It follows the recently widowed Anna Leonowens (Deborah Kerr), who has traveled to the country of Shim to serve as governess and tutor for the children of King Mongkut of Siam (Yul Brynner).
Back in 1960, Yul Brynner starred in the iconic Western remake of Seven Samurai, The Magnificent Seven. The King and I star had a major say in casting decisions and pushed for Steve McQueen.