This is quite an under-rated gem of a film; depicting a far grittier and more authentic interpretation of the diary of Anna Leonowens than was reflected in the altogether lighter, more joyous "King and I". Rex Harrison rather woodenly portrays King Mongkut as he works to bring 19th century Siam into the modern world; hoping to improve the lives of his people and at the same time ensuring the continued independence of his nation from the marauding colonial powers at large at the time. Irene Dunne captures wonderfully the stoic determination of the widowed Anna trying to bring her son up as a…