Dear Mr. Welles: Uncovering Original Material

Letters from a library archive come alive in the American Experience documentary. (2m 59s)

Fear and the Great Depression

Americans were living in fear during the height of the Great Depression. (18s)

From Martian to German

"Alien army invader in the late '30s was quickly translatable from Martian to German." (48s)

A Grave Announcement

In Oct. 1938, a panicked radio announcer reported that Martians had landed in New Jersey. (22s)

Making War of the Worlds

Actors, antique radios, and the greatest prank of all times. (2m 59s)

Orson Welles' Best Performance

The press conference was one of Welles great performances as an actor. (32s)

Orson Welles' Press Conference

Orson Welles could not imagine how anyone could believe that Martians had really landed. (23s)

The Power of Propaganda

Many Americans were in awe that some people had believed the War of the Worlds broadcast. (18s)

Radios by the Millions

During the height of the Great Depression, radios were being purchased by the millions. (29s)

There Was No Stopping Orson Welles

CBS network executives ordered a break in the broadcast, but Welles could not be stopped. (26s)

War of the Worlds: Outtakes

Outtakes from the recreation shoot for War of the Worlds. (1m 18s)

War of the Worlds Preview

Airing October 29, 9/8c. The most famous invasion that never happened. (30s)