Swindon's connection to the film of the George Orwell classic
Big Brother watched over Swindon in the mid-eighties, during filming of the classic adaptation of George Orwell's terrifying vision, Nineteen Eighty-Four, starring
Richard Burton (his last-ever film) and John Hurt.
With key scenes being filmed nearby at RAF Hullavington, intrepid Swindonians were recruited as extras.
Off with it!:
an extra gets ready to lose his locks at Talk of the Town in Old Town ready for filming of Nineteen Eighty-Four
Like lambs to the slaughter they were led to Old Town where they had their identities erased and their heads shaved at none other than local hairdressers Talk of the Town.
Sadly, none of the extras were available for interview, through fear of being intercepted by the Thought Police.
60 year anniversary
George Orwell's classic Nineteen Eighty-Four was first published on 09 June 1949 and this week celebrates its 60th anniversary.
1984 picture gallery
courtesy of calyxmultimedia
Filming near Swindon:
Richard Burton (r) taking a break with John Hurt (l)
Talk of the Town
