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Robert Wise: West Side Story
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Winning Academy Awards was not a new experience for Wise. In 1961 he received ten Academy Awards for his film version of the great Broadway Musical, "West Side Story." In 1997, at an American Film Institute event, members of the cast of the film viewed "West Side Story" on the big screen. Three decades later, they were still in awe of Wise, this kind, patient yet demanding professional. "West Side Story" is one of the best musicals ever made into a film. His ability to work with talent and film technique is extraordinary.
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In 1959, Wise was approached by the Mirisch Co. and asked to produce and direct "West Side Story," a highly successful Broadway musical. He agreed on the condition that Jerome Robbins, who had directed the Broadway production, work with him. To Hollywood's surprise, the co-direction plan worked -- and "West Side Story" won ten Academy Awards, including two to Wise for production and direction.
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Immediately afterwards, Wise decided to give up directing, and stick to producing. Sadly, he was tempted back in 1989 with Rooftops, an urban B-musical about an American boy who falls in love with a Hispanic girl, which tried to recapture the days when he was riding high with West Side Story.
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West Side Story