Anna and the King of Siam parents guide

Anna and the King of Siam Parent Guide

Overall B

When a young widow (Irene Dunne) is hired as a governess for the family of the King of Siam (Rex Harrison), she teaches them more than just English. In return, they help her see beyond their cultural differences.

Release date June 20, 1946

Violence B
Sexual Content B
Profanity A
Substance Use A-

Why is Anna and the King of Siam rated Not Rated? The MPAA rated Anna and the King of Siam Not Rated

Run Time: 128 minutes

Parent Movie Review

Few stories have captured popular imagination like the recounting of Anna Leonowen’s experiences as governess to the King of Siam’s children. First written as a personal account, her time with the royal family has been the subject of novels, a Broadway play and several movies besides this one, such as Anna and the King (1999), The King and I (the 1956 Rodgers & Hammerstein musical), and an animated The King and I (1999).

In this 1946 telling, the widow (Irene Dunne) sets sail for Siam in the 1860s, arriving in the “still half barbaric” country with her son Louis (Richard Lyon) and superior attitude in tow. Initial introductions with Prime Minister Kralahome (Lee J. Cobb) come off badly, leaving both parties feeling snubbed by the rudeness of the other. Cultural ignorance continues to plague the new employee’s interactions with the court, in everything from accommodations to student discipline.

Still, that doesn’t stop the stubborn educator from matching wills with the revered monarch (Rex Harrison). Her persistent tactics include subtle nagging about having a house of her own, pleading against the ill-treatment of slaves, chiding over uncivilized behaviors, passionate outbursts regarding the miscarriage of justice—etc, etc, etc.

Meanwhile, the equally headstrong ruler does his best to ignore or resist her suggestions. His purpose for hiring the British teacher may have been to improve his household’s understanding of the English language and his country’s status among the European nations, but he isn’t prepared to abandon one thousand years of tradition - or take counsel from a woman! Surprisingly, their frequent power struggles result in the two opponents developing a mutual respect.

When released in 1946, Anna and the King of Siam was banned in Thailand (the modern name for the ancient country.) And no wonder. Even though Hollywood audiences found little objectionable (with the possible exceptions of a burning at the stake, a bare back wounded by a whip lashing, the depiction of a polygamous family, and some slightly-revealing native costumes), the portrayal of a motherly Anna arrogantly advising a childlike King Mongkut was offensive to many Thai citizens.

There is no question the script takes the opportunity to champion western ideals like democracy and freedom, with a feminist sense of equality. The bias is even quietly underscored by the casting choices -leading man Rex Harrison is English, while the actors playing the parts of Kralahome (Lee J. Cobb), Lady Thiang (Gail Sondergaard) and Tuptim (Linda Darnell) are Americans with no Asian heritage.

So why have so many people been enthralled by this tale? Perhaps because they have seen it as just that: a more-fiction-than-fact version of Anna Leonowen’s life. With such a perspective, the movie can be enjoyed for what it really is - entertainment.

Starring Rex Harrison, Irene Dunne. Running time: 128 minutes. Theatrical release June 20, 1946. Updated

Anna and the King of Siam Parents' Guide

In what ways do European values and western ideals take the stage in this movie? Why does the bias of the creator sometime get communicated through his/her work? Can you think of other examples of this in film or literature?

King Mongkut wrestles between modernizing his country and hanging on to old traditions. What things did he risk by trying to move with the changing times? What valuable things might he lose by giving way to progress? How do you balance such battles in your life?

Home Video

The most recent home video release of Anna and the King of Siam movie is May 23, 2005. Here are some details…

DVD Release Date: May 24, 2005
Fox Home Entertainment presents this tuneless version of Anna Leonowen’s tale, which was put to film before Rodgers & Hammerstein penned their famous musical. The DVD release includes the Fox Movietone News: Gala Hollywood Premiere, and an A&E episode of Biography titled, Anna and the King - The Real Story of Anna Leonowen. Fans of this story, familiar with the various screen and written accounts, will appreciate this in-depth look at the woman behind the legend. And although it proves you can’t believe everything you see or read, it will still give you a great appreciation for this remarkable, self-made lady. Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono audio tracks are available in English and Spanish, with subtitles in English and Spanish.

Related home video titles:

Pocahontas is the tale of another woman whose legend has over shadowed her reality. It is interesting to contrast the various film versions of Mrs. Leonowen’s experiences in Siam. In the King and I (1956), actress Deborah Kerr puts a romantic spin on her relationship with the monarch, played by Yul Brynner, when she asks, “Shall We Dance?” The more-serious remake of Anna and the King in 1999 allows Yun-Fat Chow to present a more intelligent and political savvy ruler, while Jodi Foster lets her character fall prey to her imperfect pride.