Written By Ken Hulsey
In my opinion, the broadcast of H.G. Wells' classic novel "War of the Worlds," directed by Orson Welles and his talented Mercury Theater team, is one of the most fascinating moments in human history. It can be challenging for us to understand how this unique radio performance incited widespread panic, with many listeners convinced that Martians were genuinely invading Earth. Yet that’s precisely what happened.
In the late 1930s, radio was the primary source of news for the public. Welles's innovative adaptation of Wells's alien invasion story, presented in a format that closely resembled a real news report, struck a chord with the anxieties of the time—namely, the looming threat of war in Europe potentially extending to American soil. This combination of factors was enough to push what might otherwise have been calm, rational individuals into a frenzy of fear and disbelief.
Orson Welles was just 23 years old when he and the Mercury Theater brought this 19th-century sci-fi story to life for national radio audiences. Despite his youth, Welles was no stranger to radio, having made a name for himself as the voice of "The Shadow" in the hugely popular mystery program of the same name. Interestingly, "War of the Worlds" wasn’t conceived as a radio hoax, and Welles could hardly have anticipated the legendary status the broadcast would achieve.
The show launched on Sunday, October 30, at 8 p.m., during radio's prime time. The opening announcement clearly indicated that listeners were about to enjoy a special presentation: “The Columbia Broadcasting System and its affiliated stations present Orson Welles and the Mercury Theater on the Air in ‘War of the Worlds’ by H.G. Wells.” In 1938, millions of Americans were tuned in; however, many were initially captivated by ventriloquist Edgar Bergen and his charming dummy, Charlie McCarthy, on NBC. It wasn’t until the comedy sketch concluded around 8:12 p.m. that audiences switched over to CBS, just as the Martian invasion story was gaining momentum.
Welles began the broadcast with a captivating spoken introduction, setting the stage for the unfolding drama. Listeners then heard an announcer delivering a weather report. In an intriguing twist, the storyline took a backseat as the announcer transported the audience to “the Meridian Room in the Hotel Park Plaza in downtown New York,” inviting them to enjoy the music of Ramon Raquello and his orchestra. As lively dance music filled the air, it lulled many listeners into a false sense of security—until the eeriness returned.
Suddenly, the music cut off as an announcer urgently interrupted the festivities to reveal that “Professor Farrell of the Mount Jenning Observatory” had observed unexplained explosions occurring on Mars. Just as ominous whispers began to creep back in, the dance music returned, only for yet another interruption to announce that an enormous meteor had crash-landed in a farmer’s field in Grovers Mill, New Jersey.
This chilling blend of fiction and reality, along with the extraordinary presentation style, created a moment that many would never forget, reminding us of the powerful influence radio held during this era.
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