1 minute read
RETURN ENGAGEMENT
Royal
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PERFORMANCE
THE KING AND I screens as part of Cineplex’s Classic Film Series on June 14th, 17th and 22nd. Go to Cineplex.com/Events for times and locations.
t simply had to be Yul Brynner. When it came to casting the role of the imperious King of Siam in the film version of the hit Broadway musical The King and I, 20th Century Fox wanted only the Russianborn Brynner, who had originated the role on stage and performed it more than 1,000 times. But Brynner played hardball, holding out until he got script and cast approval, and a percentage of the movie’s profits.
It was worth the trouble as the dominating image of the bald-headed, hand-on-hips Brynner is what comes to mind when we think of the film.
Set in 1862 Siam (Thailand), the story focuses on the friendship that develops between the King and the strong-willed English schoolteacher (Deborah Kerr) who tutors his many children and wives. Brynner’s performance won the Oscar for Best Actor and launched his film career. —INGRID RANDOJA
