The 1961 film directed by Jerome Robbins and Robert Wise is based on the hit musical, which was based on "Romeo and Juliet" – so get your tissues ready. American-born gang members, the Jets, are battling for New York City territory with the Puerto Rican gang members, the Sharks, and nothing seems to be able to stop the feud. But when one of the leaders of the Jets, Tony, sets eyes on Maria, the sister of the leader of the Sharks, it's love at first sight. During filming, the actors who played the Jets were kept apart as much as possible from those who played the Sharks, and the actors playing the gang members were encouraged to play practical jokes on their rivals.
