A Look Behind Orson Welles’ War of the Worlds Broadcast

Get into the Halloween spirit with A Look Behind Orson Welles’ War of the Worlds Broadcast, a lecture at the Elmhurst Public Library on Oct. 5, 2021, at 7 p.m. This in-person and virtual presentation will examine the details behind the radio program that terrified the United States 83 years ago. At McGrath Elmhurst Toyota, we think this event sounds like a fun way to spend an October evening. We hope you have the opportunity to attend.

On Halloween eve 1938, The Mercury Theatre on the Air broadcast an adaptation of H.G. Wells’ “The War of the Worlds” over the CBS Radio Network. The program, directed by Orson Welles, converted the novel’s storyline into a series of mock news reports describing an alien invasion in a small New Jersey town. Some people listening to the broadcast mistook the reports for an actual event and contacted authorities in a panic. As a result, many newspapers claimed the program caused nationwide hysteria. However, experts believe those claims may have been exaggerated. Welles apologized after facing intense media scrutiny the morning after the broadcast. He went on to become a legendary Hollywood actor and director.

A Look Behind Orson Welles’ War of the Worlds Broadcast will explore how this infamous event influenced American culture. It will also consider whether Orson Welles intentionally frightened his listeners and whether the media overemphasized reports of widespread panic. This lecture will be a creepy way to kick off the Halloween season.

Date and Time:
A Look Behind Orson Welles’ War of the Worlds Broadcast takes place on Oct. 5, 2021, at 7 p.m.

Location:
Elmhurst Public Library
Large Meeting Room
125 S. Prospect Avenue
Elmhurst, IL 60126

Admission:
Free. You can attend this event virtually on Zoom or in person. Register at https://tinyurl.com/hs243zz7 to attend on Zoom or at https://tinyurl.com/3kktx67b to attend in person.

For More Information:
Contact [email protected] or call 630-279-8696.