Product Details

• Actors: Irene Dunne, Rex Harrison, Linda Darnell, Lee J. Cobb, Gale Sondergaard
• Directors: John Cromwell
• Writers: Margaret Landon, Sally Benson, Talbot Jennings
• Producers: Louis D. Lighton
• Format: Black & White, Closed-captioned, NTSC
• Language: English
• Rating: NR (Not Rated)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: 20th Century Fox
• VHS Release Date: January 1, 1998
• Run Time: 128 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 6302989590
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #25,399 in Video (See Bestsellers in Video)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

The story of British teacher Anna Leonowens and her sojourn to the court of 19th century Siam has proved irresistible to many generations--as book, movie, or Broadway show. Arguably the most beloved version of the story is the 1946 Fox film Anna and the King of Siam, an elegant and bittersweet drama. Irene Dunne plays the widow Anna, who arrives in Siam in 1862 with her young son in tow. Her ostensible job, to teach the many children of the polygamous King (Rex Harrison, in his first Hollywood picture), soon broadens into an unofficial court advisor. The most amusing sequences in the first half of the picture are the battles of manners between feisty Anna and the intellectually curious but tradition-bound king--a battle that engenders great mutual respect. John Farrow directed, with his customary sympathy for the female heroine and eye for handsome spaces (the film won Oscars for art direction and Arthur Miller's cinematography). The main Asian characters are played by white actors, with Lee J. Cobb especially startling as the prime minister. The affecting story leaves no doubt to why Rodgers and Hammerstein saw the future musical The King and I in the material, and indeed you may find yourself humming "Getting to Know You" or "Something Wonderful" beneath certain scenes. It was remade in 1999 with Jodie Foster as Anna and the King, with more cultural correctness but less charm. --Robert Horton

Product Description

This "magnificent spectacle" with "matchless pageantry" and "frequent moments of high comedy," (Hollywood Reporter) stars Rex Harrison as the King of Siam and Irene Dunne as Anna, the charming, strong-willed English widow who teaches him how to live in a modern world. Accompanied by her son, Anna Owens arrives in Siam to educate the king's harem and his sixty-seven children. She soon discovers there are many obstacles to overcome and it is only through her ingenuity, wit and dedication that she is able to continue her work. Slowly, she sees the effect of her influence on the court, but it is not until the stubborn king realizes he need's Ana's wisdom and guidance that her difficult mission is a success.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a wonderful film based on a great book, June 13, 2004

By	Alejandra Vernon "artist & illustrator" (Long Beach, California) - See all my reviews (TOP 50 REVIEWER)    (COMMUNITY FORUM 04)

One of the best books I have ever read is Margaret Landon's true story of Anna Leonowens, who at the age of 33, went to Siam as a governess to tutor the king's children. A widow of incredible courage and talent, her story is moving as well adventurous, and this film is a marvelous adaptation of Anna's time in that strange and foreign land, with her small son to take care of.
Landon's book of course also inspired the terrific Rodgers and Hammerstein musical and the film starring Deborah Kerr and Yul Brynner, as well as the far less successful 1999 remake.

Rex Harrison, in his first film for an American studio is riveting as King Mongkut; it's a sensitive and insightful portrayal, with his beautiful voice and enunciation making the most of the intelligent script, and Irene Dunne is a strong and wonderful Anna. These were the days when Caucasian actors took the parts of Asians, and we have some excellent supporting parts taken by Lee J. Cobb as Prime Minister Kralahome, Linda Darnell as Tuptim, and Gale Sondergaard, who received a Best Supporting Actress Oscar nomination as Lady Thiang.
Oscars were given for Best Art Direction, and to Leon Shamroy for his fabulous cinematography, and nominations were for score (Bernard Herrmann) and screenplay.

The excellence and charisma of its two stars and their chemistry together are great to watch, and anyone who likes Landon's book as much as I do will appreciate this film. Total running time is 128 minutes.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Stereotypical - but it's 1946!, July 28, 1999

By A Customer

The stereotype of Siam (now Thailand) as somewhat of a barbaric nation is more blatant in this version than in the "King and I". Nevertheless, there was already an apparent attraction to the exotic destination and culture of Thailand in 1946. The Thai artistry of the set and the love towards the King was presented in this "clash-of-culture" story from the perspective of a European woman. In a Eurocentric way, the King became more loved as he changed towards more Western ways. His barbaric nature was also the Western creation of how cruelty and ill-mannerism should be manifested. Even the role of a King was stereotypically European King - i.e., manly, tyrannical, and loud. Yul Brynner in the King and I brought these qualities of a King (according to European ideology) to its best; thus, he was "born to play king". For those who have been to Thailand, it is almost a unanimous consent that the Thai people are some of the nicest and the complete antithesis to barbaric. The Thai people's love for their King is given out of respect - not forced. People really love their King. This applies to all the Kings of the Chakri Dynasty as all of their images are still placed near the alter of Lord Buddha in many homes. It is not surprising why the Thai people would dislike how their King was disparaged to the point of not knowing table manners. It will be interesting to see how Hollywood will portray the King in the upcoming version involving Chow Yun Fat and Jodie Foster. Keep in mind that if the King is presented with a softer image, he is not less of a King. The King to the Thais is tantamount to a compassionate deity. In contrast, the King as expected from Western viewers is almost a tyrant. This 1946 version is worth seeing when viewed with the other versions (i.e. "The King and I" and the SOON COMING "Anna and the King - filmed in Malaysia")to see how much more understanding the world have become towards the 4th King of Siam for who he really was. The audience wants to love the King, ... but as a great man in history or as another character in a Hollywood production? Foreigners are also not treated as Anna is shown in this film. Read "Katya and the Prince of Siam" which can be ordered via Amazon.com

Katya was from Russia and married one of the Prince in the past. Marriage is as close to total assimilation as can be between two cultures. Siam was in the heart of many for a long time. Maybe this film will spark an interest in Thailand so that the audience will seek the truth for themselves. Good film for that reason. Just keep your mind open.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The King and His Teacher, February 24, 2001

By	James L. (Toronto, Canada) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

Irene Dunne stars as a widowed single mother who is engaged to teach the numerous children of the King of Siam. Rex Harrison stars as the King, a man trying to bring Siam into the modern world and to find respect for himself and his country on the world stage. Ultimately, he comes to rely on Dunne for her support and guidance to achieve his goals, and there is an obvious feeling of attraction that develops between the two. Dunne delivers yet another solid, emotional performance as the independent woman who must learn to adapt to a new culture. Dunne was always such a pro, yet surprisingly is not as well known today as other actresses from her time. Harrison strikes me as an odd choice for the role of the King, but he grew on me as the movie progressed, and although I think he's not the best choice, he nonetheless delivers a credible performance. Gale Sondergaard, a favourite character actress of mine, is very good and quietly effective as the King's ignored first wife, looking out for the interests of her son, the heir. I don't know how much of the story is really true, but it is entertaining and a good look at another time and place in history. It's an excellent production, and even if you've seen the musical, I'm sure you'll enjoy this version, too.