Although he started out as an actor, in 1944 Yul Brynner became a director for the then new, CBS, appearing in some shows. In 1950 at the urging of actress, Mary Martin, he auditioned for Rodgers and Hammerstein’s new musical in New York. He recalled that, as he was finding success as a director on television, he was reluctant to go back on the stage. Once he read the script, however, he was fascinated by the character of the King and was eager to perform in the project. His role as King Mongkut

Join us tonight for an evening of some Rodgers & Hammerstein classics, starting with THE KING AND I ('56) at 8p ET. Yul Brynner had full script approval for the film adding specific details to several aspects of the story, and received an Oscar for his performance. | Turner Classic Movies: TCM

The King and I 1956 Trailer In this film adaptation of the Rodgers & Hammerstein musical, widowed Welsh mother Anna Leonowens (Deborah Kerr) becomes a governess and English tutor to the wives and many children of the stubborn King Mongkut of Siam (Yul Brynner). Anna and the king have a clash of personalities as she works to teach the royal family about the English language, customs and etiquette, and rushes to prepare a party for a group of European diplomats who must change their opinions about