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Anna and the King of Siam (1946)

Approved  |   |  Biography, Drama, Romance  |  11 August 1946 (UK)
7.1
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Ratings: 7.1/10 from 1,522 users  
Reviews: 23 user | 12 critic

In 1862, a young Englishwoman becomes royal tutor in Siam and befriends the King.

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(screenplay), (screenplay), 1 more credit »
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Airs Sun. Oct. 18, 1:00 PM on TCM

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Title: Anna and the King of Siam (1946)

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Won 2 Oscars. Another 1 win & 5 nominations. See more awards »
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Cast

Complete credited cast:
...
...
...
...
...
Mikhail Rasumny ...
Dennis Hoey ...
Tito Renaldo ...
Richard Lyon ...
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Storyline

In 1862, young English widow Anna Owens accepts the job of teaching the royal children of Siam. On her arrival in Bangkok, culture clash is immediate. The king respects Anna for standing up to him, though this appalls his courtiers. In due course, she becomes the king's confidant and diplomatic advisor; their relationship endures through many trials. Written by Rod Crawford <puffinus@u.washington.edu>

Plot Summary | Add Synopsis


Certificate:

Approved | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

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Details

Country:

Language:

Release Date:

11 August 1946 (UK)  »

Also Known As:

Anna und der König von Siam  »

Company Credits

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Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

(Western Electric Recording)

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1
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Did You Know?

Trivia

When Rex Harrison met John Cromwell, he found him pleasant enough, but rather aloof. "At least two months passed before the production began," recalled Harrison in his 1975 autobiography Rex, "during which time, if we did come across each other, [Cromwell] withdrew, either physically or mentally; I was never able to sit down with him and discuss my fears and worries about playing an Oriental, and he never told me what he thought about the character." See more »

Goofs

The banquet scene includes a performance of Siamese theatrical dance. However, the music which accompanies this performance is unmistakably Balinese gamelan, not Siamese. Furthermore, it's "gong kebyar" style, which hadn't been invented yet in the 1860s. See more »

Quotes

Anna Owens: [Anna, thinking the king is a barbarian, is about to leave. The Kralahome has had her brought to his office at night to reason with her. She is outraged] How dare you treat me in this manner. I demand an explanation, and I warn you...
Kralahome: [Calmly] Be quiet, sir.
Anna Owens: ...that I'm a British subject.
Kralahome: That is nor reason you are safe. I could have you killed if that would serve my purpose. Such things are simple here.
[Walks across room]
Kralahome: Sir, did you enjoy your triumph about your house? Because you shall now ...
[...]
See more »

Connections

Version of The King and I (1999) See more »

Soundtracks

Alphabet Song for Toddlers
(uncredited)
Traditional
Sung by the King's children learning the English alphabet
See more »

Frequently Asked Questions

See more (Spoiler Alert!) »

User Reviews

 
Touching film
24 March 2013 | by (United States) – See all my reviews

I grew up with the story and the music of the musical, The King and I, in our household. It is a wonderful production. It would be a mistake to compare that musical to Anna and the King of Siam. They are of different genres. This story is taken from the writings of the real Anna and they provide a glimpse into nineteenth century times, when changes in world politics and communications produced stresses that would alter the map and the future of the world.

I found the acting in this movie wonderful. Rex Harrison, in his first American production, really brings the complexities of the Siamese king to life. He is a man torn between the traditions of the past and the necessities of change, which he embraces with open arms, even if his mind, from habit, is partially closed. Comparing his performance to that in My Fair Lady allows one to really see how he used his voice effectively in portraying the king.

One must give credit to those who took this narrative and later produced the musical, amending the story to create a vehicle more suitable to music and humor. But Anna and the King of Siam deserves kudos as a believable story that evokes real feelings for its characters. You may need a few hankies.


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