My West Side Story: A Memoir

by George Chakiris

Book Overview

Natalie Wood and "lovely" Richard Beymer, to the mercurial Jerome Robbins and "passionate" Rita Moreno, with whom Chakiris remains friends. "I know exactly where my gratitude belongs," Chakiris writes, "and I still marvel at how, unbeknownst to me at the time, the joyful path of my life was paved one night in 1949 when Jerome Robbins sat Leonard Bernstein and Arthur Laurents down in his apartment and announced, 'I have an idea.'"

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 149305547X
• ISBN13: 9781493055470
• Release Date: March 2021
• Publisher: Lyons Press
• Length: 232 Pages
• Weight: 1.18 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 6.2" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

Best book about West Side Story movie

George's account of his experience making West Side Story is better than any other book I read about the movie. I was surprised at his work history prior to WWS. Quite extensive indeed. It is unfortunate that most of his movies after WWS were primarily foreign films as I think he would been an even bigger star if he made more American movies. He admits his manager Ruth quashed a lot of great opportunities. Not that he is playing the blame game. They locked horns a lot, but he usually gave in and let her have her way. This book is quite fascinating and gives real insight to the man George Chakiris. Don't look for any details about his romances over the years. You won't find even one.

Hollywood fans can't get enough of this book, about West Side Story & the fabulous George Chakiris!

Thoroughly enjoyed this thoughtful and long awaited read about the personal experiances and inside stories of the very talented and elegant, George Chakiris. A satisfying true story revealing more about this delightful man, his character, life achievements and behind the scenes highlights about the actors, choreography, dazzling dance numbers & production of West Side Story, during the height of Hollywood's premiere star era!