The War of The Worlds
70 years ago tonight, Orson Welles and the Mercury Theater broadcast a radio drama of H.G. Wells’ “War of The Worlds”. Shortly after the on-air “announcer” reported that alien tripods were swarming across the countryside killing people with their death ray, utter panic ensued.
Afterward, Welles stated that he hoped everyone would be relieved to hear that “we didn’t mean it”, and that everything was indeed fine and dandy. Certain folks at the FCC were otherwise inclined, and a few new rules were adopted to keep a repeat performance from sending the masses into hysterics.
We find the whole episode intensely interesting from an historical and sociological perspective, and because the resulting alarm and confusion must have been a real hoot for the kids. “Awwright! We’re being invaded!”
In celebration, SB Studios has re-released our 2003 version of the War of The Worlds for your listening enjoyment. Kill the lights, turn the TV off, and turn your imagination on.
[audio:http://www.spookyblue.com/waroftheworlds-spookybluedotcom.mp3]
Spooky Blue’s adaptation of … “The War of The Worlds” by HG Wells
“That grinning, glowing globular invader of your living room is an inhabitant of the punkin patch, and if your doorbell rings and nobody’s there, that was no Martian. It’s Halloween.” ~ Orson Welles
NY Daily News Article & Original Mercury Theater Audio