Summary

A documentary focusing on "1984," George Orwell's novel about an oppressive socialist society ruled by an omniscient tyrant called "Big Brother." Throughout this program, host Walter Cronkite compares Orwell's negative utopia to facets of various modern societies. Highlights include a brief look at past and present dictatorships; a plot summary of "1984"; author Anthony Burgess discussing Orwell's intentions; a historian discussing the Soviet Union's ability to rewrite history; examples of "doublespeak" in use today; a short biography; the use of torture across the globe; and a look at the factors affecting international stability. Includes commercials.