Is the world ready for a superhero King of Siam?

That's what it's getting with this animated "The King and I," a kiddified version of the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical that plays like an above-average Saturday-morning TV show -- faint praise indeed, but that's the audience the film is aiming for.

"The King and I" is based on the true story of Anna Leonowens (voiced by Miranda Richardson), a 19th-century British schoolteacher hired to instruct the children of the King of Siam (the voice of Martin Vidnovic, who served as understudy to Yul Brynner, the quintessential king).

Anna finds a palace ruled by a stern monarch who feels wedded to the traditions of his country, but who also wants to introduce Siam to modern ways -- a dichotomy that elicits plenty of sparks between the king and Anna, who rarely hesitates to speak her modern British mind.

To make the story more accessible to children, the filmmakers have changed several key components. Tuptim, the slave sent from Burma as a gift to the king, now falls in love with the crown prince -- setting up a father-son conflict that makes the film's super-heroics (a hot-air balloon rescue!) necessary. There's an evil sorcerer, the Kralahome (Ian Richardson), and his portly manservant Master Little (Darrell Hammond of "Saturday Night Live").

And, of course, there are funny animals: Moonshee, a mischievous monkey; Rama, a black leopard who serves as the king's watchdog; and an elephant, Tusker.

All of this will make musical purists cringe. Indeed, some of the wonderful music is upstaged by the animation surrounding it, especially "I Whistle a Happy Tune," sung during a vicious rainstorm accompanied by snarling dragons, and "Getting to Know You," during which Anna and the royal children cavort through the streets of the city.

Still, as an effort to make films parents can enjoy with their children, "The King and I" is a decent try -- the sort of thing Rodgers and Hammerstein would have come up with had they adapted an episode of "Johnny Quest." The idea may make adults gag, but kids may react more favorably.

'The King and I'

Directed by Richard Rich

Released by Warner Bros.

Rated G

Running time 87 minutes

Sun score * *

Pub Date: 3/19/99