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Orson Welles - War Of The Worlds - Radio Broadcast 1938 - Complete Broadcast.
David Webb
57:03
Overview
This video presents the complete 1938 radio broadcast of Orson Welles' Mercury Theater on the Air's adaptation of H.G. Wells' "The War of the Worlds." The dramatization, presented as a series of news bulletins and live reports, details a fictional Martian invasion of Earth, beginning with mysterious explosions on Mars and culminating in a devastating attack on Earth. The broadcast, structured to mimic a real news program, caused widespread panic among listeners who believed the invasion was actually happening. The narrative follows the unfolding chaos, military responses, and eventual, unexpected end to the invasion, concluding with a reveal that it was a fictional performance for Halloween.
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- •Introduction by Orson Welles and the Mercury Theater on the Air.
- •Setting the premise of intelligent life observing Earth from Mars.
- •Establishing the date: October 30th, 1938, with 32 million people listening to the radio.
- •A brief weather report and a musical interlude.
- •Special bulletin announces explosions on Mars observed by Professor Farrell and Professor Pearson.
- •Spectroscopic analysis indicates gas moving towards Earth.
- •Return to musical interlude, followed by a request for observatories to monitor Mars.
- •Interview with Professor Pearson at Princeton Observatory.
- •Carl Phillips reports from Grover's Mill, New Jersey, describing a fallen object.
- •The object is described as a large cylinder, not resembling a meteor.
- •Eyewitness account from farmer Wilmouh detailing the object's arrival.
- •The cylinder begins to open, revealing strange, tentacled creatures.
- •Martians emerge and unleash a deadly heat ray, causing widespread destruction.
- •Carl Phillips describes the terrifying scene and the creatures' appearance.
- •State Police and militia are deployed, but are overwhelmed by the Martian weapon.
- •Communication is lost from Grover's Mill.
- •Brigadier General Montgomery Smith declares martial law in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
- •Professor Pearson offers a scientific explanation of the Martian 'heat ray'.
- •Reports of additional Martian cylinders landing across the country.
- •Secretary of the Interior addresses the nation, urging calm and unity.
- •Scouting planes report Martian machines advancing towards New York City.
- •Army bombers attempt to engage the Martian machines but are destroyed by the heat ray.
- •A poisonous black smoke spreads from the Jersey marshes, forcing evacuations.
- •The broadcast from New York describes the Martian machines descending on the city.
- •The narrator, presumed to be Professor Pearson, describes the aftermath and his survival.
- •He discovers the Martian machines are lifeless and the invaders are dead.
- •The Martians were killed by common bacteria, to which they had no immunity.
- •The narrator reflects on the fragility of human civilization and the unexpected end to the invasion.
- •Orson Welles breaks character to reveal the broadcast was a fictional Halloween performance.
- •He apologizes for any panic caused and reassures listeners that the world is safe.
- •The broadcast concludes with a final announcement of the program and station.
Key Takeaways
- 1Radio's power as a medium: The broadcast demonstrated its ability to create immersive narratives and influence public perception.
- 2The effectiveness of realistic simulation: Presenting a fictional event as a series of news bulletins created a powerful illusion of reality.
- 3Public susceptibility to fear and misinformation: The widespread panic highlighted how easily people can be swayed by perceived threats.
- 4The importance of critical listening: The event underscored the need for audiences to critically evaluate information, especially during times of crisis.
- 5H.G. Wells' enduring themes: The broadcast brought to life Wells' cautionary tales about humanity's place in the universe and the potential dangers of the unknown.
- 6The power of storytelling: Orson Welles and the Mercury Theater showcased their mastery of dramatic performance and narrative construction.
- 7Halloween's influence: The broadcast's timing on Halloween contributed to its impact, blurring the lines between fiction and reality for some listeners.
- 8The unexpected role of nature: The invasion's end through common bacteria served as a humbling reminder of nature's power over even advanced technology.