Welles, Orson
War Of The Worlds
Rare & Collectible Vinyl Records

Sealed 1968 stereo original. "The War of the Worlds" by Orson Welles is a radio adaptation of H.G. Wells' 1898 science fiction novel of the same name, aired on October 30, 1938, as part of the CBS series "The Mercury Theatre on the Air." Directed and narrated by Welles, the broadcast is infamous for allegedly causing panic among listeners who believed the fictional news bulletins about an ongoing Martian invasion to be real. The program employs a series of simulated news reports to create a sense of immediacy and realism, describing the landing of Martian spacecraft in Grover's Mill, New Jersey, and the ensuing chaos as the alien invaders wreak havoc with their advanced weaponry.

The broadcast's impact was amplified by its format and timing, with many tuning in late and missing the disclaimer at the beginning that clarified it was a dramatic presentation. The realistic depiction of the Martian invasion, complete with on-the-scene reporting and urgent news flashes, blurred the line between fiction and reality for some listeners. Although the extent of the panic has been debated and likely exaggerated over time, "The War of the Worlds" remains a landmark in broadcast history, illustrating the power of media and the influence of mass communication.