The Foregin School Teacher: A Movie Review of the Oscar/Hammerstein Musical "The King and I"

The famous musical duo of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II produced many plays, most of which were transformed into movies. Just a few of their most famous ones are The Sound of Music, Oklahoma!, South Pacific, and—of course—The King and I, winner of five Academy Awards.

SUMMARY

   The original film version of The King and I came out in 1956. It follows the story of widow Anna Leonowens (Deborah Kerr), accompanied by her son, traveling from her native country of England to Siam in the 1860’s. She has been hired to teach the King’s children. Unfortunately, she and the King (remarkably played by Yul Brynner) don’t really start out well. After the King breaks a promise in their letter of agreement, Anna begins to see the Siamese monarch as an arrogant ruler. As the story progresses, Anna and the King learn to work through their differences and prove to the English ambassadors that Siam is not as barbaric a country as some thought.

   Being a musical, there are many songs that appear throughout the film, including “I Whistle a Happy Tune,” “Getting to Know You,” and “Shall We Dance?” Although Anna has the bulk of the singing, the King has his share of song.

CONTENT

   In warning, though, there are a few aspects of this film that parents might want to keep an eye for. The religious customs of Siam are depicted when the King and others are bowing before a statue of Buddha (although this scene does depict the King and Anna beginning to work through their disagreements), as well as the mention of praying to and praising Buddha (this occurs during a play based on Uncle Tom’s Cabin). The typical customs of the royals are also shown. The King has many wives and mentions his many children (though only a select few are shown the honor of getting “scientific teaching”).

   Although this is a small part of the film, the servant girl Tuptim is in love with the ambassador from Burma. There is one scene where Tuptim and the ambassador briefly kiss, but there is not much of anything else (apart from a song they sing together).  

   There is not much violence in the movie, though I do think it is important to note that there is one part where Tuptim is nearly whipped to death for running away. Also, it is reported to the king that the ambassador of Burma is dead.

   Of course, there are redeeming qualities to this film as well. Apart from the wonderful songs, there are good lessons about working together, being loyal to your friends, and gracefully accepting the changes around you. In one excellent scene, the King and Anna discuss Moses, the biblical book of Genesis, and the theory that the world is millions of years old. The monarchy of Siam is shown in an interesting light, as well as the many sights and sounds of Siam.

   In conclusion, if you have younger children that may not sit through the two hour musical, perhaps you may want to consider finding the 1999 cartoon version of The King and I (being roughly half the time). In regards to the musical itself, though, I am sure that it will leave you “whistling a happy tune!”

GENERAL INFORMATION

Length: 2 hours, 13 minutes

Rating: G

Director: Walter Lang
Producer: Charles Brackett
Music: Richard Rodgers
Year of release: 1956

Audience: Family, Teens, Adults