WOTW-The Novel - Wells & Welles

[Orson&Jazz]

I had picked this up from today's National Post here in Canada. I posted only a few bits that interested me.

Does any Wells that scares well rival Welles?
by Craig Courtice & Chris Knight

Craig: The Orson Welles radio version of The War of the Worlds sparked panic because the audience he broadcast to was not plugged into multimedia. Welles capitalized on this by delivering a dramatic program in the style of a news program. Because they couldn't see the events described, listeners were forced to use their imagination, which can be more terrifying than reality...
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Chris: Actually, when The War of the Worlds was first published in 1898, millions of panicked people stampeded out of reading rooms, libraries and bookstores, unaware that what they had in their hands was a novel. H. G. Wells had to quickly follow up with a pamphlet explaining the misunderstanding...


I didn't know the full history of the novel. But with learning that the novel caused panic when it first came out is very interesting. So maybe it was destined to create havoc again when it was broadcast over the air waves. Or perhaps it is the material itself that brings out the terror in it's audience? Perhaps this novel was the originator of the idea that humans are not alone in this unvierse, thusly creating fear of the unknown by it's readers?

I'll admit, I never knew the history of the novel. But with learning this panic that Wells himself created, I would like to know more. I am gaining new appreciation for the material itself, rather than just the fact that it is associated with Welles.

Any one with any insight to this would be appreciated.

[Wilson]

They're kidding, you know.

[Orson&Jazz]

Damn! You mean it was a hoax and I fell for it? Tricky little devils.

I guess I was just hoping for some exciting link to both Wells and Welles. Because it would have been awesome if both had their little encounters with pandemonium.

It goes to show that some people are just gullible, and can almost believe anything they hear or read.

Damn them again! I should have seen that one coming...

[Lucy]

If I were you, Orson & Jazz, I would delete your last two posts...quick. Thanks for the laughs, though.

[Orson&Jazz]

Nah, I'll leave them on.


Maybe it'll make some one else's day to be able to laugh at me.


Some one should write to the guys at National Post. Let them know that sarcasm doesn't come across in print. Then gullible people (like some one I won't name) won't take it as truth.

[Lucy]

Now you probably have some idea of why so many people wanted to shoot Welles after the broadcast.