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
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The civil and criminal actions lawsuit that came after the accident, during the filming of Twilight Zone, was the result of negligence.
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Researching for a book takes many forms. When it comes to finding unique characters, I love to people-watch. That activity allows me to discover interesting physical characteristics and mannerisms I can use to flesh out some of the people (and animals) who make up the cast of characters.
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It’s hard to forget the 1950s scandal with Eddie Fisher and Elizabeth Taylor, leaving a furious Hedda Hopper, and heartbroken Debbie Reynolds.
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John Callcott Horsley designed the world’s first commercially produced Christmas card for Sir Henry Cole in 1843.
Cole was part of the elite social circle in Victorian England. During the holiday season of 1843, having too many friends caused Cole much anxiety. -
A WRINKLE IN TIME by Madeleine L’Engle published in 1962 by Ariel Books. Genre: Fiction, Science Fantasy
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