Introduction
 
 

Description: This film is an adaptation of the Romeo and Juliet story to New York in the 1950's. West Side Story is regarded as one of the best musicals ever filmed.
 
 

Awards: 1961 Academy Awards: Best Picture, Best Score, Best Sound, Best Supporting Actor (Chakiris), Best Supporting Actress (Moreno), Best Director (Wise & Robbins), Best Art Direction/Set Decoration (Color), Best Color Cinematography, Best Costume Design, Best Film Editing; 1962 Directors Guild of America Awards: Outstanding Directorial Achievement (Wise & Robbins); 1961 New York Film Critics Awards: Best Film; 1962 Golden Globe Awards: Best Musical; Best Supporting Actress (Moreno); Best Supporting Actor (Chakiris); 1961 Academy Awards Nominations: Best Adapted Screenplay. West Side Story has been registered as with the National Film Board as culturally, historically or aesthetically important.
 
 

USING THE MOVIE

Helpful Background:
 

• Puerto Rico is a large island in the Caribbean approximately 3,435 square miles in size. It was discovered by Columbus in 1493 and its people are of mixed Spanish and African descent, with the Spanish influence predominating. It was acquired by the United States after the Spanish American War. In 1952 Puerto Rico became a self-governing Commonwealth associated with the United States. Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens but pay no federal taxes and may not vote in federal elections. Puerto Rico is not wealthy and unemployment is an endemic problem. After the Second World War many Puerto Ricans emigrated to the U.S., especially to New York, looking for better opportunities.

 
• Show your child Puerto Rico and New York on a map or a globe.