Welles, Wells and 'The War of the Worlds'

NPR | By Steve Inskeep,

Renee Montagne

Published June 29, 2005 at 12:00 AM EDT

On Oct. 30, 1938, H.G. Wells' science-fiction story about an invasion from Martians was heard on the Columbia Broadcasting System, adapted into a radio play by film auteur Orson Welles. But many listeners across the country believed that the play was an actual news report.

Steve Inskeep

Steve Inskeep is a host of NPR's Morning Edition, as well as NPR's morning news podcast Up First.

See stories by Steve Inskeep

Renee Montagne

Renee Montagne, one of the best-known names in public radio, is a special correspondent and host for NPR News.

See stories by Renee Montagne

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