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The King And I [VHS] [1956]
 
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The King And I [VHS] [1956]

VHS ~ Yul Brynner
4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (12 customer reviews)

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4 new from £4.69 13 used from £0.01 2 collectible from £7.85

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Product details

  • Actors: Yul Brynner, Deborah Kerr, Rita Moreno, Martin Benson, Terry Saunders
  • Directors: Walter Lang
  • Writers: Ernest Lehman, Margaret Landon, Oscar Hammerstein II
  • Producers: Charles Brackett, Darryl F. Zanuck
  • Format: HiFi Sound, PAL, Widescreen
  • Language English, Thai
  • Classification: U
  • Studio: 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment
  • VHS Release Date: 13 Jul 1992
  • Run Time: 127 minutes
  • Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
  • ASIN: B0000584ME
  • Amazon.co.uk Sales Rank: 20,126 in Video (See Bestsellers in Video)

    Popular in this category:

    #73 in  Video > Classic Films > Musicals > 1950s

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Product Description

Amazon.co.uk Review
In 1955 this lavish production of Rodgers and Hammerstein's Broadway hit The King and I, starring Yul Brynner as the King of Siam and Deborah Kerr as the governess sent to look after his children, was the most expensive film ever mounted by 20th Century Fox. The 40 sets in ripe decors by Walter M Scott and Paul S Fox included a ballroom of black marble with jade and silk tapestries and a banqueting scene with a table that gives the impression of stretching to infinity. The costumes by Irene Sharaff, notably the hoop ballroom gown for Deborah Kerr and those for the ballet "The Small House of Uncle Thomas", dazzle the eye in their delineation of Western manners and Oriental splendour. Brynner remains impressive as the King but his pidgin dialogue, inherited from Hammerstein's book, with the dropping of the definite article takes some adjustment. Alfred Newman put his unique stamp on the music: the Overture offers an example of his luminous divided string sound, the climactic ballroom scene a full bodied orchestral reprise of "Shall We Dance?" as the camera pulls away to a high angle producing an exultant visual finish to this celebrated polka.

On the DVD: To view The King and I in its original format (thanks to this DVD release) is a revelation. Over the years the production values of the film have been compromised through inadequate presentation on television and video. Now the eye can appreciate once more the novelty of the wide-screen process CinemaScope 55 which offers in-depth vision, breathtaking employment of Eastman colour and an enhanced sound system that ensures a well-upholstered backdrop for the sumptuous musical arrangements under conductor Alfred Newman. DVD supplements here include the original theatrical trailer, a Movietone news of the Oscar ceremony of 56-57 and three songs lifted from the movie itself. Marni Nixon overdubbed Deborah Kerr's vocals on screen--those moments where one voice takes over from another are more clearly delineated on the DVD with the result that there is some discrepancy between Kerr's spirited playing and Nixon's over careful (rather) twee enunciation of the lyrics. --Adrian Edwards

Synopsis
A British woman travels to Siam in 1862 to become governess to the King's children. Musical.

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Customer Reviews

12 Reviews
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4 star:
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3 star:    (0)
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Average Customer Review
4.5 out of 5 stars (12 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

 
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars A Musical Masterpiece, 3 Aug 2005
By Alejandra Vernon "artist & illustrator" (Long Beach, California) - See all my reviews
(TOP 50 REVIEWER)   
This review is from: The King And I [DVD] [1956] (DVD)
"The King and I" is one of the greatest works of the American musical theater, a genre Rogers and Hammerstein changed by adding drama and complex characters along with their beautiful music and memorable lyrics. Based on Margaret Landon's classic "Anna and the King of Siam," this filmed adaptation of the Broadway show is exquisite, with a fabulous cast and extraordinary talent behind the camera as well, with the direction of Walter Lang, choreography by Jerome Robbins, and cinematography by Leon Shamroy. The costumes by Irene Sharaff are also a visual feast of lavish, sparkling jewels and silks.

Yul Brynner is magnificent as the King Mongut; his charisma and screen presence is riveting, and he well deserved his Best Actor Oscar. This was his signature role, and he played in on the stage over 4,000 times during his lifetime. Deborah Kerr (who was nominated for Best Actress) is also superb as Anna, the English widow who teaches the king's children. My favorite moment in the film is when Brynner first puts his arm around Kerr's waist, in the "Shall We Dance?" number, and their chemistry together sizzles more than many of the explicit love scenes we see on the screen today. The entire cast is fabulous, with the children captivating, and Rita Moreno a standout as Tuptim, the girl given to the king, but in love with another man.

The ballet that is the entertainment for the banquet guests is fantastic, and danced to perfection. A version of "Uncle Tom's Cabin", the choreography and the effects using fabric are a touch of genius. "The King and I" won 5 of its 9 Oscar nominations (Best Actor, Art Direction, Costume Design, Sound, and Scoring of a Musical), as well as some Golden Globes. Deborah Kerr's singing voice was dubbed by Marni Nixon (who also dubbed in "West Side Story", "My Fair Lady", and more), as was Rita Moreno, dubbed by Leona Gordon.

Also highly recommended is the dramatic 1946 film, "Anna and the King of Siam" with Irene Dunne and Rex Harrison. There was a rather disappointing remake in 1999, a mere shadow of the original, but is probably worth seeing as a comparison in how Landon's book (which is very high on my all time favorite list) has been adapted. It is not unusual for the filmed version of a Broadway production not to include all the original songs, and "The King and I" is no exception. What is included in the film however are some of the most loved melodies and lyrics written for the musical stage, and ones that we keep humming long after the show is over. Total running time is 133 minutes.

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15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Unmissable, 20 Jun 2000
By A Customer
This review is from: The King And I [VHS] [1956] (VHS Tape)
This is, and probably always will be my favourite musical. It is the first musical I saw live on stage, and one of the first movie musicals I saw. I have watched it endless times, Deborah Kerr is excellent as Anna, I can only imagine how she suffered in those costumes under those studio lights. Marni Nixon does all of Miss Kerr's songs, even if you watch carefully you would never know. Yul Brynner's prescence is magnetic as King Mongkut of Siam, and Terri Saunders makes a great Lady Thiang. Carlos Riviera and Rita Moreno turn in fine performances as the starstruck but doomed lovers. One regret is that a couple of songs have been cut from the movie. The one especially missed is the wonderfully clever Shall I Tell You What I Think Of You? This song however features on the movie soundtrack, along with My Lord And Master. Rodgers & Hammerstein's songs are "Something Wonderful" and very hummable! The songs are instantly recognisable - a great family classic.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars based on Margaret Landons novel Anna and the King of Siam, 21 Oct 2005
By bernie "xyzzy" (Arlington, Texas) - See all my reviews
(TOP 50 REVIEWER)      
This review is from: The King and I [DVD] [1956] [Region 1] [US Import] [NTSC] (DVD)
It is the early 1800's and King Mongkut of Siam (Yul Brynner) realizes that a good education is necessary to survive and also paramount for the survival of Siam. So he sends off for a teacher for his many offspring.

His choice a widow Anna Leonowens (Deborah Kerr) and her son Louis Leonowens (Rex Thompson).

King Mongkut does not keep a promise of a separate living quarter for Anna and her son. He also is smug and overbearing. This will lead to several things he did not plan on including a Siam's play version of "Uncle Tom's Cabin" With little Lisa on the ice flows.

Mean while The King's son Prince Chulalongkorn (Patrick Adiarte) seems to be more amenable to leaning the ways of the western world.

Can the king save Siam from the imperialists?
Will Anna be a help?

There was an earlier film version of this story "Anna and the King of Siam" with Irene Dunne and Rex Harrison which has a different feel. The other film does not have the advantage of talent music of Rodgers & Hammerstein.

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Most Recent Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars As charming as remembered
Yes, it's dated - the format with its overture and intermission, some of the hairstyles and acting style; but Yul Brynner's magnetism still catches the breath, the songs are... Read more
Published 2 months ago by B. Boxall

5.0 out of 5 stars Anna Leonowens
Excellent film, far removed from actual story but very entertsining with aweet children. No wonder Anna's heart was moved.
Published 3 months ago by Mrs. P. Hopkins

5.0 out of 5 stars The King & I.
What can i say brilliant film, fantastic singing & the children they are fantastic. What a great film. In my view a must have in anyones dvd collection.
Published on 30 Dec 2005 by S. A. Boswell

4.0 out of 5 stars Siamese culture in the movie
In Siamese collectivistic culture, especially at that time of period (1862), I suppose one of the biggest damaging cultural stereotypes is about Thais having conservative views... Read more
Published on 28 Jul 2004 by Truong Tung

4.0 out of 5 stars Siamese culture in the movie
In Siamese collectivistic culture, especially at that time of period (1862), I suppose one of the biggest damaging cultural stereotypes is about Thais having conservative views... Read more
Published on 27 Jul 2004 by Truong Tung

4.0 out of 5 stars Cultural conflicts in the movie
Firstly, I suppose the portrait of English people in the film of that time is absolutely made true to life. Read more
Published on 27 Jul 2004 by Truong Tung

4.0 out of 5 stars Cultural conflicts in the movie
Firstly, I suppose the portrait of English people in the film of that time is absolutely made true to life. Read more
Published on 27 Jul 2004 by Truong Tung

5.0 out of 5 stars You absorb energy and charm from the film as you watch!
I felt the film was very enjoyable, energetic and moving at the same time. Having seen it several times, I rate it as one of the all time classics in Western cinema.
Published on 9 Mar 2000

4.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful musical to the story of Anna and the King
This is a delightful film to watch and listen to. Beautiful costumes, colour and songs for the perfect Sunday afternoon veiwing. Read more
Published on 14 Feb 2000

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