85 years ago tonight, on October 30, 1938, the CBS radio network broadcast the Mercury Theatre's adaptation of H.G. Wells' #WarOfTheWorlds, adapted by Howard Koch and starring Orson Welles. This radiocast is infamous as the night America was terrorized by its own fears and ignorance. (Sound familiar?)
Here's a link to the original radiocast, but be sure to check my next two posts, because they'll have links to more recent versions that may interest you ... (1/x)
In 1988, #NPR broadcast an updated 50th anniversary version of #WarOfTheWorlds, adapting Koch's script to a more modern era. This version starred Jason Robards, Steve Allen, and Rene Auberjoinois before his DS9 stint. (2/x)
In May 2009, cast members from various #StarTrek series performed live Koch's #WarOfTheWorlds adaptation, tweaked just a little for the cast and more modern times. This version starred Leonard Nimoy, Gates McFadden, Brent Spiner, and more. It was directed by John DeLancie.
After the Koch story ended, a new epilogue was performed by the cast, so be sure to listen to the entire recording! (3/x)
DeLancie and Nimoy combined to produce a series of science fiction audiobook recordings in the style of radio plays, under the title "Alien Voices." Several #StarTrek alumni appeared in the various productions, although #WarOfTheWorlds was not considered part of the Alien Voices label.
The two famously produced "Spock vs. Q" and its sequel for Alien Voices, published by Simon & Schuster. More on Wiki at: (4/x)
On the remastered DVD and higher resolution versions of the 1953 #WarOfTheWorlds, you can clearly see the wires suspending the Martian ships. The DVD has s a nice documentary on the making of the film, including the effects.
Anyway, enjoy War of the Worlds day. If you're a #StarTrek fan, I certainly encourage you to listen to the DeLancie/Nimoy version upstream. (6/6)
@WordsmithFL
DeLancie also did an audio book with Majel Roddenberry; Q-in-Law.
@pendrag Thanks, I didn't know that. (Although it's an audiobook, not a radio play.)
I love DeLancie's voice. He did a short-lived Western called "Legend" in 1995-1996 with Michael Piller that only lasted 12 episodes, but I enjoyed the series.
@WordsmithFL
I remember that show; was bummed it was a single season.
Realized after I had posted that your thread was on WotW Radio Show; I did not know of the 2009 revision; will have to que it up for tonight instead of the original.
@pendrag "Legend" had echoes of "Back to the Future III" ...
Re the 2009 version, be sure to listen after the end of the original script because the epilogue is a hoot. Wil Wheaton plays the studio engineer.
Veteran actor Jerry Hardin, a frequent #StarTrek guest star, plays a few roles and stands out.
@pendrag The 1988 NPR version is good too. It's like what would have happened if NPR were reporting the invasion, some gentle mocking of themselves.
Complete recording of the "Alien Voices" series are hard to find online but you can order them used on eBay.
As for other versions of #WarOfTheWorlds, I'm fond of the 1953 George Pal movie because it's set in the L.A. Basin where I grew up. The first pod lands somewhere near Corona. The nuke is dropped on the Puente Hills (near today's Diamond Bar). The famous four-level interchange scene was filmed before it was opened to the public. (5/x)