In a holocaustic future world, perpetually at war, where failure to conform is the ultimate crime, Winston Smith (John Hurt) rewrites history books and finds himself dreaming of escape from the all-seeing eyes of the Authorities. He embarks on a passionate (and illegal) affair with a young woman (Suzanna Hamilton) but they are soon caught and Smith undergoes a nightmarish brainwashing at the hands of the chief inquisitor O'Brien (Richard Burton).