Anna and the King of Siam (1946)
Directed by John Cromwell
Genres - Drama, Romance, Children's/Family |
Sub-Genres - Romantic Drama, Melodrama, Period Film |
Release Date - Aug 11, 1946 (USA - Unknown) |
Run Time - 128 min. |
Countries - United States |
MPAA Rating - NR
Share on
Synopsis by Don Kaye
More serious and less colorful than The King And I, Anna And The King Of Siam is still a well-crafted and elaborate spectacle. Leonowens (Irene Dunne) and her son travel to the tiny kingdom of Siam, where she has been hired to teach Western ways and culture to the multitudes of children sired by the King (Rex Harrison). All too soon, however, the King and Anna clash over the differences in their ways and cultures; Anna is also drawn into a palace romance between the concubine, Tuptim (Linda Darnell), and another man, which ends in tragedy. Whereas The King And I focused on the budding relationship between Anna and the King, the non-musical version is a more straightforward reading of Margaret Landon's book about the real Anna Leonowens. Harrison made his screen debut in the role, which became synonymous with Yul Brynner in the 1956 musical version.
Characteristics
Moods
Themes
Keywords
aristocracy, babysitter, battle-of-wills, custom [habit or practice], execution, friendship, governess, harem, king, teacher, widow/widower