War of the Worlds

On October 30, 1938, a seemingly innocuous Sunday evening radio broadcast sparked nationwide panic, forever etching the name Orson Welles into the annals of broadcasting history. The program? A dramatic retelling of H.G. Wells’ classic sci-fi novel, “The War of the Worlds”. The result? A profound testament to the power of media, the nature of human psychology, and the unpredictability of public response.

The hour-long broadcast, aired on the CBS Radio Network, was a product of the Mercury Theatre on the Air, a series co-created by Welles. Intentionally designed as a faux news bulletin, the program interwove chilling narration with scripted ‘news updates’, detailing a Martian invasion of Earth. With adept sound effects and earnest performances, the show’s format eschewed conventional introductions or breaks, making it distressingly real for many tuning in.

While the precise number of listeners remains debated, estimates suggest that up to 6 million Americans may have heard the broadcast, with many believing that what they heard was live news, not a dramatized performance.

Mass hysteria gripped segments of the populace. Families fled their homes, jamming highways. People beseeched police for protective measures against the Martians. Some even claimed to smell poisonous gas or see flashes in the sky. Yet, it’s essential to note that not *all* listeners were fooled or panicked, with many tuning in late or missing the opening disclaimer.

In the wake of the broadcast, CBS was inundated with calls, both of outrage and praise. Many were angered by the deception, feeling toyed with or duped. Others admired the innovative nature of the program and its raw emotional power.

Newspapers, sensing a salacious story, amplified tales of panic, further perpetuating the broadcast’s infamy. Some saw it as an indictment of radio’s unchecked influence, while others leveraged it to deride the gullibility of the masses. The government also took note. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) investigated the incident but ultimately did not penalize CBS or Welles, partly due to First Amendment considerations.

The day after, a visibly shaken Welles faced reporters, expressing regret and surprise at the unintended fallout. While he maintained the show was mere entertainment, many believe the incident catapulted his career, eventually paving the way for cinematic masterpieces like “Citizen Kane”.

Eighty-five years on, the “War of the Worlds” broadcast serves as a cautionary tale about the power of media and the responsibilities of its creators. It has inspired numerous retellings, adaptations, and academic studies. Its legacy is a testament to the enduring power of storytelling and the thin line between fiction and perceived reality.

While the panic of that fateful night has long since subsided, the echoes of Orson Welles’ broadcast still resonate, reminding us of a time when Martians ‘invaded’ and the world, for a brief moment, was turned on its head.