Countdown to ‘The War of the Worlds’ radio broadcast at 75

September 24, 2013
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By RAY KELLY

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October 30 marks the 75th anniversary of Orson Welles and the Mercury Theatre On the Air’s performance of the H.G. Wells’ sci-fi classic “The War of the Worlds” on CBS radio.

With Nazi Germany’s annexation of part of Czechoslovakia still fresh in the minds of a jittery public, Welles’ use of faux news bulletins convinced many listeners that Martians had invaded.

Wellesnet is pleased to announce that David Acord, author of the eBook “When Mars Attacked: Orson Welles, The War of the Worlds and the Radio Broadcast That Changed America Forever,” has graciously agreed to share his thoughts on the infamous October 30, 1938 broadcast in a four-part series appearing here on October 6, 13, 20 and 27.

These four upcoming articles will add to Wellesnet’s already impressive library. Here are several offerings from the Wellesnet archives:

  • Wellesnet member Glenn Anders recalls the original 1938 broadcast.
  • Orson Welles’ Halloween press conference; Radio Guide magazine, 1938.
  • Orson Welles Sketchbook: The Martian Invasion (transcript)
  • National Archives: The FCC and ‘The War of the Worlds’ radio broadcast.
  • Norman Corwin on ‘The War of the Worlds’.
  • ‘The War of the Worlds” recalled on 70th anniversary.
  • Video: AT&T operators remember ‘The War of the Worlds’ radio broadcast.
  • Listen to the original broadcast on the Wellesnet radio page.

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    Discuss “The War of the Worlds” at the Wellesnet Message Board.


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