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This 1938 dramatisation of H.G.Welles War of the Worlds is not only a classic example of the highly theatrical style of radio at this time but also vividly demonstrates the power of the media. This play performed by Orson Welles and his Mercury Theatre was broadcast via radio in the United States on 30th October, 1938. The following day after the broadcast(Halloween no less) the New York Times wrote 'Radio Listeners in Panic, Taking War Drama as Fact: Many flee homes to escape 'gas raid from Mars' - Phone calls swamp police at broadcast of Wells fantasy.' A wave of mass hysteria had seized radio listeners. Many had tuned in too late and had missed Orson Welles' introduction explaining that this was simply a dramatisation. The play was delivered in a realistic news report style in the fashion of the times. Interspersed with musical interludes and featuring eye witness reports and 'expert' opinions, listeners were convinced that Earth was under attack from extra terrestrial beings from Mars. I first experienced this original broadcast in a lecture at university. My lecturer aimed to demonstrate the power of the media by highlighting how easily thousands of regular everyday New Yorkers in relatively modern times had been duped into believing the impossible. Obviously no listeners today could be fooled by this ageing broadcast, which naturally shows its age due to the very different - dare I say alien - style of radio produced in the 1930s. But what if the news channels on TV reported an alien invasion today? Would we believe them? Perhaps we would.... The play lasts for approximately an hour and listening to it is a really enjoyable and interesting experience. It loosely follows the story of the book and fans of the recent Tom Cruise film will recognise the plot as well. But I should stress that this is a unique adaptation, different from both the book and the film. However if you enjoy the story in any of its forms then you will surely enjoy this version. Everytime I listen to it I try to imagine that I'm doing so in New York in 1938. It must of been terrifying! This CD is so cheap to purchase and for the richness of the experience it's an absolute bargain. Buy it now and prepare yourself for an invasion from Mars!!!