Tony (Richard Beymer) and Maria (Natalie Wood)'s union was destined for problems from the beginning. Tony is a former leading member of the Jets, one of New York City's two major gangs; Maria is the sister of Bernardo (George Chakiris), prominent in the rival Puerto Rican gang, the Sharks. However, after they meet at a dance, the two fall passionately in love. As they grow closer, gang tensions threaten to destroy their budding romance. A major rumble is planned between the two gangs, despite Tony's ambivalence. In addition, Bernardo is fiercely and violently protective of Maria, who is already promised to Chino (Jose De Vega), another member of the Sharks. The rumble quickly grows out of hand; when Bernardo kills Tony's best friend Riff (Russ Tamblyn), he retaliates and kills Bernardo. Bernardo's death provokes both Anita (Rita Moreno), his former girlfriend and Maria's best friend, and Chino, who plots revenge. Regardless, Tony and Maria's love is as strong as ever, and they vow their devotion to each other, even in the face of tragedy.