Anna and the king

Anna and the king or the King and me is the title of three films Hollywood iens, of a musical comedy, American series and a cartoon film.

All are based on the memories pseudo-histories of Anna Leonowens, (1834 - 1915), published in two works: The English Governess At the Short Siamese and The Lovesong off the Harem. These alleged account-returned factual is mystifications intended to flatter the puritan morals of England victorienne and constitutes a true insult with civilization inhabitant of Thailand. Leonowens was not besides controlling, but English professor at the Court.

In 1944, the American novelist Margaret Landon published a novel, The King and I itself adapted of the accounts of Anna Leonowens which was used also basic as scenario.

Historical context

In 1862, Anna Leonowens, widowed young person English, is engaged by the king of Siam, Mongkut, (Rama IV), to be préceptrice of his/her many children, of which prince Chulalongkorn, 11 years old and future Rama V. Encouraged by the king, it will have a beneficial influence on the future monarch.

The Hollywood argument

The young person controlling, feminist before the hour, is disorientated by the habits strange or cruel with the palate, the very many women of the royal harem and connect it goujatery of the king. This last is however intrigued him also by the way of thinking Western and the shameless insubordination of Anna. This opposition between the two cultures, often treated in a comic way, is the spring of the various Hollywood scenarios.

Details of works by chronological order

1946 : film Anna and the King off Siam (French version: Anna and the king of Siam of John Cromwell), black and white, 128 min, with Anna: Irene Dune, the king: Rex Harrison.
1951 : Musical comedy The King and I of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II, adapted book of Margaret Landon. Creation with Broadway with St James Theater on March 29th, 1951, with Gertrude Lawrence (Anna) and Yul Brynner (the King), put in scene by John Van Druten, choreography of Jerome Robbins. This production lasted 1246 representations and gained several Tony Award S: better musical, better actress, better actor in a supporting role (for Yul Brynner who was then unknown, did not have its name in Tête of poster and thus was considered only as a first role), better decorations, better costumes.
1956 : musical film The King and I (French version: the King and me ) of Walter Lang, Cinemascope, 133 min, with Anna: Deborah Kerr, the king: Yul Brynner (Oscar of interpetation).
1972 : televised series Anna and the King (French version in 1973: Anna and the king ) various realizers, 13 episodes of 25 min, with Anna: Samantha Eddgar, the king: Yul Brynner.
1999 : film Anna and the King (French version in 2000: Anna and the king ) of Andy Holding, 148 min, with Anna: Jodie Foster, the king: Chow Yun-Conceited person.
1999 : musical cartoon film the King and me (The King and I) of Richard Rich, 87 min.

*Les two musical versions take again the words written by Richard Rogers and the music of Oscar Hammerstein II for the played musical comedy with Broadway in 1951.

*Il is to be noted that, being based on multiple historical falsifications being in the scenarios and on the fact that the king of Siam is shown under one day little with his advantage, which is a crime of lese-majesty, the Thailand prohibited the entry of all these productions on its territory.

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