This charming drama about a most unconventional Asian king and the British woman he hires to run a school for his wives and many children is based on the real-life memoirs of Anna Leonowens and her experiences in Siam.

Novelized by Margaret Landon, this is the story of the "exasperating" Anna (Irene Dunne) caught in the excesses of the royal court of King Mongkut of Siam (Rex Harrison). His heart is torn between tradition and the wish to be scientifically modern. Her heart is deeply affected by the exuberant king and his exotic children.