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Features: DVD, English, Spanish, Subtitled
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 needs Anna's wisdom and guidance that her difficult mission is a success.
"...matchless pageantry..." Hollywood Reporter
"Sumptuous production..." Leonard Maltin's Movie & Video Guide
"A very great picture...compelling...and splendidly produced." Los Angeles Times
"Splendid..." VideoHound's Golden Movie Retriever
Editor's Note
Based on a true story, John Cromwell's ANNA AND THE KING OF SIAM stars Irene Dunne as Anna Owens, a recently widowed young mother who accepts employment as the governess for King Mongkut of Siam (Rex Harrison). In Siam, she finds that her highly intelligent employer is also a backward tyrant with a childlike temperament. Using her strength of will and getting help from the king's first wife, Lady Thiang (Gale Sondergaaard), Anna tries to transform the king and educate his children while also preserving her own dignity. Film studio 20th Century Fox left no stones unturned in this lavish, brilliant production. Exquisite sets, costumes, and cinematography combine with a witty, rich script and an impeccable performance by Dunne to make this one of the most enduring films of the 1940s. Director John Cromwell (THE PRISONER OF ZENDA, OF HUMAN BONDAGE) deftly blends comedy and tragedy to create a masterpiece that transcends time and cultural boundaries. The film was remade several times, most famously as the Yul Brynner-led musical extravaganza THE KING AND I.
Plot Summary
An English governess travels to Siam to instruct the King's many children. During her stay, she and the monarch forge a loving but sometimes contentious relationship as they try to overcome their vast cultural distances.
| Features | Audio: English Dolby Digital Stereo & Mono | | Audio: Spanish Dolby Digital Mono | | DVD Special Features: Biography: "Anna and the King: The Real Story of Anna Leonowens"; Fox Movietone News: Gala Hollywood Premiere | | Interactive Menus | | Scene Selection |
| Technical Info
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Release Information
| | Studio: Foxvideo |
| Release Date: 5/24/2005 |
| Running Time: 128 minutes |
| Original Release Date: 1946 | | Catalog ID: 2227230 | | UPC: 00024543172307 | | Number of Discs: 1 |
Audio & Video
| | Original Language: English | | Available Audio Tracks: English, Spanish Dubbed | | Video: Color |
Aspect Ratio | | Standard 1.33:1 [4:3] |
| Cast & Crew
| Awards |
Oscar (1947) |  | William S. Darling, et al., Winner, Best Interior Decoration, Black-And-White | | | Bernard Herrmann, Nominee, Best Musical Score | | | Gale Sondergaard, Nominee, Best Supporting Actress | | | Sally Benson, Talbot Jennings, Nominee, Best Screenplay |
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| | Professional Reviews | The Motion Picture Guide 8 of 10
All of the players are excellent... director Cromwell keeps the story frisky and less sentimental th
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