The King and I (1956) 7.4
Musical about a widow who accepts a job as a live-in governess of the King of Siam's children. Director:Walter Lang |
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The King and I (1956) 7.4
Musical about a widow who accepts a job as a live-in governess of the King of Siam's children. Director:Walter Lang |
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| Complete credited cast: | |||
| Deborah Kerr | ... | ||
| Yul Brynner | ... | ||
| Rita Moreno | ... | ||
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Martin Benson | ... | |
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Terry Saunders | ... | |
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Rex Thompson | ... | |
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Carlos Rivas | ... |
Lun Tha
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Patrick Adiarte | ... | |
| Alan Mowbray | ... |
Sir John Hay
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Geoffrey Toone | ... | |
Mrs. Anna Leonowens and her son Louis arrive in Bangkok, where she has contracted to teach English to the children of the royal household. She threatens to leave when the house she had been promised is not available, but falls in love with the children. A new slave, a gift of a vassal king, translates "Uncle Tom's Cabin" into a Siamese ballet, expressing her unhappiness at being with the King. She attempts to escape with her lover. Anna and the King fall in love, but her British upbringing inhibits her from joining his harem. She is just about to leave Siam when she hears of the King's imminent death, and returns to help his son, her favorite pupil, rule his people. Written by Randy Goldberg <goldberg@nymc.edu>
Having read most of the comments on this picture, I was astonished to see how little understood this classic musical is. Yes, it takes place in 19th century Siam, but it is a fairy tale Siam in the same sense as the fairy tale Paris in An American in Paris. It is not supposed to be a true representation of Asian life. Wake up, Folks! Its a Hollywood adaptation of a Broadway musical! Let's leave the realism to Phat and Foster.
This picture, with its infectious score and dynamic performances, is one of the best of its genre. Who can fail to see the sexual tension between the two leads? Who can not marvel at the entrance of the royal children (check out Brynner's different reaction to each child). How can one not applaud the fantastic House of Uncle Thomas performance at the diplomatic dinner. How can your heart not reel to Shall We Dance?
This is old-line Hollywood at its very best, and may be the last truly great musical. Check your historical, racial, and PC hats at the door and don't miss it!