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Picture - A Martian Flying Saucer - by Aranka ACS
The War of the Worlds - A Nation in Fear
On October the 30th,
1938, Radio broadcasts on the east coast of
America were interrupted with an urgent news flash. The Martians had
invaded the world. There had been no warning at all. And, as the
news bulletins increased, it became clear that the Martians were
advancing with speed on New York. And, no one could stop them. The
police and military were helpless. The Martians had weapons and
machinery - the likes of which had never been seen. The Martians
kept coming and coming. Life in New York would soon be a thing of
the past.
Then came the panic.
Thousands of people tried to escape. Soon all major high-ways were
blocked and all the trains full. New York was emptying fast. All
over town was a feeling of fear; and time was running out quickly.
And then, all of a
sudden, came the all-clear. The Martians had amazingly been
defeated. Not by the army, but by millions of microbes. The panic
was over and the people went back to their homes. There was relief.
The danger had passed. New York breathed a sigh of relief.
But, in reality, there
was never any danger at all. All that had happened was a radio play.
The War of the Worlds. And Orson Welles was not only playing the
lead, he was directing as well. And, Orson Welles was good at his
job. His radio theatre company, The Mercury Radio Company on the
Air, was very, very popular. And, so good was Orson Welles's
adaption of H G Wells's novel, War of the Worlds, that many believed
it. Radio, at the time, was a very powerful media and Orson Welles
knew how to use it. All in all, Orson Welles directed and produced
more than 29 radio plays. All adapted from novels.
Later, Orson Welles moved
into film. His most famous parts being Citizen Kane and Harry Lime.
But, Orson Welles was a radio man. He had a wonderful voice. The
same as Oscar Werner and Richard Burton. But, it was The War of the
Worlds that brought Orson Welles fame.
Panic and fear and a
nation in fear.
A Martian Flying Saucer - by Aranka Acs
