theclassicmoviemuse Fortunately…I had my Deborah Kerr. She was heaven. She was the perfect Mrs. Anna. She understood Mrs. Anna completely. She understood the relationship between the two. And this is really what made the picture work.”
Yul Brynner
20th Century Fox’s production of The King and I (1956) is a sparkling gem in the crown of Rodgers and Hammerstein musicals. The terrific cast, memorable tunes, and universal message holds an undying appeal that continues to touch generation after generation.
While at first glance one would think the movie belongs to Yul Brynner, after all he has been identified with the king ever since originating the role on Broadway in 1951, and even the title of the film implies this; however, it is the pairing of Brynner with his leading lady, Deborah Kerr, and the chemistry between them that makes the movie truly come alive and take wing.
For us today, it is hard to imagine that Deborah Kerr was not the first choice for the role of the prim and proper English schoolteacher. Vivien Leigh was considered, but because of health issues she was not able to take on the project.
A notorious perfectionist, Yul Brynner was quite pleased with the casting of Kerr after having met and seeing her perform on Broadway in Tea and Sympathy. The two became good friends with a pleasant working relationship. There were even rumors of a romance between the two. Deborah Kerr later remembered,
“It was Yul who was the solid inspiration behind the movie. He knew and loved every line of the story and every note of the music, and it came out so well due to his insistence that this and that had to be done the way he wanted. He could be difficult, but only because he knew he was right.”
Deborah Kerr, as Anna Leonowens, not only beautifully holds the central heart of the film, she holds her own against the larger than life portrayal of Yul Brynner’s King of Siam. Her character is strong, uncompromising, and just as stubborn as the king; but she is also a lady of principle, propriety, and tenderness. She is the catalyst for change, a breath of fresh air in a place that is stale and harsh. All of these nuances come through in her performance making her a force to be reckoned with.
Anna’s differences with the king set off fireworks, both politically and sexually, resulting in one of the greatest and most romantic scenes in cinematic history – the “Shall We Dance” number. The two draw close together and majestically whirl around the dance floor in an unforgettable scene of unspoken joy, love, and desire.
Beneath the spectacle and grandeur of the film is the underlying principle of freedom and equality. Anna encourages the freedom of the Siamese people and the equality of women in every way she can. She supports Tuptim (Rita Moreno) in her desire to be with Lun Tha, and gives her Uncle Tom’s Cabin to read, inspiring her to dream of and believe in her chance of freedom. Anna encourages the people to think for themselves and perhaps most importantly, she inspires Prince Chulalongkorn’s decree that there will no longer be any groveling on the floor before the king, no doubt leading to more modernization for the people in his upcoming reign.
There is much to enjoy in the The King and I. The screenplay is marvelous, the music is delightful, and the sets and costumes are beautiful, but each time I watch it I’m always struck by Deborah Kerr’s brilliant portrayal of a courageous woman who influenced the change of a nation.
This post is my contribution to The Second Deborah Kerr Blogathon hosted by Maddy of Maddy Loves Her Classic Films. Thanks for letting me participate, Maddy! Check out her great blog and the rest of the entries by clicking here!
Thanks for reading and for visiting The Classic Movie Muse!
Your love for this one is evident. This was one of the first musicals I ever saw and fell in love with. I love the culture clash, the costumes, the songs and the sets. While Yul gets the main praise and attention, it is Deborah who makes it all work. The two worked well together. Have you seen their film The Journey? That’s good and both are fab once again. Thanks so much for joining me.
I grew up watching this film and always loved it. It’s so different from all other musicals which makes it so special. I have not seen The Journey but it’s on my list. Thanks for having me!
I agree that while most would consider this a “Yul Brynner” movie, Deborah Kerr is the one who really holds it all together. Great point!
Yes, indeed. I love how Yul Brynner gave her the credit for it as well. He knew it as much as we did. Thanks for reading, J-Dub!
A classic that never gets old. 🙂
I hadn’t seen this in years, before I re-watched it recently, and it was amazing how many of the songs I still had in my head from childhood — among them, “Shall We Dance”? I think the chemistry in this film is utterly unparalleled. Yule and Deborah did have a lot of fire. It’s not a perfect film by any means (the ending is sad!) but is a solid musical and both are memorable. ❤
Hi Charity, yes I agree with you. The chemistry is off the charts in this movie! In my research I read that Yul campaigned to have the ending the way it is. The studio wanted there to be a physical reason for the ultimate end, but Yul wouldn’t have it. I think he was right. Despite it being sad, I don’t see how it could have gone any other way. So glad you enjoy this movie, it is priceless! Thanks so much for reading and leaving a comment. 🙂
I was lucky enough to see this on the big screen a few years ago, and it was STUNNING.
I liked what you said about the chemistry between Brynner and Kerr. Those parts couldn’t have been better cast.
Ohh that sounds dreamy, Ruth! 🙂 Weren’t Brynner and Kerr just perfect together? I can’t wait to see The Journey where they were teamed once again. Thanks for stopping by!