The greatest TV adaptations 

The Telegraph

1984 (1953, BBC)

Television’s capacity to deliver a shocking message directly into people’s homes was made evident in this early adaptation of George Orwell’s dystopian novel, shot just four years after its publication. Written by Quatermass creator Nigel Kneale, it was hugely controversial because of its depiction of the torture of its hero Winston Smith. Although the brutality was not shown directly, audiences were so shocked that MPs publicly spoke out against the drama. A repeat shown four days after the first broadcast was watched by the largest audience since the Coronation.