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 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)
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)
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)
#WarOfTheWorlds Newspaper headlines from 85 years ago tomorrow morning ... If you want to listen in real time, the original CBS Radio broadcast began at 8 PM Eastern Time. Here's the link:
#WarOfTheWorlds The 1988 NPR version is at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LwatpUIjF_k
It stars Jason Robards, Steve Allen, Rene Auberjoinois and more.
#WarOfTheWorlds And my favorite is the 2009 version by members of the #StarTrek cast. Directed by John DeLancie, it stars Leonard Nimoy, Gates McFadden, Brent Spiner, and more. Be sure to listen to the all-new epilogue with Wil Wheaton as the radio station engineer.
I'm listening now to the 1988 NPR version of #WarOfTheWorlds ... It's quite the hoot. It's done very much in NPR style, even with a reference to a pledge drive.
The three military jets that intercept the Martians have the call signs Bozo, Voodoo and ... Rosebud. 🤣 Later one, there's a reference to a pilot with the call-sign Maverick. 🤣
Listen in real-time to the original 1938 #WarOfTheWorlds radiocast 85 years ago tonight, starting at 8 PM EDT. Here's the link:
Today's #LATimes on the history of #WarOfTheWorlds and its place today.
"The book can be read as a plea for making common cause, as [Wells'] biographer David C. Smith suggests. In this time of real invasions, terrorist attacks, occupations and counteroffensives, that plea is especially poignant."
@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.
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)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LwatpUIjF_k