From the NBC University Theatre, a first radio production of the most challenging novel

of 1949, George Orwell's 1984, our star, Mr. David Niven.

Here with a disturbing broadcast, a dramatization by Milton Wayne of George Orwell's 1984.

Mr. Orwell has projected the totalitarian techniques abroad in the world today to their terrible extreme.

The plight of the individual in this world we leave you to assess for yourselves as you listen to the story of Mr. Winston Smith,

portrayed today by the internationally known British actor, David Niven.

At the intermission, we will bring you a commentary on Mr. Orwell's writing by another distinguished author, Mr. James Hilton.

Here then is David Niven in George Orwell's 1984.

The clocks of London are striking 13. On this cold April day, you will hurry to escape the vile wind.

You will slip quickly through the glass doors of victory mansions, though not quickly enough to prevent a swirl of gritty dust from entering along with you.

The hallways swells of boiled cabbage and old rag mats. At one end of it an enormous colored poster with a man's face small and three feet wide.

The face, a ruggedly handsome 45 with a heavy black mustache.

Big brother is watching you.

What's that? Oh, now need to jump like that, Mr. Smither. I was just reading off what it says on that poster.

Oh, of course.

Seven flights up your flat. It's slow going for you, Winston Smith.

Frail and underweight and 39 and tormented by a varicose ulcer above your right ankle.

You have to rest several times on the way. On each landing the poster with the enormous face looks down on you.

And the eyes follow you.

Big brother is watching you.

Everywhere, from every wall, from every building.

Big brother is watching you.

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