Anna and the King of Siam 1946

In 1862, Anna Owens arrives in Bangkok with her son Louis to serve as a tutor for the children of King Mongkut. Her journey begins with the King sending her an invitation to Siam, promising that she would be granted her own house away from the palace. However, upon her arrival, the Kralahome ([Lee J. Cobb]) informs her that she must initially stay in the harem, which she politely resists, insisting on her right to a separate residence and her desire to establish her school.

The following day, Anna visits the Kralahome’s office to seek an audience with the King so she can clarify the house arrangements and begin her work. When she finally meets King Mongkut ([Rex Harrison]), she quickly learns about the protocol—being expected to prostrate herself before him. Anna, with her strong sense of dignity, explains she will bow as she would to her own Queen, asserting her independence and respect for her traditions. The King, intrigued and somewhat amused, introduces her to his numerous wives and his 67 children. Despite her initial insistence on living outside the palace, the King insists she reside within it, believing it will make her more accessible, and finally concedes to her desire for her own house.

As their relationship develops, Mongkut begins engaging with Anna on a deeper intellectual level, often summoning her in the middle of the night for discussions about the Bible and other scholarly topics. During one such conversation, Anna discovers a chained slave with a baby—L’Ore—belonging to the King’s newest wife, Lady Tuptim ([Linda Darnell]). Tuptim refuses to free L’Ore, despite her husband’s offer to pay, reminding Anna that Siamese law requires slaves to be freed when payment is offered. Torn between her compassion and her respect for local customs, Anna urges the King to intervene, but Tuptim runs away, feeling helpless and trapped.

The King expects visitors from England and asks Anna to prepare some of his wives in European style, using Western decor and utensils, to demonstrate that Siam is a civilized nation. Anna suggests inviting international consuls simultaneously, which results in a successful event blending British, European, and Siamese traditions. This display of cultural harmony helps to dispel some misconceptions about Siam and impress foreign observers.

Trouble escalates when Lady Tuptim is found in a Buddhist temple, disguised as a young man. Her story of running away because she could not endure her confinement and her secret devotion to her former fiancé, Phra Palat ([John Abbott]), is met with disbelief. She had secretly become a novice in the monastery, but her actions are misunderstood as rebellion. Anna pleads for the King’s help, but he feels insulted that she is meddling in private affairs and reacts coldly. Tragically, Tuptim and Phra Palat are sentenced to death and are burned at the stake, a harsh and heartbreaking punishment that leaves Anna devastated.

Growing weary, Anna eventually announces she is leaving, expressing her desire to focus on her work with the children. The royal wives write her a heartfelt letter, begging her to stay, with Lady Thiang ([Gale Sondergaard]) warning that the crown prince might not become a wise ruler if Anna departs. During this emotional period, Louis dies in a riding accident, adding to the somber mood. When the King asks Anna to continue her secretarial duties, she replies that what she truly cares about are the children. She continues to run her school and remain a positive influence in their lives.

Years later, Anna is summoned to the King’s bedside as he lies dying. In their final moments together, he acknowledges her truthfulness and her vital role in shaping the royal family. Expressing his gratitude, the King passes away peacefully. Following his death, the Kralahome asks Anna to stay and help guide the young Prince Chulalongkorn ([Tito Renaldo]) as he prepares to assume the throne. When Chulalongkorn is crowned, his first act is groundbreaking—he abolishes the tradition of prostration to the King, promoting mutual respect between ruler and subjects and fostering unity among his people.

Throughout her time in Siam, Anna Owens’ influence on the royal court, the local customs, and the future of Siam was profound, making her story one of courage, compassion, and respect for different cultures.