Nineteen Eighty-Four (1953 - NBC)


(4.2 stars; 120 reviews)

The 1953 Theatre Guild on the Air adaptation of George Orwell's novel brings the dystopian world of Winston Smith to life. This gripping performance features Richard Widmark as Winston Smith and Marian Seldes as Julia, with Alan Hewitt in a supporting role.

Broadcast on NBC on April 26, 1953, this adaptation captures the essence of Orwell's chilling narrative, exploring themes of totalitarianism and surveillance.


This recording is part of the Old Time Radio collection.

Chapters

Nineteen Eighty-Four 51:57

Reviews


(3 stars)

This is a very cut down adaptation, and the sounds quality is consistent with the time of the recording of 1953, i.e. not good by today's standards.


(4.5 stars)

Sounds like what 2021 USA could be like.

Powerful but painful


(3 stars)

I wanted to hear this adaptation from 1953, so I struggled to hear the dialog over the incessant static. By the time it finished, my head was ringing. I’m still happy that I got to hear this production, but wish there had been a way tio tone down the noise.


(5 stars)

Felt like I was watching a movie… very easy to follow and relate to in today’s society. It also shows some underlying quality of humans in society and how heavy a task it is to challenge the status quo.


(5 stars)

Frightening and terrifying is this story of the monster of the Age of Aquarius: Totalitarianism! This presentation is excellent. I am overcome with fear!


(4.5 stars)

Might be told very differently from the book but it's the same story and I really like the creepy music.


(1 star)

This audiobook sounds like it was recorded in 1953 with an iPhone next to transistor radio. I understand this is an original but let’s keep the originals for the radio history collectors and share a noice reduced version for online listeners. This was really difficult to listen to.


(2.5 stars)

wish it was the actual reading off the book not a play