The Real Anna and the King


The novel became a bestseller and was made into a 1946 movie starring Irene Dunn and Rex Harrison. The movie was followed by the famous musical in which Yul Brynner played Mongkut, first on Broadway and then in a 1956 film. Today, thanks to the Jodie Foster movie and a 1999 children's cartoon, the story is being enjoyed by new generations.

Historians criticize Anna Leonowens' books as unoriginal and inaccurate, but she was writing to appeal to the audience of her time. The films are banned in Thailand for what is seen as their insulting portrayal of the monarchy, but Leonowens' books are still read there by some for the picture they provide of King Mongkut and his vanished world.

For more information about King Mongkut and royalty in Thailand, visit these sites:

King Mongkut of Siam
His Majesty King Mongkut
Royalty in Thailand

Womens History Month

The copyright of the article The Real Anna and the King in Royal History is owned by Cinderella. Permission to republish The Real Anna and the King in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Go To Page: 1 2

Articles in this Topic    Discussions in this Topic