"The noble and triumphant female, an ever-popular figure on the screen...is exalted in the usual plushy manner but under circumstances which make for much appeal in the new picture at the nation's showplace...this film should be vastly attractive to those who respectably delight in the idealized picture of a female whose splendid qualities accomplish worthy ends. For Irene Dunne plays the fabled governess briskly and winsomely, and the whole pattern of her characterization is designed to shower her strength of mind and will...But it is really the performance of Rex Harrison as the king and in the cunning conception of his character that the charm of the picture lies. For this king is a most exceptional person, as was well indicated in the book; he is strangely desirous for enlightenment and for progress, while preserving feudal rules. And his quaintly eccentric nature, his difficult comprehensions of new thought, his pride and his poignant humility supply the humor and appeal in this film. The fact that Mr. Harrison is able to play the role with rare personality and authority while wearing some of the silliest costumes--droopy bloomers, spiked headgears and silken jerkins--manifests the exceptional talent that he has. Casting this excellent British actor for this highly demanding role was most wise of Producer Louis D. Lighton. A more familiar star might well have botched it--good." -- The New York Times

"Socko adult drama. Anna and the King of Siam is a rather faithful screen adaptation of Margaret Landon's biography, intelligently handled to spellbind despite its long footage...Irene Dunne does a superb enactment of Anna...Rex Harrison shines particularly in his American film debut. It's a sustained characterization of the King of Siam that makes the role real. Linda Darnell, third star, has little more than a bit as one of the king's wives, who incurs his displeasure and is burned at the stake. She does well." -- Variety

"Anna and the King of Siam flies in the face of established Hollywood precedent by ignoring Young Love, and proves that a movie can be lively entertainment even if boy doesn't get--or even meet--girl." -- Time magazine

"Sumptuous production...Dunne and Harrison (in his Hollywood debut) are superb." -- Leonard Maltin's Classic Movie Guide

AWARDS AND HONORS

Anna and the King of Siam was nominated for five Academy Awards including Best Art Direction, Best Cinematography, Best Supporting Actress (Gale Sondergaard), Best Musical Score (Bernard Herrmann) and Best Writing, Screenplay (Sally Benson, Talbot Jennings). It won for Best Art Direction and Best Cinematography.

Compiled by Andrea Passafiume