Introduction

Turner Network Television and Hallmark Entertainment present a revolutionary achievement in filmmaking. Through the remarkable technological and cinematic feats of Jim Henson's Creature Shop, The Best Movie Studio on Television brings to life one of the most important works of the 20th Century, the TNT Original, ANIMAL FARM. This adaptation of George Orwell's thought-provoking literary masterpiece is one of the most expensive and ambitious films ever created for television, and is destined to be the most important television event of the year.

But why--now that Soviet Communism has fallen and the Cold War is over--does ANIMAL FARM deserve our attention? The answer lies in the power of allegory. Allegorical fables, because they require us to make comparisons and connections, can be meaningful to any reader in any historical period. The story of Animal Farm will always have lessons to teach us about the ways that people abuse power and manipulate others.

Learning about Orwell's life history, the historical context to and themes of his writing, and the powers of allegory helps to explain the enduring power of Animal Farm. Orwell's chilling story of the betrayal of idealism through tyranny and corruption is as fresh and relevant today as when it was first published in 1945.

TNT's ANIMAL FARM rejuvenates Orwell's Cold War tale for the post-Soviet era. It reminds us that the struggle between truth and propaganda, freedom and slavery is an ongoing one.

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