Most historians believe “The King and I” is largely inaccurate, and we’re not just talking about the snappy tunes.
It is true that Anna Leonowens was the teacher to the King of Siam’s wives and children.
Fortunately, for readers and moviegoers, the King’s son didn’t invite Leonowens back to Siam when he took over the throne, so she made a new life as a writer.
Her stories were compelling and exotic to English readers, and they sold well. The country of Thailand, however, was offended because of their inaccuracy and lack of respect for their monarchy.
The books, movies, play, and the short-lived TV show, all based on Leonowens’ personal accounts, are still banned there.
Related Posts
-
What was the name of the King of Siam from the book and movie “The King and I”?
The King's name in the book and movie "The King and I" was King Mongkut of Siam, also known as Rama IV. King Mongkut was born on 18 October, 1804, and was the…
-
Which of the Puerto Rican characters in the movie West Side Story were actually Puerto Ricans?
Only one of the Puerto Rican characters in the movie West Side Story were actually Puerto Ricans, Rita Moreno, who played the fiery Anita in the 1961 movie. Natalie Wood, who played the…
-
How do movie studios determine the profit of a Hollywood movie?
In the movie business, as in every other industry, profit equals gross revenue minus costs. For movies, the biggest money maker is box office ticket sales. Additional income is derived from video sales…
-
Who wrote the book Chitty Chitty Bang Bang which was also a movie?
Ian Fleming wrote the book Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. The movie, which was also called Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, was a 1968 feature film based on the book. You may know Ian Fleming…
-
Where does the word “book” come from and What does book mean?
In Rome, the inner bark of certain trees furnished the material that was used for paper. This inner bark was called liber, a word that furnishes us the root of "library." In England,…
-
Is it true that King Louis XIV of France never bathed?
That's slander and a damnable lie that the king never bathed. Historians tell us King Louis XIV of France bathed once a year, whether he needed it or not. The Sun King probably…
