Gypsy is based on the autobiography of Gyspy Rose Lee and concerns a stripper and her stage mother. Rose (Rosalind Russell) works with Louise (Natalie Wood) and Electra (Roxanne Arlen) as stage mother and manager. She falls for Herbie (Karl Malden), a veteran agent. Daughter "Dainty" June carries on the tradition her mother started, and Rose is vexed when she leaves for a solo career. She pushes Louise, normally a singer, into the act when a veteran stripper doesn't show. Louise becomes an overnight sensation, but a rift between Rose and Louise causes Rose to be abandoned all over again. This colorful musical was a Broadway hit, and the choreography of Jerome Robbins carries over to the screen choreography credited to Robert Tucker. The words and music by Stephen Sondheim and Jule Styne are the highlight of the film which was produced and directed by Mervyn LeRoy.