[New post] George Orwell’s 1984 (1954 BBC production)

dailypop posted: " Adapted by Nigel Kneale (who would later develop Quatermass and its successors), 1984 was screened 'live' or transmitted as it was performed with a few short film sequences likely allowing for redressing sets. Featuring Peter Cushing as Winston H Smit" Respond to this post by replying above this line New post on The Daily P.O.P. George Orwell’s 1984 (1954 BBC production) by dailypop Adapted by Nigel Kneale (who would later develop Quatermass and its successors), 1984 was screened 'live' or transmitted as it was performed with a few short film sequences likely allowing for redressing sets. Featuring Peter Cushing as Winston H Smith, this is still regarded as the best adaptation of Orwell's novel. Using limited resources and sparse props, furniture, etc, the impact of the story is credited to the actors such as Cushing, who, alongside Donald Pleasence, André Morell and Wilfrid Brambell. In particular, Yvonne Mitchell captures the essence of tragic romance in her portrayal of Julia. Previously, I had only the modern film of 1984 to judge starring Richard Burton and John Hurt. But this feels far more horrifying and touching at the same time. Additionally, the ending is a kick in the stomach rather than a glimmer of hope as seen in the modern reworking of Orwell's vision. The film is in public domain which unfortunately means that there is no deluxe edition complete with a making of documentary, etc. But it is also free for anyone to view (which is kinda ironic considering it is a warning of a totalitarian regime taking over free will entirely). The production was a major stepping stone that taught the BBC they could produce strong science fiction content. This would lead to The Quatermass Experiment, Quatermass II and Quatermass and the Pit through the 1950's along with A for Andromeda in 1961 and eventually Doctor Who in 1963. It's interesting to see how all that got started here. and how simply it was accomplished (with no CGi or lavish budgets). The reception to 1984 was nothing short of explosive, with one viewer claiming it caused premature death (just as the Michael Bay film Armageddon causes me to have stomach trouble). The slow build up of Smith's acceptance of something more only to be crushed like a fragile creature is so beautifully crafted that I can only imagine the paroxysms it caused on that cold December showing at 8 PM back in 1954. If you have the time, make sure to view this as it is well worth a look. dailypop | August 11, 2013 at 12:33 pm | Tags: bbc science fiction, George Orwell's 1984, peter cushing | Categories: Cult SciFi | URL: http://wp.me/p4kUt-4Gd Comment    See all comments Unsubscribe or change your email settings at Manage Subscriptions. Trouble clicking? Copy and paste this URL into your browser: http://dailypop.wordpress.com/2013/08/11/george-orwells-1984-1954-bbc-production/ Thanks for flying with WordPress.com

[New post] DC Nation – Sword of the Atom

dailypop posted: " The Atom is one of several; characters revived as Silver Age science/fantasy heroes alongside Green Lantern, Hawkman and the Flash. Initially a short of stature kid with a chip on his shoulder fighting alongside the rest of the Justice Society of Amer" Respond to this post by replying above this line New post on The Daily P.O.P. DC Nation – Sword of the Atom by dailypop The Atom is one of several; characters revived as Silver Age science/fantasy heroes alongside Green Lantern, Hawkman and the Flash. Initially a short of stature kid with a chip on his shoulder fighting alongside the rest of the Justice Society of America through the second world war, the Silver Age Atom was a size-changing scientist. Back in 1983, DC tried something new by reducing him in size 'permanently,' and set him up as a Conan-meets-McGyver-type protector to a tribe in the Amazon. DC Nation took this up as inspiration behind a series of short cartoons. It's innocent breezy fun and is also based on continuity, so parents cam actually get just as excited as kids. It's so brilliant I wonder why it had not happened earlier. Currently, fans of DC Comics are still reeling from losing Young Justice and are unsure of what to make of Beware the Batman. Likewise, the Atom is nowhere to be seen in the monthly comic books. As a parent, I can see that my son is eager to pick up any new colorful character and while I'm glad that this kind of cartoon exists (even in limited form), I have to wonder why there isn't more of this kind of thing out there? Part 1 Part 3 Part 4 The real tragedy is that my son is a big fan of Robin, a sidekick hero to a younger generation who has become 30 miles of rough road in comics. Damian Wayne was gutted in the pages of Batman Inc., Dick Grayson, the original Robin , is rumored to be on the path of evil, Jason Todd is a gun-toting loon and who knows what to think of Tim Drake's awful Red Robin costume. There are toys out on the shelves of the rest of the JLA (in various iterations of their iconic or New 52 looks) but no sign of Robin. Because that cat is deader than disco. I like these short cartoons, even the goofy Animal Man ones, but there's a part of me that wonders how much more DC could accomplish with more content that is less invested in reaching slasher flick fans or those who need a Batman comic to feature severed heads, chopped off faces, etc. I'm not saying we need to go full out Teen Titans Go! but what about books that are not one step away from a brown paper cover? What kind of cartoons or comics would you like to see come back? dailypop | August 10, 2013 at 11:39 am | Tags: DC Comics, dc nation, Justice League of America, superhero cartoons, sword of the atom | Categories: cartoons, DC Comics | URL: http://wp.me/p4kUt-4G8 Comment    See all comments Unsubscribe or change your email settings at Manage Subscriptions. Trouble clicking? Copy and paste this URL into your browser: http://dailypop.wordpress.com/2013/08/10/dc-nation-sword-of-the-atom/ Thanks for flying with WordPress.com