Mercury Theatre's "The War of the Worlds"

The War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells is probably the most well-known and one of the earliest depictions of an alien invasion here on Earth, and it has influenced many others, especially several films and television series based on the story.


Upon hearing the radio broadcast of The Mercury Theater, I was bored at first listening to the introductions and the music shows. I paid more attention to it when I heard the news flash saying that there were sightings of strange explosions in Mars. While listening further, I became more interested in the developing events of the newscast and I started enjoying the broadcast. It was so detailed and the descriptions of the aliens were so precise that I could actually imagine what they looked like. There was also a time when I was left breathless in my seat when the reporter, Carl Philips, said that the Martians incinerated curious onlookers with their “Heat Rays.”


If I was one of the listeners back in 1938, I would have thought that the whole broadcast was true. It was so believable especially when you missed or ignored the opening credits, and not to mention the growing tension leading to World War II during that time. The actors were really good and they delivered their lines dramatically especially the part where military forces begin to attack the Martians but are unable to fight them off. There were also sounds heard that was said to be coming from the Martian tripods and the coughing sound of a news reporter that collapses because of the “poison gas.” You also wouldn’t really notice that it was just a show because the statements concerning the fictional nature of the program were broadcasted between long intervals of time and it was always presented as a news flash which was very acceptable even today.


The broadcast ended with the speaker telling the listeners that it was only a Halloween concoction and that it is also the same as dressing up in a sheet and saying “Boo.” This kind of ending made me a little pissed off considering the adrenaline and the suspense that they caused. It was like they were making a fool out of you after making you believe that the world is under attack by aliens.


However, I found it very brilliant and the director really did a great job because even though I know that it wasn’t true the program still got me listening until the end. Truly, The War of the Worlds radio broadcast is one of the most dramatic radio productions in history.






"2X2L calling CQ ... Isn't there anyone on the air? Isn't there anyone on the air? Isn't there ... anyone?"

- The War of the Worlds