As an excellent link was provided earlier to an article on the late great Peter Cushing and his deep association with toy soldiers and gaming, and so many people responded to it emphasizing their admiration, and even affection, for this accomplished actor, I feel obliged to share this YouTube link
This is a YouTube copy of the 1954 LIVE broadcast of a teleplay version of Orwell's classic--and now all-too-timely--"1984." It runs about an hour and 47 minutes and, naturally, is a b&w kinescope, not in the best condition, but perfectly viewable with good sound.
Cushing plays Winston Smith, and is supported such great character actors as Andre Morell (a fellow alumni at Hammer Films), and the great Donald Pleasance at the youngest I've ever seen him (but he's still bald!).
I found this only a couple of days ago, and as a "fan(?)" of the book, I can say it is easily the best production of the book regarding content and theme. Both of the movie versions have merit--the last with Richard Burton and John Hurt being particularly "visual"--but THIS is the one for the for the serious viewer.
Cushing's performance--not surprisingly--is especially good: His terror of rats in the trysting place is particularly convincing, along with the consequences.
You won't see much flash or evidence of a budget here, but that might actually be a plus.
Cannot more highly recommend this, and if only for fans of Mr. Cushing, this should not be missed.
TVAG
