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
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