Anna and the King of Siam

Director: John Cromwell
Stars: Irene Dunne, Rex Harrison, Linda Darnell, Lee J Cobb
Year:  1946 Running Time:  128 mins Rating: 4 out of 5 Certificate U

Irene Dunne is the English governess who teaches the Thai royal family a thing or two in this glorious adaptation of the family classic. Only the most PC could object to Rex Harrison's portrayal of the haughty monarch. Made ten years before Yul Brynner and Deborah Kerr starred in the hit musical version, The King And I, John 'The Prisoner of Zenda' Cromwell's stunning production succeeds through great performances, not big musical numbers.

Review

A film unlike any Hollywood had made before, this romantic drama was such a success on its appearance in 1946 that, inside 10 years, Rodgers and Hammerstein had produced smash-hit stage and screen musical versions of the story under the title The King and I.

The film is a songless but charming and very moving version of the story of Anna Owens and her friendship with the King of Siam.

Britain's Rex Harrison is surprisingly successful as the king, and there are charming performances by Irene Dunne (as Anna), Gale Sondergaard, Lee J Cobb and Linda Darnell.

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