On Halloween in 1938, the Mercury Theater nightly radio broadcast featured their adaption of “War of the Worlds” by HG Wells. As families hovered around the radio to listen, somehow many missed the part announcing that it was not a news bulletin. The Halloween special based on the 1898 classic novel by H.G. Wells, sent many into panic as they believed Martians had landed in Grovers Mill, New Jersey.
Stories of listeners having heart attacks, people loading their shotguns, and others packing their cars to escape to the hills were reported.
By the 1930’s in America, radios were in most homes and relied upon for news, music, and entertainment.
Just imagine what chaos would erupt from a fake news report such as this one being put out on the television and internet today.
Thanks for stopping by 🙂
Alice