As television did not begin in Australia until September 1956, a radio version was broadcast on 2UE as part of the Lux Radio Theater series, which was released at 8pm each Sunday. To play Winston Smith, Orwell's fatalistic rebel, the producers tapped Vincent Price, who flew to Sydney (courtesy of Pan American Airways) to record what was billed as "the radio event of the year. At this time, Vincent was about to begin work on The Ten Commandments, while his latest film, The Mad Magician, was screened in Australian cinemas.
Produced by Sterling MacAvoy and directed by Paul Jacklin, Nineteen Eighty-Four, adapted by Morris West, was hosted by Eric Pearce. The recording took place at the 2GZ Orange Auditorium in Hosking Place, Sydney. The cast included Margo Lee (as Julia), Alexander Archdale (as Charrington), Lionel Stephens (O'Brien), Guy Dulman (as Parsons), and David Netheim (as narrator). Also present were Dorothea Dunstain, Gordon Chayter, Rupert Chance, Maurie Powell, Leonard Bullan and Allan Herbert. This rare recording includes the original advertisements and an interview with Vincent following the tragedy.
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