Getting to Know You

The King and I is an extravagant musical production etc, etc, etc. The 1956 film is based on the 1951 Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, based on the 1944 Margaret Landon novel Anna and the King of Siam, based on the 1860’s memoirs from Anna Leonowens etc, etc, etc. There have been many adaptations before and since, but only The King and I was nominated for Best Picture etc, etc, etc. 1956 was packed with epics that included Around the World in 80 Days, Giant, and The Ten Commandments etc, etc, etc.

Yul Brynner made his mark playing Rameses II, but it was King Mongkut of Siam that won him Best Actor etc, etc, etc. Brynner was Russian with an exotic look and shaved head that made him convincing for the role etc, etc, etc. Mongkut is an old fashioned, but eccentric king willing to modernize his country etc, etc, etc. Anna Leonowens is a British school teacher who educates the King’s many wives and children etc, etc, etc. Deborah Kerr stands equal with Brynner and plays off him well etc, etc, etc. There are hints of romance, but their relationship is more about mutual understanding etc, etc, etc.

The King’s youngest concubine Tuptim stands out since she’s played by Rita Moreno etc, etc, etc. Her forbidden love of a commoner puts the King’s ancient customs into question etc, etc, etc. The King and I also won Best Art Direction, Costume Design, and Scoring etc, etc, etc. Musical numbers benefit from distinct Rodgers and Hammerstein songs like “Getting to Know You” etc, etc, etc. An extended Siamese interpretation of Uncle Tom’s Cabin stands out as well etc, etc, etc. The King and I knows just what to say etc, etc, etc.

Anna and the King of Siam