This TV series was theoretically based on "Anna and the King of Siam" rather than the musical "The King and I." Very little music, and the already-ill Yul Brynner trying to limit his screen time as much as possible. Actually, in the tone and attitude, it could have been a remake of "Family Affair," with its slowness, its deliberate moralizing, and Keye Luke playing a prime minister the way Sebastian Cabot played Mr. French. At a time when "M*A*S*H" was redefining TV comedy and drama, and showing Asians as fully-rounded individuals of all types, this show seemed to have fallen through a time warp from the late 50's.
Review of Anna and the King
