks danced).
I think I agree with Rita on this. On stage, this must be one of the most thrilling dance scenes ever created but somehow, the movie version is lacking something. I think the camera work just doesn't match the dynamics of the choreography.
@@chrissi2810 well, the majority of us didn't see the original on screen. But I really don't see what's wrong with the movie version of mambo, because every revival of West side story, the choreography is so similar. It's practically the same with the mambo scene.
@@JPLEYONKO4 Pretty similar, except you don't have Russ Tamblyn doing flips in the air. I don't think anyone can do what he did there.
@@lifeskater9899 Jerome Robbins did not choreograph it. I believe he had been fired by that time.
@hughkelly1993 . This is true, but aside from West Side Story, Rita Moreno could sing, dance, and act.
According to the CD credits (Sony 01-048211-10), Betty Wand did all the singing parts.
Yes but they were wrong. Rita mentioned that in an interview. Betty Wand only dubbed that one song because Rita couldn't hit the low notes.
its funny that she said that she felt "threatened" by beautiful when she had to audition for sometihng b/c i'm sure moreno made a lot of women jealous. she was so gorgeous and still is
At the end of when she talks about how her nephew Thomas reacted to THE KING AND I saying "weird with all the singing" it is indeed heartbreaking. Just think of all the people with the a world of music, opera, and Broadway at their fingertips like never before, yet unable to understand and appreciate it in their lives. As Rita says "such a shame". It's hard to imagine a life without the pure joy of a Mozart opera or a Bernstein musical. I don't believe tragic is an overreaction.
WestMaroon Same goes with kids seeing something in black & white.
There is this stigma with older Broadway musicals where guys think that if they like it, someone will think they are gay. I don't think that is the whole thing, but it does enter into it.
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@@sjcohen4444 0
@elainebmack Many of the people from WSS, including Natalie Wood, were dubbed and didn't actually sing.
Natalie Wood was a terrible choice for that movie.
"Why are they always singing? If you've got something to say, say it." ~"Seinfeld". "The Opera". (Season 4. Episode 9.)
I thought that Jerome Robbins was taken off the film "WSS" before the mambo number was shot. Out of the four dance sequences in the film, it is the flattest. As a dance teacher, I believe "WSS" is a towering achievement in dance. Jerome Robbins was not a nice man, but he could sure choreograph and make dance come alive.
I agree with you on all points (and I am also a dance teacher). Rita said in a separate interview that not having Robbins there to direct the dance at the gym was the cause of it falling flat, it didn't have the edge and excitement he brought to the pieces he choreographed and directed (i.e., Cool). But I also understand what she means about the film not being able to capture the excitement of the live performance; don't you feel that way when you see videotapes of your performances?
Natilie didn't sing. in those days if they couldn't sing they dubbed another voice. One of the gals that did a whole lot of that was named Marnie Nixon.
I don't think Tony sang either.
Rita, let me tell you sometime... you are beautiful, you got the part. (3:05)
She worked with Gene kelly who was also a genius
Well...
Do you think she would let someone else credited her own work ?
the mambo scene didn't work because jerome robbins did not direct that part.
I think it worked great, but I can't believe Robbins did not direct that part.
@@4021971 He had been fired.
No need to be rude, smart guy !
Written credits for "America" are : Betty Wand, George Chakiris, the Sharks and their girls.
I think you mean 'genre'. Films don't have 'gender'.
@weirdoinchains . You bet they're too scared to remake WSS. It calls for REAL acting, REAL singing, and REAL dancing, not computer generated bs, auto tune, and other electronic smoke and mirrors. There's also no nudity, so eliminates just about every "star" you can name.
"Less pretty"? I...think...not!!!
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