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    Stuff You Should Know

    Selects: The Great War of the Worlds Panic Myth

    Sat May 18 2024
    War of the WorldsOrson WellesRadio BroadcastMass Panic

    Description

    Orson Welles' radio broadcast of War of the Worlds in 1938 caused panic and hysteria among listeners. The episode explores how the broadcast created realism, debunks the myth of mass panic, and examines the reactions and aftermath of the event.

    Insights

    The podcast features casual and in-depth conversations about life and happiness every Tuesday.

    Orson Welles' 1938 War of the Worlds broadcast did not actually cause mass panic in the United States.

    The original book by H.G. Wells was the first alien invasion story ever published, exploring themes of society breakdown and human dominion over animals.

    Orson Welles' Mercury theater version of War of the Worlds capitalized on the uneasy atmosphere during the Great Depression and impending war.

    The reactions to the broadcast varied, with some finding it scary and awesome, while others mocked those who fell for it.

    The panic caused by the War of the Worlds broadcast in 1938 is largely considered a myth

    A listener named Tom from the UK sent an email praising the podcast and recommending Polish Mayo

    The hosts appreciate Tom's email and encourage more listeners to write in

    Chapters

    1. The War of the Worlds Broadcast
    2. Creating Realism in the Broadcast
    3. The Myth of Mass Panic
    4. Examining the Panic
    Summary
    Transcript

    The War of the Worlds Broadcast

    00:00 - 27:41

    • Orson Welles' radio broadcast of War of the Worlds in 1938 caused panic and hysteria among listeners.
    • The broadcast features news bulletins about strange occurrences in Grover's Mill, New Jersey, with tentacled creatures emerging from a supposed meteorite.
    • The main character, Professor Pearson, is introduced during the broadcast and plays a significant role in the unfolding events.
    • The program includes various characters and sound effects to create an immersive experience for listeners.
    • Government officials are portrayed in the broadcast to add authenticity and authority to the storytelling.
    • There is a comparison made between the popular radio show 'Chase and Sanborn Hour' featuring ventriloquist Edgar Bergen and the dramatic broadcast that captured audience attention.
    • People back then engaged in 'channel surfing' by switching between radio stations during commercial breaks.

    Creating Realism in the Broadcast

    06:51 - 21:08

    • Orson Welles used the radio broadcast of 'War of the Worlds' in 1938 to create a realistic and terrifying experience for the American public
    • The production faced skepticism and challenges before the broadcast, with some expecting it to be a failure
    • Last-minute changes by Orson Welles aimed to enhance the realism and fear in the actors' performances
    • Attention to detail in creating a mock news program added authenticity to the broadcast
    • The broadcast of H.G. Wells' War of the Worlds in 1938 made efforts to appear authentic by incorporating details like actors speaking into microphones and extending the show beyond typical radio station breaks.
    • The absence of sponsors during the broadcast added to its realism, making listeners more likely to believe what they were hearing was real.
    • Listeners were initially led to believe they were tuning into a live music program from a hotel before news bulletins about an alien attack gradually unfolded, creating a sense of suspense and fear.

    The Myth of Mass Panic

    34:15 - 52:55

    • The myth that America lost its mind during the War of the Worlds broadcast in 1938 was debunked in the 2010s.
    • A scholar named A. Brad Schwartz investigated letters and cables from the time of the broadcast to understand how it was actually received.
    • The reactions to the broadcast varied, with some finding it scary and awesome, while others mocked those who fell for it.
    • Schwartz highlights the range of feelings expressed in the letters and draws parallels to modern-day fake news discussions.
    • The panic caused by the War of the Worlds broadcast in 1938 is largely considered a myth
    • A listener named Tom from the UK sent an email praising the podcast and recommending Polish Mayo
    • The hosts appreciate Tom's email and encourage more listeners to write in
    • Listeners can send emails to StuffPodcast@iHeartRadio.com to share their thoughts

    Examining the Panic

    27:26 - 48:46

    • Initial apologies by Orson Welles were later contradicted by statements suggesting he intended to scare people.
    • A social psychologist named Hadley Cantrell conducted a study revealing that many people were genuinely frightened by the broadcast.
    • Cantrell's methodology for his study has been criticized for its poor quality.
    • The War of the Worlds broadcast in 1938 was not as widely panicked as commonly believed, with most reactions being isolated incidents, mainly in New Jersey.
    • A Manhattan couple fell for the broadcast and tried to flee the city, but were eventually helped by others and returned safely.
    • Reports of widespread panic were fueled by biased reporting and anecdotal accounts that were not thoroughly investigated.
    • The myth of mass panic in America after the broadcast was debunked by A-Brad Schwartz's research on lazy reporting.
    • A similar incident occurred in Ecuador in 1948 when a radio play caused public panic leading to deaths and injuries, resulting in indictments.
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