The King and I, Whistle a Happy Tune

'The King and I' is pure entertainment, a musical film full of wonderful songs and memorable dancing. It was made in 1956 and stars Yul Brynner, Deborah Kerr and Rita Moreno. It is based on Rodgers and Hammerstein's 1951 smash Broadway musical hit of the same name, which, in turn, is based on Margaret Landon's book "Anna and the King of Siam".

Yul Brynner and Deborah Kerr

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The movie won five Oscars out of  nine nominations and is still regarded as the best of the Rodgers and Hammerstein musicals - quite an accolade.

Four songs fronm the movie stand on their own  out as standards: "Getting to Know You", "Whistle a Happy Tune", "Hello, Young Lovers" and "Shall We Dance".

The film was the making of Yul Brynner, who had previously been a relatively unknown actor. He took the unusual career step of shaving his head and he gave a magnificent performance in a difficult role. He then gave the impression of basking in the glory of that one role for the rest of his career! Deborah Kerr was already a well known and very accomplished actress who had given many superb performances in  films such as 'From Here to Eternity', also rose to the occasion again in this one. Rita Moreno is exceptionally beautiful as well as a superb actress, and gave a remarkable performance as the runaway slave.

Its a lovely movie. It'll make you feel good. Don't miss it!

Read more about 'The King and I' at Hollywood's Golden Age.com