Orson Welles' Press Conference
Clip: Season 25 Episode 6 | 23s
Orson Welles could not imagine how anyone could believe that Martians had really landed.
Orson Welles could not imagine how anyone could believe that Martians had really landed in New Jersey. At the CBS press conference the day following his "War of the Worlds" broadcast, Welles was asked whether he believed he had taken advantage of the public. "I can't imagine an invasion from Mars would find ready acceptance," responded Welles.
Corporate sponsorship for American Experience is provided by Liberty Mutual Insurance and Carlisle Companies. Major funding by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.
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Orson Welles' Press Conference
Clip: Season 25 Episode 6 | 23s
Orson Welles could not imagine how anyone could believe that Martians had really landed in New Jersey. At the CBS press conference the day following his "War of the Worlds" broadcast, Welles was asked whether he believed he had taken advantage of the public. "I can't imagine an invasion from Mars would find ready acceptance," responded Welles.
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Dear Mr. Welles: Uncovering Original Material
Letters from a library archive come alive in the American Experience documentary. (2m 59s)
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"Alien army invader in the late '30s was quickly translatable from Martian to German." (48s)
In Oct. 1938, a panicked radio announcer reported that Martians had landed in New Jersey. (22s)
Orson Welles' Best Performance
The press conference was one of Welles great performances as an actor. (32s)
Many Americans were in awe that some people had believed the War of the Worlds broadcast. (18s)
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)
Watch chapter 1 of War of the Worlds, premiering on PBS October 29, 2013 at 9/8c. (7m 16s)
Airing October 29, 9/8c. The most famous invasion that never happened. (30s)
In the 1930s, Americans worried when radio programs were interrupted by news bulletins. (16s)
Providing Support for PBS.org
Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorship
Corporate sponsorship for American Experience is provided by Liberty Mutual Insurance and Carlisle Companies. Major funding by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.