On October 30, 1938, Orson Welles and his Mercury Theatre on the Air broadcast a radio adaptation of H.G. Wells' novel "The War of the Worlds." The broadcast, which was presented as a series of simulated news bulletins, caused panic among some listeners who believed that an actual Martian invasion was occurring.
The broadcast began with an introduction explaining that it was a dramatic performance, but many listeners tuned in after the disclaimer and believed the events described were real. The story unfolded with increasingly urgent news bulletins interrupting a musical program, describing a meteor landing in Grover's Mill, New Jersey, and the emergence of Martian creatures armed with deadly heat rays.
As the broadcast progressed, the Martian invasion spread across the United States, with reports of destruction and the failure of the military to stop the extraterrestrial threat. Some listeners panicked, flooding police stations and newspaper offices with calls, while others fled their homes or gathered in churches to pray.
The next day, Orson Welles held a press conference, expressing his surprise and regret at the reaction to the broadcast. The event made Welles an instant celebrity and demonstrated the power of radio as a medium to influence public opinion and emotions.
The "War of the Worlds" broadcast remains a landmark event in radio history and a cautionary tale about the blurring of lines between fiction and reality in mass media. It also cemented Orson Welles' reputation as a innovative and provocative storyteller, paving the way for his future successes in theater, radio, and film, including his iconic 1941 film, "Citizen Kane."
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