1984 (1956)

In a totalitarian future society, Winston Smith, whose daily work is re-writing history, tries to rebel by falling in love.

Director:

Michael Anderson

Writers:

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

Stars:

Edmond O'Brien, Michael Redgrave, Jan Sterling

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Edmond O'Brien	...	Winston Smith of the Outer Party
Michael Redgrave	...	O'Connor of the Inner Party
Jan Sterling	...	Julia of the Outer Party
David Kossoff	...	Charrington the Junk Shop Owner
Mervyn Johns	...	Jones
Donald Pleasence	...	R. Parsons (as Donald Pleasance)
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 (as Kenneth Griffiths)

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:

future | big brother | communist dictatorship | orwellian | dystopia | 

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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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Certificate:

Not Rated

Details

Country:

UK USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

September 1956 (USA)

Also Known As:

1984

Filming Locations:

UK

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

The character played by Michael Redgrave is called "O'Brien" in the original novel, but, as Edmond O'Brien was cast as Winston Smith, the name was changed to "O'Connor" for this film.

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Alternate Versions

There are reportedly two endings to this film. The UK version ends with a defiant Winston Smith and Julia being executed by the authorities. The US version is more faithful to Orwell's book and concludes with Winston and Julia being brainwashed into becoming loyal followers of "Big Brother."

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Connections

Featured in Snap (2011)

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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.