Love With The Proper Stranger (1963) Dir. Robert Mulligan

“I worked at least twelve hours a day in rehearsals, lost weight, and my body was sore from the rigorous training. But when I was judged worthy of joining the professional dancers, I felt pretty proud.”

Natalie Wood photographed in dance rehearsals for “West Side Story,” 1961.

Natalie Wood and Jack Lemmon depicted by caricaturist Al Hirschfeld, for “the Great Race,” 1965.

Caption from LIFE. "Natalie’s big brown-black eyes grow larger with delight seeing costumes sketched by Edith Head for Sex and the Single Girl.“

Natalie Wood photographed by Ernst Haas during on-set dance rehearsals for “West Side Story,” 1961.

Natalie Wood eating Chinese food, Ralph Crane, 1957.

Natalie Wood and Laurence Olivier photographed together at the world premiere of “A Little Romance,” 1979.

We have to be straight about this. Now, I’m beginning to feel something. I am beginning to feel excited. And do you want me to deny that? Natalie Wood as Carol Sanders in Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice (1969)  dir. Paul Mazursky

“Natalie spoke with Brides Magazine on set [of Kings Go Forth] and admitted that she listened only to Sinatra records in her downtime. “He’s from greatsville!” She enthused, in proto-Rat Pack speak; Natalie Wood listening to Frank Sinatra records in her “Kings Go Forth” dressing room, 1958.

Though nothing can bring back the hour Of splendour in the grass, of glory in the flower, We will grieve not, rather find Strength in what remains behind;

SPLENDOR IN THE GRASS (1961, dir. Elia Kazan)

BOB & CAROL & TED & ALICE (1969)