October 30, 1938: Radio listeners throughout the United States were terrified by a “news bulletin” about an imminent threat to New York City by unknown forces. Relive the terror through the complete broadcast recording:

Did Orson Welles plan the panicked reaction to his performance of H. G. Wells’ classic “The War of the Worlds”? Or was it a complete surprise to the now infamous actor? For years, journalists asked the question, to varied responses. Read Smithsonian Magazine’s insightful article, The Infamous “War of the Worlds” Radio Broadcast Was a Magnificent Fluke, to learn more.

Prefer to read the classic? Download the pdf of The War of the Worlds by H G Wells.