I worked with Jerry Robbins two different times. He was totally impossible to
work with and ultimately PBS didn't finish one of the shows they were working
with him on because he became too much of a challenge. But I distinctly
remember that when Bernstein died, PBS wanted to use clips from the film
version of West Side Story in their tribute to Bernstein and Jerry Robbins
refused to grant permission because he detested the film. FRANC
--- On Fri, 3/20/09, Dave Rosen <hah...@sympatico.ca> wrote:
From: Dave Rosen <hah...@sympatico.ca>
Subject: Re: [MOPO] Gertrude Lawrence was not in West Side Story
To: MoPo-L@LISTSERV.AMERICAN.EDU
Date: Friday, March 20, 2009, 3:57 PM
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Watched West Side Story again recently and, as in previous viewings, was blown
away by the production design and cinematography.
And I recently had a mystery connected to it solved: I always thought the "sock
hop" scene confusing and uninspired in its staging. Well, according to a
documentary I just saw about Jerome Robbins, the reason was Robbins was either
fired or walked off the set due to conflicts with the studio over his
"perfectionism." This happened just before the scene was shot.
The result was someone else staged and shot the scene (NOT Robert Wise) and it
shows on the screen.
It's one of those films that gets better with every viewing. ...And this is
coming from someone who generally does not like musicals (except for Singin' in
the Rain and Bride & Prejudice).
Dave
www.posteropolis.com
----- Original Message -----
From: Susan Heim
To: MoPo-L@LISTSERV.AMERICAN.EDU
Sent: Friday, March 20, 2009 3:46 PM
Subject: Re: [MOPO] Gertrude Lawrence was not in West Side Story
I so agree with you Channing. There's an example of the original actor that
should have played in the film version that didn't. Richard Beymer was o.k.,
but not the voice that Larry Kert had. Neither of them were "lookers" if
that's what the studio was looking for. That film has so many wonderful things
about it. It has one of my favorite opening sequences of any film I have ever
seen. Love the title sequences also. I would love to see it on the "big" screen
again one day.
Sue
www.hollywoodposterframes.com
> CC: MoPo-L@LISTSERV.AMERICAN.EDU
> From: channinglylethom...@worldnet.att.net
> To: filmfantast...@msn.com
> Subject: Re: [MOPO] Gertrude Lawrence was not in West Side Story
> Date: Fri, 20 Mar 2009 12:26:34 -0700
>
> The really great thing about the Broadway cast album of WEST SIDE
> STORY is Larry Kert's performance. His singing is amazing and he must
> have been the perfect Tony! I watched the film version on the big
> screen recently and was reminded that the musical scenes were
> absolutely terrific but the dramatic scenes were really turgid. Just
> my opinion, Channing
>
> On Mar 20, 2009, at 12:21 PM, Susan Heim wrote:
>
> > You are right Steve. It was Carol Lawrence and Larry Kert. I've
> > always wondered which soundtrack West Side Story fans like more, the
> > Carol Lawrence version or the Marni Nixon verison? I so love Marni
> > Nixon in her many incarnations, but Carol Lawrence had a beautiful
> > voice.
> >
> >
> > Sue
> > www.hollywoodposterframes.com
> >
> > Date: Fri, 20 Mar 2009 11:50:05 -0700
> > From: slsw2...@yahoo.com
> > Subject: [MOPO] Gertrude Lawrence was not in West Side Story
> > To: MoPo-L@LISTSERV.AMERICAN.EDU
> >
> > Okay Joe & Michael,
> >
> > The mistake was obvious. Just a careless slip. The Broadway Maria
> > in West Side Story was played by Carol Lawrence, not Gertrude
> > Lawrence.
> >
> > Gertrude Lawrence was outstanding as Amanda in The Glass Menagerie.
> >
> >
> >
> > Visit the MoPo Mailing List Web Site at
> > www
> > .filmfan
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