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)
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)