1984 (1956)

George Orwell's novel of a totalitarian future society in which a man whose daily work is rewriting history tries to rebel by falling in love.

Director:

Michael Anderson

Writers:

George Orwell (freely adapted from the novel by: "1984"), William Templeton (screenplay),

Stars:

Edmond O'Brien, Michael Redgrave, Jan Sterling

Cast

Cast overview:
Edmond O'Brien	...	Winston Smith
Michael Redgrave	...	O'Connor of the Inner Party
Jan Sterling	...	Julia of the Inner Party
David Kossoff	...	Charrington the Junk Shop Owner
Mervyn Johns	...	Jones
Donald Pleasence	...	R. Parsons
Carol Wolveridge	...	Selina Parsons
Ernest Clark	...	Outer Party Announcer
Patrick Allen	...	Inner Party Official
Ronan O'Casey	...	Rutherford
Michael Ripper	...	Outer Party Orator
Ewen Solon	...	Outer Party Orator
Kenneth Griffith	...	Prisoner

Storyline

In a futuristic, state-run society controlled by "Big Brother" in which love is outlawed, employee of the state Winston Smith falls for Julia, and is tortured and brainwashed for his crime.

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Plot Keywords:

big brother | future | london england | year in title | totalitarianism | 

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Taglines:

Will Ecstasy Be a Crime ...In the Terrifying World of the Future?

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Genres:

Drama | Sci-Fi

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Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

September 1956 (USA)

Also Known As:

Nel duemila non sorge il sole

Company Credits

Production Co:

Columbia Pictures Corporation, Holiday Film Productions Ltd.

Technical Specs

Runtime:

90 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (RCA Sound Recording)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

John Vernon's first TV role.

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Connections

Version of 1984

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Soundtracks

"Symphony No.9 Fourth Movement"
(uncredited)
Music by Ludwig van Beethoven

User Reviews

Powerful and Shattering

I finally was able to see this film, having seen the 1984 version with John Hurt when I was in college. I recall the 1984 version having some good production values, but I remember being disappointed also. This version was well-cast, and the art direction was also competent. Edmund O'Brien turned in a great performance as Winston Smith. I think that he brought a great quality of desperation to the role; which seemed to run contrary to John Hurt's performance. I'm sure there was a lot left out of the book. But I get tired of hearing people moan and groan about the argument of literature vs. cinema. Come on people, film is time-based, and can't digress like novels can. The screenwriter/director mainly extracts plot points, and can't be bothered with too much exposition (unless of course they have a whopping budget!). I've read many criticisms where more skeptical viewers complain that we don't get to know Big Brother's motives, strategy, etc... What?!! It's Big Brother - an enigmatic and probably non-existent despot....you're not supposed to know his whole story! The love affair, although brief, is very empathetic. In lieu of all the paranoia, Big Brother-cheerleading, etc.

• the love between Winston and Julia is a good emotional oasis. Even

though I watched a poor copy of this version, it really did make an impression. One of the few criticisms I have is Room 101. I thought the rat shot/scene was truncated, and could've been dramatized more. That's where the John Hurt version trumps this one.