Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story is released on 10 December - the director’s long-delayed, big-budget remake of the influential screen classic, first released 60 years ago. Ellen E Jones and Mark Kermode explore the cinematic connections sparked by this ground breaking musical film.
West Side Story transplants Romeo & Juliet’s star-crossed lovers and warring tribes from Renaissance Italy to mid-20th century Manhattan. Mark looks back at a couple of other movie takes on Shakespeare’s love story with the help of their directors - Abel Ferrara on lost genre gem China Girl and Baz Luhrmann on his iconic 90s Romeo +Juliet, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes.
And Ellen investigates the authenticity of the gritty street musical, from West Side Story to YouTube hit Shiro's Story, with the help of actors Rita Moreno and Joivan Wade, and film historian Martha Shearer.
We also hear what Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda and national treasure Miriam Margolyes have been watching, as they share their Viewing Notes.
Screenshot is Radio 4’s guide through the ever-expanding universe of the moving image. Every episode, Ellen E Jones and Mark Kermode journey through the main streets and back roads connecting film, television and streaming over the last hundred years.
Producer: Jane Long A Prospect Street production for BBC Radio 4