Classic Television - Prime Time

Anna and the King

Original channel

CBS

Original run

September 17, 1972 – December 31, 1972

Starring

Yul Brynner

Samantha Eggar

Anna and the King is a short-lived sitcom broadcast in the United States by CBS as part of its 1972 fall lineup.

Anna and the King is a non-musical adaptation of the 1956 film of Rodgers and Hammerstein's The King and I, which was in turn based on the novel Anna and the King of Siam by Margaret Landon. Unlike the majority of attempts to turn hit films into television series, Anna and the King featured the original film's star, Yul Brynner, who was probably more identified with that role than any other that he ever played.

The plot, like that of the musical, involved the king's bringing to Siam of a British governess, Anna Owens (portrayed here by Samantha Eggar), to educate his 12 year old son and heir, Crown Prince Chulalongkorn (Brian Tochi). As time goes on, the two develop a platonic infatuation with each other, despite the low status of women in Siamese society, which appalls Anna, as does the king's related practice of polygamy. Also appearing regularly was a member of the royal household, Kralahome (Keye Luke).

While the musical, both film and stage versions, was a tremendous worldwide success (Brynner was still touring in the stage version until just before his death), this series was cancelled at midseason.