Brown Bag Lecture: A Look Behind Orson Welles’ “War of the Worlds” Broadcast

On the eve of Halloween 1938, a young actor/director broadcast a radio drama based on a 40-year-old novel: “The War of the Worlds.” While the original broadcast had a relatively low audience, the impact it had and continues to have on American culture is staggering. But how much of that impact was reality, and how much has been exaggerated over the years? Were there riots in the streets from panicked listeners, or did most of the audience simply enjoy a well-done piece of theatre? Did Orson Wells know he would frighten listeners, or was this an unintended accident? *Register

This program is being held virtually via Zoom. Please register through Zoom directly: A Look Behind Orson Welles' "War of the Worlds" Broadcast.