When Orsen Welles scripted the War of the Worlds broadcast, based on the novel by H.G. Wells, about a Martian invasion of Earth, we wonder if he knew what he was doing and intentionally scared the hell out of people.
Back in 1938 when this broadcast occurred, TV wasn't yet invented and ALL Americans listened to the radio for news and entertainment. The WotW's program mixed both in such a way, that the news segment was thought to be real. People thought that Martians had landed in the garden spot of Earth - Grover's Mill, New Jersey.
His format deviated from the norm as far as it didn't deviate from the norm! People had NEVER EVER heard a FAKE news broadcast. It wasn't presented as entertainment, per se. Up front there was a brief reference to a later year, however late comers to the broadcast thought, rightfully so, that they were listening to a genuine newscast. How would they have been able to differentiate? It's not like everyone that was listening was an idiot, incapable of discerning the truth.
The best/worst part? The local population abandoned Grover's Mill by the hundreds, scared to death, while others flocked there in droves creating a scene not unlike what was described on air - screaming masses and flashing police lights. It seemed real both on the radio and in person!
It made Welles famous.
Back in 1938 when this broadcast occurred, TV wasn't yet invented and ALL Americans listened to the radio for news and entertainment. The WotW's program mixed both in such a way, that the news segment was thought to be real. People thought that Martians had landed in the garden spot of Earth - Grover's Mill, New Jersey.
His format deviated from the norm as far as it didn't deviate from the norm! People had NEVER EVER heard a FAKE news broadcast. It wasn't presented as entertainment, per se. Up front there was a brief reference to a later year, however late comers to the broadcast thought, rightfully so, that they were listening to a genuine newscast. How would they have been able to differentiate? It's not like everyone that was listening was an idiot, incapable of discerning the truth.
The best/worst part? The local population abandoned Grover's Mill by the hundreds, scared to death, while others flocked there in droves creating a scene not unlike what was described on air - screaming masses and flashing police lights. It seemed real both on the radio and in person!
It made Welles famous.
The opening of the broadcast...
I must say "WELLE DONe "
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