West Side Story Part 4

Natalie's dance solo on the roof






Natalie's part of 'Quintet'



'One Hand One Heart'

West Side Story Part 3

Natalie sang she Felt Pretty but she was Beautiful!*











*(actually Marni Nixon sang the role of Maria)

West Side Story Part 2

Maria and Tony meet at the 'Dance at the Gym'





The 'balcony' scene on the fire-escape.
The song was 'Tonight' and what a night it would be.

Natlaie 1961: West Side Story Part 1

Although Natalie was Oscar nominated for 'Splendor in the Grass' that year her best chance would have been a nom for 'West Side Story'.
Either way she would (and did) lose. Nobody was beating Sophia Loren that year in 'Two Women' one of the greatest screen roles of all time.

In 'Splendor' Nat grew up.
In 'WSS' Natalie became a woman. There was no going back. She was now a true leading lady to be reckoned with. And in '62 and '63 she would again prove herself.

I also would note that no cinematographer has ever been as loving to Natalie as Daniel L. Fapp. Never before or again would her beauty so impress.

But now I give you 'West Side Story' Part 1.

Natalie Part 3 1954-1961

Natalie got the break most child stars did not. She got to play teenage rolls and the audience accepted her. These include 'Rebel Without a Cause', 'Splendor in the Grass', 'Cash McCall' and 'Marjorie Morningstar'. The rest can mostly be forgotten. But still a star was made over and reborn.
1961 gives us Natalie in 'Splendor in the Grass'
1961 also gives us another film that begins the last phase of Natalie's career. That movie will begin Part 4 and will never and should never be forgotten.