Our latest book, GAME TOWN, begins with the 1957 Emmy Awards celebration and ends with the Academy Awards ceremony, I had to research the winners of both. Talk about a waltz down memory lane!! The King and I was the most nominated of all the movies released during the year of 1956. Then, of course, I just had to check out the history of the movie. I was so enlightened by its background I thought I would share it with you.
The King and I, a musical film by 20th Century Fox was released in 1956. The screenplay by Ernest Lehman was based on the 1951 Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II musical of the same name. This popular musical was based on the 1944 novel by Margaret Landon titled Anna and the King of Siam. Ms. Landon based her novel on Anna Leonowens’ published memoirs, The English Governess at the Siamese Court. The film starred Yul Brynner and Deborah Kerr.
While the musical was written for Gertrude Lawrence, she was diagnosed with cancer while playing the role on Broadway and died before the show ended. After Ms. Lawrence’s death, both Dinah Shore and Maureen O’Hara were considered for the movie role of Anna. Deborah Kerr was ultimately casted as Anna at the recommendation of Yul Brynner. However, her voice was dubbed by Marni Nixon.
The movie was success with both critics and the public. The King and I received 9 Academy Awards Nominations and won 5 of them.
Winners
Best Actor in a Leading Role – Yul Brynner
Best Art Direction – Set Decoration, Color – John DeCuir, Lyle R. Wheeler, Walter M. Scott, Paul S. Fox
Best Costume Design, Color – Irene Sharaff
Best Music, Scoring of a Musical Picture – Alfred Newman and Ken Darby
Sound Recording – Carlton W. Faulkner; 20th Century Fox Sound Department
Nominated
Best Picture of the Year – Charles Brackett
Best Actress in a Leading Role – Deborah Kerr
Best Director – Walter Lang
Best Cinematography, Color – Leon Shamroy
Here is a clip of the song GETTING TO KNOW YOU. Enjoy!
Some images from The King and I
-
I thought it would be fun to look back at the popular toys given for the holidays during the 1960s. This research brought back a flood of memories as both receiving them for gifts and buying them for the younger ones in my family. Hope you enjoy this walk down memory lane, also.
-
In the 1950s, Spade Cooley was a beloved national treasure and one of the greatest stars of Western swing. But he soon became famous for something very different when he suspected his wife of having an affair and beat her to death.
-
Our latest book, GAME TOWN, begins with the 1957 Emmy Awards celebration and ends with the Academy Awards ceremony, I had to research the winners of both. Talk about a waltz down memory lane!! The King and I was the most nominated of all the movies released during the year of 1956. Then, of course, I […]
-
The genre of novels that seems to endure are the spy thrillers and stories of behind-the-scenes government scandals. Here are some very interesting and I’d even say, “watershed” novels about the cold war that have colored our vision of the past and the future. After researching some, I’ve made a list of just a few of the more influential titles and included a short synopsis of each:
-
Partners in Crime, Janet Elizabeth Lynn and Will Zeilinger write the Skylar Drake Mysteries, hard-boiled detective stories set in the 1950s.
Featured Books
RESCUED BY A RANCHER
What Happens When A Texas Sweetheart Is Born With A Silver Spoon? She Stirs Up Trouble In Hope Valley!
More info →
TOVA’S DRAGON
A warrior maid & a hot dragonshifter set out to save the kingdom; together they can prevail, but at what cost?
More info → 
