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Anna and the King of Siam (1946)
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Overview
User Rating:
Director:
Writers:
Release Date:
20 June 1946 (USA)
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Plot:
In 1862, a young Englishwoman becomes royal tutor in Siam and befriends the King. full summary | add synopsis
Awards:
Won 2 Oscars.
Another 3 nominations
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NewsDesk:
(2 articles)
Anna And The King Of ... Malaysia?
(From Studio Briefing - Film News. 11 November 1998)
Foster To Receive Regal Salary To Appear In King
(From Studio Briefing - Film News. 13 October 1998)
(From Studio Briefing - Film News. 11 November 1998)
Foster To Receive Regal Salary To Appear In King
(From Studio Briefing - Film News. 13 October 1998)
User Comments:
BETTER than the KING and I
more (14 total)
Cast
(Complete credited cast) | Irene Dunne | ... | Anna Owens |
 | Rex Harrison | ... | King Mongkut |
 | Linda Darnell | ... | Tuptim |
 | Lee J. Cobb | ... | Kralahome |
| Gale Sondergaard | ... | Lady Thiang |
| Mikhail Rasumny | ... | Alak |
| Dennis Hoey | ... | Sir Edward |
| Tito Renaldo | ... | Prince (older) |
| Richard Lyon | ... | Louis Owens |
Additional Details
Parents Guide:
Runtime:
128 min
Country:
Language:
Color:
Aspect Ratio:
1.37 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
Mono (Western Electric Recording)
Certification:
UK:12 (re-rating) (2006) |
UK:A (original rating) |
UK:12 (re-rating) (2006) (cut) |
UK:A (1946) (cut) |
Netherlands:12 |
Canada:G (video rating) |
Finland:K-16 |
Spain:T |
Sweden:15 |
USA:Approved (PCA #11572, General Audience)
Filming Locations:
Fun Stuff
Trivia:
Like the similar film Anna and the King (1999), this film was banned in Thailand because of what the Thai government said were historical inaccuracies about the King of Siam.
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Goofs:
Anachronisms: 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.
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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 enjoy greater triumph. I have something to ask of you. Not demand, but ask. It is that you shall Stay in Siam. You may enjoy yourself if you like, sir
Anna Owens: No matter what you ask, I wouldn't do it.
Kralahome: If you do not stay in Siam, where will you go?
Anna Owens: I don't know.
Kralahome: Have you other place to put your life?
[...]
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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 enjoy greater triumph. I have something to ask of you. Not demand, but ask. It is that you shall Stay in Siam. You may enjoy yourself if you like, sir
Anna Owens: No matter what you ask, I wouldn't do it.
Kralahome: If you do not stay in Siam, where will you go?
Anna Owens: I don't know.
Kralahome: Have you other place to put your life?
[...]
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Movie Connections:
Featured in "Biography: Anna and the King: The Real Story of Anna Leonowens" (1999)
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FAQ
This FAQ is empty. Add the first question.more (14 total)
Message Boards
Discuss this movie with other users on IMDb message board for Anna and the King of Siam (1946)| Recent Posts (updated daily) | User |
|---|---|
| Notes on ANNA AND THE KING OF SIAM | JSlack3 |
| liking and respect for one another ...for the good of our country. | pathfinder616 |
| vs 'The King and I' | classics4me |
Recommendations
If you enjoyed this title, our database also recommends:
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| The King and I | Goodbye, Mr. Chips | The Ghost and Mrs. Muir | China Seas | Mrs Brown |
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Summary: BETTER than the King and I
This has always been my favorite version of this story.
Why? Not just because it was done first (1946); that is, before the King and I (Play-1951; Film-1956), does it make it better. Not because the original story was a drama rather a lively Broadway musical. Not even because the story was written by a woman about a woman and not about a man as was shifted later by Brynner.
The performances by Irene Dunne, Rex Harrison, the production values, the direction are all done at such a fine intimate level. The true nuance of the hardship that Anna went through in her dealings with this imperial king is felt throughout. The musical never depicts this which such finely-wrought detail and care.
With our 21st century sensibilities we might think that there is something goofy about Rex's performance. Does anyone really know what life was in 19th Century Siam? I believe this even after reading about the difficulty Harrison had with the depiction of this role. There is nothing Charlie Chan-ish about this performance. The strictness and order of the Asian mindset does create a cultural chasm at times for us in the West. The Asian languages are structured differently than our Western languages. The use of articles is almost non-existent, therefore the sometimes stilted manner of vocal delivery may sound staccato. The Asian vocal chords are sometimes different from Western vocal chords. There exists a predominance of higher pitched voices. And so what of it? Was the King and I more real than this movie? The only thing that can be said about Brynner is that he is physically more imposing than Harrison and Brynner has a rather slight Mongolian aspect to him which brings more authenticity to his appearance.
Finally and besides my objections above, ANNA AND THE KING OF SIAM is movie full of heart and compassion. Each turn of events is handled with care and not given a Hollywood finish and sheen. ANNA is recommended hands down.
The finale, though some jaded observers would dismiss as formulaic, is indeed a grand and quiet moment not to be missed.