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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.

Copyright 2005 NPR
Steve Inskeep
Steve Inskeep is a host of NPR's Morning Edition and Up First.
Renee Montagne
Renee Montagne, one of the best-known names in public radio, was reporter, host, and correspondent for NPR for over 40 years.

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