Flower Drum Song 1961 N/R, 130 min. Genre: Musical / Comedy / Romance
Director: Henry Koster Cast: Nancy Kwan, James Shigeta, Miyoshi Umeki, Juanita Hall, Benson Fong, Jack Soo, James Hong, Victor Sen Yung, Kam Tong, Reiko Sato, Patrick Adiarte, Soo Yong, Ching Wah Lee, Irene Tsu, George Chakiris
This screen version of the Rogers and Hammerstein Broadway musical provides an entertaining look at San Francisco's Chinatown. Mail-order-bride Mei Li (Miyoshi Umeki) arrives in Chinatown prepared for her arranged marriage to nightclub owner Sammy Fong (Jack Soo). But, Sammy is not interested in the arranged marriage and is in love with Linda Low (Nancy Kwan) who happens to be romantically involved with Wang Ta (James Shigeta). Through comedy and music, lovers are sorted out, and, by story's end, Mei Li and Wang Ta have found romance. Songs include "I Enjoy Being a Girl," "Love Look Away," and "You Are Beautiful."
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The King and I 1956 N/R, 133 min. Genre: Family / Musical / Fantasy
Director: Walter Lang Cast: Deborah Kerr, Yul Brynner, Rita Moreno, Martin Benson, Alan Mowbray, Geoffrey Toone, Terry Saunders, Rex Thompson, Carlos Rivas, Patrick Adiarte, Marni Nixon, Charles Irwin, Jocelyn Lew, Leonard Strong, Stephanie Pond-Smith
This lavish Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, adapted from the stage, has become a classic. It is the story of Anna (Deborah Kerr and singing voice of Marni Nixon) who goes to Siam to teach the King's (Yul Brynner) children. At first, Anna and the King do not get along, but when they perform their dance number to "Shall We Dance?" there is more than a small hint of romance. Brynner won an Oscar for his portrayal of the King. The film won four other Oscars and was nominated for an additional four, including Best Picture, Actress (Kerr), and Director.
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| 1. Flower Drum Song (1961)
2. The King and I (1956)
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