The body language and choreography are off the charts fantastic. You can FEEL that they all are on the verge of spontaneous combustion, full of such passion and anxiety that it can only be expressed through intense movement. And their traumatized moods are reflected by the dark, creepy parking garage. A masterpiece of cinema.
Ice is cool no pun intended. He also seems like one of the first members of the jets beside riff and tony. He is the only other one with a girlfriend, seems like the calm, serious, and leader type. He also kinda becomes the new leader of the gang and already had a high status in the gang
This is spot on. It was always remarkable how naturally Ice stepped up to fill the leadership role in light of Riff's death and Tony's disillusionment. I think it is clear that he was always regarded as #3 in the pecking order, and iirc he was originally chosen to represent the Jets in the rumble with the Sharks. The play/film does such a fantastic job of illustrating group think, social power structures, and internal/external conflicts with groups and perceived "Others".
The switch of Krupke and Cool is something that should be reflected in all of the stage productions of the show. It makes much, much, much more sense. With Krupke, they were kids...punks griping about the cops. In Cool, they witnessed the murders of Riff and Nardo and had to grow up in a hurry, and the song reflects this.
It makes sense that they switched it for the movie. If you think about, a group of kids on the run from the cops after witnessing 2 murders, are not likely to stop around the fence and sing some silly comedic number. What they would do, is sing Cool.
He's seen in a dance number in "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying," but that's about it. From wikipedia: "David Ehrenstein, author of the book Open Secret: Gay Hollywood, 1928-2000, said that Smith was openly gay and, as a result, did not pursue a Hollywood career. In the 1970s Smith owned and operated a bar named “Tucker’s Turf” in North Hollywood. Tucker Smith died of cancer on December 22, 1988‚ at the age of 52 at the UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles, California. His cancer has been attributed by various sources as to be throat, neck and/or jaw cancer, and was diagnosed in late 1986. At the time of his death, Smith was survived by three sisters. Some newspapers erroneously printed that he was survived by three daughters. After his death, Smith was laid to rest in his hometown of Philadelphia."
Street Hierarchy michael fassbender in xmen first class acts like tucker smith in this. He has the same eerie intensity. Watch the argentina scene in xmen first class and you'll see what i mean.
Tucker Smith had only minor parts after " WSS " , & why I am unsure. He died far too young, also. --------What did impress me about him was that he was so tall, & yet handled the demanding choreography. He also sang for Russ Tamblyn !! ---------------WolfSky9
I always prefer the switch of Krupke and Cool, and because the 2021 version didn't stick with that, I preferred this version of Cool. But I think there are some improvements in the new version that I really like better than the original.
1:56 There’s something about the girl’s intro and dance here that I find mesmerizing but can’t figure out why. The whole “Cool” number is utterly brilliant but this little part always gets me.
The lighting and shadows mixed with the whole perfectly choreographed dance is just incredible, it’s one of the best films ever made. I’m sorry but Spielbergs version didn’t come close I went home after seeing it and watched the original and was just totally mesmerized
Studied “West Side Story” in a high school music and arts class with a really cool teacher back in ‘76...as a fourteen almost 15 year old kid: it was magical.
AfterYouKnowMe Yeah, my sister would put on the album when my parents went out and we'd dance that exact part too. Poor Mrs. Gilman (our downstairs neighbor) who would bang on the bathroom pipes each time we did:)
I was a trouble maker in highschool and they would play this in my tech theatre class and as much as me and my classmates would crack jokes at this film I often find myself coming back to watch these scenes and clips. It truly is a masterpiece.
True story, Baby John had pneumonia. Everything had to be perfection so I don't know how he made it. But when this dance was done, they took him away in an ambulance.
The cinematography capturing each intricate detail of each group’s choreography and of course everyone’s performances were top notch! Westside Story is still my favorite musical of all time! From start to finish all the songs, numbers and dance routines are epic!
Thaaaaaaaaaaaat's not Riff/Russ Tamblyn. That's in the stage version. This is Ice! One of the better stage/film song order switches in my honest opinion.
kyoungmb10 I agree. Gee Officer Krupke is also in a better place in the film. They basically switched those two songs round- Cool is in the play where Gee Officer Krupke is in the film and vice versa.
It makes sense that they switched it for the movie. If you think about, a group of kids on the run from the cops after witnessing 2 murders, are not likely to stop around the fence and sing some silly comedic number. What they would do, is sing Cool.
A master class in dance -------------Jerome Robbins greatest dance sequence, EVER. ----------RIP, to all Jets who have passed. ---------------------WolfSky9, 74 y/o
This is my favorite part out the whole movie...COOL boyyyy❤❤❤❤❤❤❤the music and the dance just so awesome I wouldnt have mind doing this in a school play
Thank you for this post...... Lyrics..... Boy, boy, crazy boy, Get cool, boy! Got a rocket in your pocket, Keep coolly cool, boy! Don't get hot, 'Cause man, you got Some high times ahead. Take it slow and Daddy-O, You can live it up and die in bed! Boy, boy, crazy boy! Stay loose, boy! Breeze it, buzz it, easy does it. Turn off the juice, boy! Go man, go, But not like a yo-yo schoolboy. Just play it cool, boy, Real cool!
Been coming back to this video since I watched this movie properly at Christmas. Tucker Smith should have had a huge career. While I understand why he chose not to, it's an asbolute shame he didn't fulfil it. His dancing is outstanding but as a sincere actor he has buckets of potential. Even down to his facial expressions. He genunely captures a manic skittishness here that's a little off-putting while also maintaining his alpha dog leadership. This role was written for him as I understand it, so it's his talent was obvious even back then. Had someone steered him in the right direction, he could have been immortal.
One of the top five movie musical numbers of all time...and to think the play had this number in the first act...shows how movie musicals were great sometimes due to NOT being so faithful to the play
Ice (Tucker Smith) rather than Riff (Russ Tamblyn) teaches the Jets how to stay “Cool”. I never made the connection of the significance between Ice leading the song “Cool” until just now. Thanks for the video!
ON watching West Side Story for the first time recently it struck me how much Michael Jackson appeared to borrow from or be inspired by for his own music videos. "Beat It" and "Smooth Criminal" come to mind. This may be common knowledge out there but for me it was news.
Ice, Tucker Smith as others have mentioned died relatively young. I read Gilda Radner's book (of Saturday night fame) she too died of cancer much too young, early forties I believe. She wrote in her book she was in the same cancer support group as Tucker.
Eliot Feld (Baby John, blond on left at 1:30) was very ill with pneumonia (or something like it) during the filming of this scene but WOW, what a performance. And Tucker Smith had piercing blue eyes. He was gorgeous.
Un retrato de la ira contenida través del segundo liderazgo.Que bailarines y actores.Una joya de la cinematografía moderna representando a la gran obra del genial Ingles " Romeo y Julieta" esto y mas se puede comentar de esta película en toda la gama....Razas, el porque la belleza latina, caracteres, el brillo de Natali wood.. y su desaparición lamentable.Gracias por compartir FAAS. A portrait of the anger contained through the second leadership. That dancers and actors.A jewel of modern cinematography representing the great work of the great English "Romeo and Juliet" this and more can be commented about this film in the whole range .. ..Razas, why the Latin beauty, characters, the brightness of Natali wood .. and its lamentable disappearance.Thank you for sharing FAAS
The body language and choreography are off the charts fantastic. You can FEEL that they all are on the verge of spontaneous combustion, full of such passion and anxiety that it can only be expressed through intense movement. And their traumatized moods are reflected by the dark, creepy parking garage. A masterpiece of cinema.
I agree
i agree
Agree. And those feelings are just what Spielberg’s film lacked.
I think it’s crap. I can’t stand musicals that try to emulate realism. It hasn’t ever worked once. Musicals are much better suited to pure fantasy.
Ice is cool no pun intended. He also seems like one of the first members of the jets beside riff and tony. He is the only other one with a girlfriend, seems like the calm, serious, and leader type. He also kinda becomes the new leader of the gang and already had a high status in the gang
I liked how nice he was to Anybodys and how he accepted her in the gang at the end, as their new leader.
This is spot on. It was always remarkable how naturally Ice stepped up to fill the leadership role in light of Riff's death and Tony's disillusionment. I think it is clear that he was always regarded as #3 in the pecking order, and iirc he was originally chosen to represent the Jets in the rumble with the Sharks. The play/film does such a fantastic job of illustrating group think, social power structures, and internal/external conflicts with groups and perceived "Others".
@@musicaltheatergeek79 facts
The switch of Krupke and Cool is something that should be reflected in all of the stage productions of the show. It makes much, much, much more sense. With Krupke, they were kids...punks griping about the cops. In Cool, they witnessed the murders of Riff and Nardo and had to grow up in a hurry, and the song reflects this.
Bernardo
It makes sense that they switched it for the movie. If you think about, a group of kids on the run from the cops after witnessing 2 murders, are not likely to stop around the fence and sing some silly comedic number. What they would do, is sing Cool.
@@Stephen10528 "Nardo" is Bernardo's nickname. We hear both Anita and Maria call him that a few times
savagenature1 Oh, okay.
I agree
RIP David Winters (1939-2019) playing A-Rab in this movie. This sequence has been specifically choreographed for him.
Did not know that thanks
Ice passed away too
As have Gee Tar and Big Deal.
@@homelesshannah50 Yes, Tucker Smith (Ice) passed away in 1988.
Oh no!
Let’s be real: Ice is an underrated character in WSS.
Yes! He definetely is!
He was in WSS?
@Ella Virtanen oh right, I absolutely love this movie yet I didn't know what WSS was 😂😂
Ice was a natural leader. You can tell that he defers to Rip but he has better people skills.
@@juanmonge8 - Did you mean Riff the leader the Jets until Bernardo stabbed him?
I have a huge fascination with Tucker Smith (Ice), there's just something about him. Shame he wasn't in more films
Think the same. He was such an great actor, dancer and singer.
He's seen in a dance number in "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying," but that's about it. From wikipedia: "David Ehrenstein, author of the book Open Secret: Gay Hollywood, 1928-2000, said that Smith was openly gay and, as a result, did not pursue a Hollywood career. In the 1970s Smith owned and operated a bar named “Tucker’s Turf” in North Hollywood. Tucker Smith died of cancer on December 22, 1988‚ at the age of 52 at the UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles, California. His cancer has been attributed by various sources as to be throat, neck and/or jaw cancer, and was diagnosed in late 1986. At the time of his death, Smith was survived by three sisters. Some newspapers erroneously printed that he was survived by three daughters. After his death, Smith was laid to rest in his hometown of Philadelphia."
I was just thinking the same. Dude is intense! Electrifying performance!
Street Hierarchy michael fassbender in xmen first class acts like tucker smith in this. He has the same eerie intensity. Watch the argentina scene in xmen first class and you'll see what i mean.
Tucker Smith had only minor parts after " WSS " , & why I am unsure. He died far too young, also. --------What did impress me about him was that he was so tall, & yet handled the demanding choreography. He also sang for Russ Tamblyn !! ---------------WolfSky9
His crazy eyes have stuck with me for years
The dancing is terrific and so is their acting. Love this number. Classic jazz dance.
Phat defintely😮🎉🎉😊
There is no way anyone can replace Tucker Smith or the other dancers in the new movie. This is perfection
Idk bout that 💁♂️
I love the new version, especially how they had this song with just Riff and Tony but this song is better than the 2021 version of cool
I always prefer the switch of Krupke and Cool, and because the 2021 version didn't stick with that, I preferred this version of Cool. But I think there are some improvements in the new version that I really like better than the original.
Oh the choreography is just astounding!
1:56 There’s something about the girl’s intro and dance here that I find mesmerizing but can’t figure out why. The whole “Cool” number is utterly brilliant but this little part always gets me.
The lighting and shadows mixed with the whole perfectly choreographed dance is just incredible, it’s one of the best films ever made. I’m sorry but Spielbergs version didn’t come close I went home after seeing it and watched the original and was just totally mesmerized
I'm a theater student and get chills everytime I listen to this. 🙏🏽
Haha it's funny because his name is Ice. He's telling people to be cool like him, like ice.
exactly
That's presumably why his name is Ice -- that and the ice-blue eyes.
@@inesdeerausquin5658 yeah. He did such a good job!
This is sung by Riff
Being cool is his main personality trait
I personally believe Ice is the Unsung Hero of West Side Story (or at least as close as we're gonna get)
3:10 me and the homies coming out of quarantine
😂😂 Literally
Funny how I know exactly which clip you're talking about without even clicking on the timestamp!
lol
Studied “West Side Story” in a high school music and arts class with a really cool teacher back in ‘76...as a fourteen almost 15 year old kid: it was magical.
0:18 That guy's eye color though
ICE
Street Hierarchy He needs a breath mint, just like Val Kilmer... :D
for real
Ruben Hulsewe i wasn’t the only one who noticed it? i literally focuses on his eyes.. it’s like strange but interesting
Ikr. So pretty. ❤️
My favourite number in the entire movie.
I come here just for 3:09 its self. My favorite thing in he whole movie. Me and a co-worker used to mess around and do that at work.
It's an absolute Masterpiece of ensemble dance. ----------------WolfSky9
AfterYouKnowMe
Yeah, my sister would put on the album when my parents went out and we'd dance that exact part too. Poor Mrs. Gilman (our downstairs neighbor) who would bang on the bathroom pipes each time we did:)
agreed
Mines prologue
3:13 always get goosebumbs
One of the greatest movies ever
And there was no reason to remake it
THIS IS GREAT CINEMA ! ONE OF THE BEST MOVIE EVER !!!
I was a trouble maker in highschool and they would play this in my tech theatre class and as much as me and my classmates would crack jokes at this film I often find myself coming back to watch these scenes and clips. It truly is a masterpiece.
That was Tucker Smith as Ice is the one who leading the gang. Not Riff.
True story, Baby John had pneumonia. Everything had to be perfection so I don't know how he made it. But when this dance was done, they took him away in an ambulance.
Guess you could say he got too cool
@@danwells4088 lol
Great play. Organic music and lyrics for it's setting. Great performance in this movie.
The 1950's music is still fresh and maybe even fresher today.
THE finest ensemble dance sequence of all-time. A Masterpiece, from start to end!! -----------WolfSky9
That's not Riff. He sings it in the stage version, but they moved the song in the film to after his death and gave it to Ice (Tucker Smith).
Nice! It seems like it would be more effective that way.
boi boi crezy boi
still get goosebumps
Well, Ice is right about the world being lousy.
The cinematography capturing each intricate detail of each group’s choreography and of course everyone’s performances were top notch! Westside Story is still my favorite musical of all time! From start to finish all the songs, numbers and dance routines are epic!
Ice was my favorite character!
This is the best way to live life. Playing it cool.
His eyes at 0:56!! Such a good song👍🏻
"Got a rocket in your pocket." Haha.
rocket in your pocket and her name is Horn
Imagine walking upstairs to your car and you see 20 people dancing in sync
the redhead woman. true art.
Cool! Go! Crazy! Gives me chills. Wish that bit went on just a little bit more.
Ice is by far the best character
Outstanding work by Tucker Smith! The staging is sheer genius!
I'm gonna use this song the next time I run into some gangstas, wish me luck
Thaaaaaaaaaaaat's not Riff/Russ Tamblyn. That's in the stage version. This is Ice! One of the better stage/film song order switches in my honest opinion.
Ice is my kinda man.
kyoungmb10 I agree. Gee Officer Krupke is also in a better place in the film. They basically switched those two songs round- Cool is in the play where Gee Officer Krupke is in the film and vice versa.
The name sure fits.
Totally agree! It was genius to change the order. It makes so much sense to have this AFTER the ramble.
It makes sense that they switched it for the movie. If you think about, a group of kids on the run from the cops after witnessing 2 murders, are not likely to stop around the fence and sing some silly comedic number. What they would do, is sing Cool.
Man mad respect for ice!!! He took over and did a great job.
this movie, this scene, this song, i just looove!!!!!
“Easy, Action”(1:22)
Imagine if Ice had stayed at Docs with the others, and sent Action and Arab out to check the alleyways instead. A totally different ending.
Facts!!! I've said that many times. 👍
That's 'Ice', a leader and the man in this outfit. Leonard Bernstein does this up brilliantly
Not to mention that great choreography. Terrific actors
The girls kick off some cool swing at 3:45
That is rather at 1:56
This version is still way better than the 2021 version.
The new West Side Story is also really good. I finally got to watch it.
A master class in dance -------------Jerome Robbins greatest dance sequence, EVER. ----------RIP, to all Jets who have passed. ---------------------WolfSky9, 74 y/o
Easy Action !
I loved Riff a lot. But I have a new appreciation for ice
The way I just know the new West Side Story film will disappoint me because this choreo will never be beaten😭
Ice was my favorite.
Same
Damn, they danced their butts off, and the choreography is fantastic.
This is my favorite part out the whole movie...COOL boyyyy❤❤❤❤❤❤❤the music and the dance just so awesome I wouldnt have mind doing this in a school play
I guess you can say that they should
*Be more chill*
The change of this song in the remake is interesting
Best number from the whole show don’t @ me
Thank you for this post......
Lyrics.....
Boy, boy, crazy boy,
Get cool, boy!
Got a rocket in your pocket,
Keep coolly cool, boy!
Don't get hot,
'Cause man, you got
Some high times ahead.
Take it slow and Daddy-O,
You can live it up and die in bed!
Boy, boy, crazy boy!
Stay loose, boy!
Breeze it, buzz it, easy does it.
Turn off the juice, boy!
Go man, go,
But not like a yo-yo schoolboy.
Just play it cool, boy,
Real cool!
Got a rocket in your pocket 😂😂😂
Thanks for this
It's pure genius !
Been coming back to this video since I watched this movie properly at Christmas. Tucker Smith should have had a huge career. While I understand why he chose not to, it's an asbolute shame he didn't fulfil it. His dancing is outstanding but as a sincere actor he has buckets of potential. Even down to his facial expressions. He genunely captures a manic skittishness here that's a little off-putting while also maintaining his alpha dog leadership. This role was written for him as I understand it, so it's his talent was obvious even back then. Had someone steered him in the right direction, he could have been immortal.
I wish I was back in high school. I would’ve auditioned for every part. Imagine the joy of singing and dancing this night after night
My favorite character in west side story
The anthem of the mom friend
One of the top five movie musical numbers of all time...and to think the play had this number in the first act...shows how movie musicals were great sometimes due to NOT being so faithful to the play
What are the other 4?
You mean number 1?
I had a crush on Ice as a little girl 🤭🤭 He seemed so much cooler than Riff and Tony (pun intended)
I’m glad I’m not the only one… I thought he really cute lol
“You wanna live in this lousy world?! Play it cool.”
Ice (Tucker Smith) rather than Riff (Russ Tamblyn) teaches the Jets how to stay “Cool”. I never made the connection of the significance between Ice leading the song “Cool” until just now. Thanks for the video!
Good advice for the times we live in ..!
Good advice for any time
I have loved this song since it came out
ON watching West Side Story for the first time recently it struck me how much Michael Jackson appeared to borrow from or be inspired by for his own music videos. "Beat It" and "Smooth Criminal" come to mind. This may be common knowledge out there but for me it was news.
+David Geisler Yes he used it in his video Bad as well, that definitely came to my mind :)
Smooth Criminal is all Gene Kelly!
The first words spoken in the film are when Riff tells Bernardo to "beat it" . Michael Jackson was a fan.
@@juanmonge8 Michael Jackson, the “king of pop” was a diehard student of show business and theater. He stole unabashedly from the best.
@@StreetHierarchy no, it’s Fred Astaire
wow I still watch this, and it 2014
it got 10 oscars. That must be a sign
Was I only one who crushed on Ice 🤣 he was a cutie 🥰
1:50 he is mad ...
Best drum solo... ever!
Who else is in love with Baby John and just watched his facial expressions this whole time?
Chill don't kill...Trigger is only happy when it's pulled...
If I had a time machine I would like to be in Winter Garden Theater on September 26th 1957.
Had to come back here after seeing the remake. the 2021 version did the song dirty.
Ice, Tucker Smith as others have mentioned died relatively young. I read Gilda Radner's book (of Saturday night fame) she too died of cancer much too young, early forties I believe. She wrote in her book she was in the same cancer support group as Tucker.
Great performance! Favorite dance number in the show!
I think this world would be a much simpler place if more people just played it cool
he... doesnt blink
Eliot Feld (Baby John, blond on left at 1:30) was very ill with pneumonia (or something like it) during the filming of this scene but WOW, what a performance. And Tucker Smith had piercing blue eyes. He was gorgeous.
coolie cool
Thats ice dude, not Riff he's dead remember?
The description is incorrect because it should be Ice(Tucker Smith) counsels the Jets to keep things cool.
I love this song and movie!!!
My God I love this!
Ice, A-rab, baby john!!!
This song is one of my favorite songs.:-)😀
A-rab's maniacal giggling
Un retrato de la ira contenida través del segundo liderazgo.Que bailarines y actores.Una joya de la cinematografía moderna representando a la gran obra del genial Ingles " Romeo y Julieta" esto y mas se puede comentar de esta película en toda la gama....Razas, el porque la belleza latina, caracteres, el brillo de Natali wood.. y su desaparición lamentable.Gracias por compartir FAAS.
A portrait of the anger contained through the second leadership. That dancers and actors.A jewel of modern cinematography representing the great work of the great English "Romeo and Juliet" this and more can be commented about this film in the whole range .. ..Razas, why the Latin beauty, characters, the brightness of Natali wood .. and its lamentable disappearance.Thank you for sharing FAAS
Stress reliever...Chicago should try it
It is a musical from the 1960's and you watched the whole thing and even commented on it, what does that make you?
I like how the Jets got a dude named A-rab, and the Sharks got a dude named Chino.
1:45 michael jackson clearly also got his ow and pow’s from this movie, miss you king
Though it's certainly corny and cheesy by today's standards I still love it, and it's so well performed and played.
Great choreography! ✈🇺🇸