A neighbourhood on New York's West Side provides the setting for a love affair between Tony (Richard Beymer) and Maria (Natalie Wood), a couple of kids caught on opposite sides of a gang war. Maria is the sister of Bernardo (George Chakiris), leader of the Sharks, and Tony is the best friend of Riff (Russ Tamblyn), leader of the Jets. The two gangs are sworn enemies, and nothing Maria or Tony can say will dissuade them from the violence which leads to the film's heartbreaking finale. This 1960s re-telling of 'Romeo and Juliet' has become one of the most celebrated musicals ever made.