Link Amazon: https://amzn.to/3ZBVEEk
Category
🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:00:00The program you're about to see is a recreation of the War of the Worlds panic broadcast of
00:00:061938. It is based on fact. All interruptions for news bulletins are simulated, and certain
00:00:13names, characters, and incidents are changed in the interests of dramatization.
00:00:21In the late years of the 1930s, we were witness to our world gripped in the first agonies
00:00:26of invasion and war. No section of the earth seemed free from these terrors, or from the
00:00:34nightmares of what was to come. Nightmares that for the first time were brought vividly
00:00:39into every home by the force of a new medium, radio.
00:01:09The U.S. troops are at this moment marching into Oslo. The U.S. troops are at this moment marching into Oslo.
00:01:12The U.S. troops are at this moment marching into Oslo.
00:01:14The U.S. troops are at this moment marching into Oslo.
00:01:16The U.S. troops are at this moment marching into Oslo.
00:01:18The U.S. troops are at this moment marching into Oslo.
00:01:20The U.S. troops are at this moment marching into Oslo.
00:01:22The U.S. troops are at this moment marching into Oslo.
00:01:24The U.S. troops are at this moment marching into Oslo.
00:01:26The U.S. troops are at this moment marching into Oslo.
00:01:28The U.S. troops are at this moment marching into Oslo.
00:01:30The U.S. troops are at this moment marching into Oslo.
00:01:32The U.S. troops are at this moment marching into Oslo.
00:01:35Keep up.
00:01:37Keep up with the mountains.
00:01:39And America listened to the distant thunder brought by this medium.
00:01:41And America listened to the distant thunder brought by this medium.
00:01:43Wanting desperately to believe that they were secure from the lightning
00:01:45That they were secure from the lightning that was to come.
00:01:47It is October 30th, 1938, 623astern Standard Time.
00:01:49It is October 30th, 1938, 623 eastern standard time.
00:01:56An invasion is being planned by a small group,
00:01:58An invasion is being planned by a small group,
00:02:00Not the invasion one might expect, but an unwitting invasion of the mind that will send a panicked nation fleeing out into the streets.
00:02:08In exactly one hour and thirty-seven minutes, the nightmare will begin.
00:02:14A fitting night has been picked. It is Halloween Eve.
00:02:18We're late. The world's late.
00:02:20Yeah. What's it been yet?
00:02:22Huh? See for yourself.
00:02:24What's the show tonight?
00:02:26Our version of War of the Worlds.
00:02:28War. H.G. Wells.
00:02:31Ain't there enough war on the radio as it is?
00:02:33No, this is a different kind of war.
00:02:34Different? How different?
00:02:36Either got Germans, Japanese, or Italians.
00:02:38No, we're different. We got Martians in here.
00:02:42Ay, ay, ay, ay, ay, ay.
00:02:45How haunting we will go.
00:02:48Cha-cha-cha-cha-cha-cha-cha.
00:02:50How haunting we will go.
00:02:53Now to those thrilling days of yesteryear.
00:02:56Out of the back comes the thundering hoofbeats of the great horse Silver.
00:02:59Today, all over Europe, all over Germany.
00:03:02Hitler.
00:03:03Oh, no.
00:03:04Hitler.
00:03:05The shadow of man never seen on the earth.
00:03:08Strong, strong, strong, strong, strong.
00:03:11Behold.
00:03:12Oh, Lord.
00:03:13Good news tonight.
00:03:15Washington, D.C.
00:03:20I wonder how many of you are there.
00:03:23Nobody in here.
00:03:24Nobody in here.
00:03:25Nobody.
00:03:26Now, aren't you going to do anything for a little itsy-bitsy Charlie on this Halloween?
00:03:33I may tell you a ghost story.
00:03:35A ghost story?
00:03:36Yes.
00:03:37Do you think you're going to...
00:03:38Crusade against fire.
00:03:41Now, what is Washington doing about call prevention?
00:03:45Oh, my God, it's crashing.
00:03:47Oh, this is the worst catastrophe in the world.
00:03:50The flames are 500 feet in the sky.
00:03:52It's smoke and flames now.
00:03:54Oh, the humanity.
00:03:55Those passengers.
00:03:57I can't talk, ladies and gentlemen.
00:03:59There's a mass of smoke.
00:04:01I'm sorry.
00:04:02Oh, listen.
00:04:03I can hardly...
00:04:04I'm going to step inside where I can't see it.
00:04:07Charlie, this is terrible.
00:04:09I'm going to have to stop for a minute.
00:04:11Isn't it going to crash?
00:04:13It's incredible.
00:04:15He never had an inkling it was going to crash.
00:04:17You know what he's doing when he goes off the air for 15 seconds?
00:04:21He's blowing up.
00:04:22You're not going to do that on the air, are you?
00:04:24Orson wants reality.
00:04:25It's not that much.
00:04:26Monsters from Mars are burning up hundreds of people right in front of his mic.
00:04:30What would you do?
00:04:35It's bursting into flames.
00:04:37This is terrible.
00:04:38This is one of the worst catastrophes in the world.
00:04:40The flames are 100 feet in the sky.
00:04:42It's smoke and flames.
00:04:44Oh, the humanity.
00:04:45Those passengers.
00:04:46I can't talk.
00:04:48Hey, Paul.
00:04:49Hello, Norm.
00:04:50How are you?
00:04:51Listen, about the...
00:04:52Hey, Paul, I've got to talk to you for a minute.
00:04:54Do we have to run like this?
00:04:56Every minute counts, Norm.
00:04:57We're less than two hours to airtime.
00:04:59What's up?
00:05:00You know darn well what's up.
00:05:01It's these last-minute changes.
00:05:02Now, why do we have to go through this every week?
00:05:04Now, why should this week be different from every other one?
00:05:06What do you want me to tell them?
00:05:08Well, in the first place...
00:05:09Excuse us, please.
00:05:10Wait a second.
00:05:11In the first place, you can't say the Biltmore Hotel.
00:05:14Okay, it's out.
00:05:15Yeah, and in the second place, no Columbia Broadcasting Building.
00:05:18I suggest just Broadcasting Building.
00:05:20Broadcasting Building it is.
00:05:21Now, there's one other thing.
00:05:22Now, where...
00:05:23Oh, yes.
00:05:24For Pete's sake, Paul.
00:05:25No Roosevelt.
00:05:29No Roosevelt?
00:05:30Why?
00:05:31You ought to be able to figure out why.
00:05:32Just think for a minute.
00:05:33Don't you guys ever think around here?
00:05:35I mean, no Roosevelt.
00:05:36You can use some other high-government mucky-muck,
00:05:38but no Roosevelt.
00:05:40Now, come on, Paul.
00:05:41It's not the end of the world.
00:05:42Is that some kind of joke?
00:05:44Why do you get so upset?
00:05:45Why do you have to get so upset?
00:05:47Because we've got an actor that does a great Roosevelt.
00:05:49That's why he's going to hit the ceiling.
00:05:51Yeah, well, I'm sorry, but that's the way it's got to be.
00:05:54Paul!
00:05:55Paul, I need you to listen to something, please.
00:05:57Just a second.
00:05:58Come on in.
00:05:59Anything else?
00:06:00No, nothing as far as continuity acceptance is concerned.
00:06:02Okay, listen.
00:06:03But there is some concern from programming.
00:06:05Programming, right.
00:06:10They feel that given the Charlie McCarthy competition...
00:06:12What do you think?
00:06:13What about the Martian Cylinder?
00:06:14What?
00:06:15The Martian Cylinder.
00:06:16Oh, don't look.
00:06:17I don't want you to be prejudiced.
00:06:18Just turn around.
00:06:19Norman, you too.
00:06:20Come on, turn around over here.
00:06:21It's more dramatic than a weather-reported dance band...
00:06:23Norman, one minute, please.
00:06:24Just listen.
00:06:29What do you think?
00:06:32Sounds like you're trying to open a pickle jar.
00:06:34What is it?
00:06:36Paul, what do you want from me?
00:06:38I can't visualize what a Martian Cylinder sounds like.
00:06:40It's got to be terrifying.
00:06:41It's got to be huge, ponderous.
00:06:42I mean, it hasn't opened in a million light years.
00:06:44Hey, what about the prison effects from the counter-monochrystal?
00:06:47Now, that worked very well.
00:06:48Oh, come on.
00:06:49Not the toilet again.
00:06:50It worked, didn't it?
00:06:51Listen, I have less than two hours.
00:06:53Tony, you can do it.
00:06:54I know you can.
00:06:55Maybe not another sound man in the business, but you can.
00:06:57Trust me.
00:06:58Use the toilet.
00:06:59Okay, you can use the toilet.
00:07:03Ted!
00:07:08They didn't buy it, huh?
00:07:10Here.
00:07:11Run a wire to the men's room again.
00:07:17I've just got to explain it to him.
00:07:19I know that Orson strives for reality, but he's got to understand.
00:07:26What is that, Orson?
00:07:28I'll see you later.
00:07:29Relax, Norman.
00:07:30It's only a rehearsal record.
00:07:31It's all right.
00:07:32I've got a meeting I'm going to.
00:07:35Hi.
00:07:36How are the inserts coming?
00:07:38Uh, tag it with...
00:07:40In the 39th year of the 20th century came the Great Dissolution.
00:07:44And then blend it in with the rest of the opening.
00:07:46All right.
00:07:47Now, what's next?
00:07:48Uh, let's see.
00:07:49Oh, Orson wants to change the landing site of the first machine...
00:07:52Oh, Lord.
00:07:53...from Newark to some other small town.
00:07:54That means changing the whole location of the combat zone in the first sequence.
00:07:58Legal department, please.
00:07:59Well, anyway, Newark is spared.
00:08:00Yeah, but I promised it to the Martians.
00:08:03Well, we'll do Newark in later.
00:08:04Did Norman get a clearance on the Park Plaza Hotel?
00:08:06Okay, where then?
00:08:09Right there.
00:08:11Wait a minute.
00:08:12I can't see what it says.
00:08:13Will you try to get clearance a little earlier, please?
00:08:15Grover's Mill?
00:08:16Grover's Mill.
00:08:18I like that.
00:08:19Sounds real.
00:08:20Thanks.
00:08:21You got it.
00:08:22I have no idea how you did all this in six days.
00:08:25Orson said the world was created in six days.
00:08:27No reason it shouldn't take any longer than that to destroy it.
00:08:29And you're sitting on the Princeton Observatory.
00:08:31Right.
00:08:32Sorry.
00:08:34Sorry.
00:08:36Grover's Mill.
00:08:38I'm curious, Howard.
00:08:39How come you picked New Jersey in the first place?
00:08:41I got lost out there last weekend.
00:08:42They gave me the map of the gas station.
00:08:44I had the art department blow it up for me.
00:08:47What else?
00:08:49Houseman felt we could do better on the description of the Martian machine.
00:08:52It's on page 17.
00:08:54It's the army's captain.
00:08:55It should be tall.
00:08:56Just before they got him.
00:08:57It should be tall, on metal legs.
00:09:00I wonder how they're going to take all this.
00:09:03I don't know.
00:09:04Every time I turn on the radio, I can't believe what's happening over there in Europe.
00:09:08However, back to the real world.
00:09:13The Martian machine seemed to be standing up on legs.
00:09:19Rising out of the cylinder on a sort of metal framework.
00:09:24Reaching above the...
00:09:26Grover!
00:09:27Grover!
00:09:28Grover!
00:09:29Grover!
00:09:31At 6.49 Eastern Standard Time, Walter Wingate was milking his cow just outside Grover's Mill, New Jersey.
00:09:37Acknowledging their response.
00:09:39There can be no doubt from this demonstration that the Italian people, at least here in Lombard, are totally behind Il Duce.
00:09:47If this is true...
00:09:49Do as this dog says.
00:09:50I'll be finished in a minute.
00:09:51Meanwhile, we take you directly to Burbank, where this dog, Hitler, is about to...
00:09:57How many times do I have to tell you?
00:09:59That's for the cows, not for the damn war news.
00:10:03There's going to be a war.
00:10:04Anybody can see that.
00:10:07Oh, anybody can see that.
00:10:09Well, then how come we ain't in it?
00:10:11We will be.
00:10:12Any day now.
00:10:13In Canada right now, Americans are...
00:10:15Anybody any day now.
00:10:17All I know is we got a farm to run here.
00:10:20You ain't in Canada.
00:10:21Anyhow.
00:10:24No.
00:10:26But I'm going to be.
00:10:32You're giving up your citizenship.
00:10:36If that's what it takes.
00:10:38That's what it means.
00:10:39What is that supposed to mean?
00:10:41What are you in such an old-fired hurry to fight about?
00:10:44What do you want to get killed for?
00:10:46It's Hitler or us, Paul. Can't you ever see that?
00:10:48And he's not making any secret of it.
00:10:50I want my dinner.
00:10:51And I ain't making no secret of that.
00:10:56Every night we have the same dumb talk.
00:10:59Every night.
00:11:04You ain't of age yet.
00:11:05And you ain't given up your citizenship till you are.
00:11:09Come and eat.
00:11:197.01 Eastern Standard Time.
00:11:23Now!
00:11:31No!
00:11:32No!
00:11:35Try a bigger one!
00:11:38Try the biggest jar you got!
00:11:49More reverb!
00:11:51Put it in lower!
00:11:59Yeah!
00:12:00The Martians have just landed.
00:12:10Newark, New Jersey.
00:12:117.15 Eastern Standard Time.
00:12:15Mark, Mary, get up here!
00:12:20I said get up here!
00:12:22No, I didn't say that.
00:12:44They'll be up in a minute.
00:12:51It's not their fault.
00:12:55Sure.
00:13:01They're playing Halloween.
00:13:03They're just kids.
00:13:0828.
00:13:0928!
00:13:1028.
00:13:12You look 40, don't tell me about kids.
00:13:18Will you at least wait till they're asleep?
00:13:24Everything for them.
00:13:27Right to the bitter end.
00:13:29I can't do it again!
00:13:31You weren't fast enough, so I'm going to get it!
00:13:34Get it!
00:13:35Get it!
00:13:36No!
00:13:37Sheila, I love you, but I could have the blue chair next time, didn't you?
00:13:41No, I didn't say you could have the blue chair next time.
00:13:44You promised me not!
00:13:45But you promised me to go.
00:13:47Get out of my house now!
00:13:49I said go!
00:13:50I said go!
00:13:51I said go!
00:13:52I said go!
00:13:53I said go!
00:13:54I said go!
00:13:55I said go!
00:13:56I said go!
00:13:57I said go!
00:13:59Shut up!
00:14:00Shut up, once and for all!
00:14:02Mommy, remember the time you had to buy me a new teddy bear?
00:14:05Take that thing off your face.
00:14:06Give him the chair, Sheila.
00:14:07Go in and wash your hands, will you?
00:14:09And don't use both those towels.
00:14:12Hank's supper's ready.
00:14:19I love you, but I could have the blue chair next time.
00:14:22You never said you could have the blue chair!
00:14:24What if I never gave you my roller skate?
00:14:27Give it here! No! Don't!
00:14:41Honey, go get a rag and we'll put the milk in.
00:14:44I just, I think maybe we should wait for a while.
00:14:58Yeah, but why? Why? Now come on, we've already got the license and we got our blood tests and everything,
00:15:03and now you're, out of the blue, you're telling me that you don't want to get married anymore?
00:15:06Oh, Clark, Illinois. Twenty-six minutes to wear time.
00:15:10I mean, I'm supposed to be at the dorm right now, studying for an exam, so please,
00:15:15please tell me what's going on here.
00:15:19I mean, you know that there's a war just around the corner, do you realize that?
00:15:24I mean, there'll be a conscription, I'll be called up for all this.
00:15:27You could possibly bring the war into our problems now.
00:15:30What? What problems? Why should we wait?
00:15:35She's not asking you to wait, she's asking you to call it off.
00:15:40Father! Stephen, that's not at all what I want, see.
00:15:45Linda, you would be doing Stephen a favor if you were to tell him the real truth
00:15:50and stop beating about the bush.
00:15:53Truth? Do me a favor? What? Why, what truth?
00:15:59The truth is, I will not give Linda permission to marry you.
00:16:02The reason is, you are a Catholic.
00:16:07A Catholic?
00:16:08Surely that's not an unnatural position to assume for a Protestant minister.
00:16:12As Linda is well aware.
00:16:16Linda. Linda.
00:16:20In the three years I've known you, I've never known you to go to church once.
00:16:23It doesn't make any difference.
00:16:24Not to his church, not to anybody's church.
00:16:25Linda, that is not the point.
00:16:28You're of age, you know. You're old enough to make your own views.
00:16:33Now, I just want to know, does it make any difference to you that I'm Catholic?
00:16:39It makes a difference to him.
00:16:41I'm not marrying him.
00:16:44Young man, I will not have my daughter marry a papist.
00:16:50Wait, wait, a papist? A papist?
00:16:55Who do you think you are? Martin Luther?
00:16:58The fact is, is that you just don't want to let your daughter go.
00:17:00That's what's at stake here. You don't want her to marry anyone, right?
00:17:03Linda, come in to supper.
00:17:08North Hill, San Francisco.
00:17:16Stay tuned. In 15 minutes, it's Orson Welles and the Mercury Theater's own dramatization of H.G. Welles' War of the Worlds.
00:17:25Must we?
00:17:27I want to hear it. This is one of my favorite programs.
00:17:29Sure. Madeline's taking me on to the world, and you want to listen to fantasy.
00:17:33Mr. Matlock doesn't think he's mad.
00:17:35Mr. Matlock doesn't think he's mad. He doesn't think he's mad.
00:17:38Shh! Quiet, quiet!
00:17:40Marvin Catwell in London, England.
00:17:43Marvin Catwell in London, England.
00:17:45Marvin Catwell in London, England.
00:17:47Marvin Catwell in London, England.
00:17:49Marvin Catwell in London, England.
00:17:51Marvin Catwell in London, England.
00:17:54This is Marvin Catwell speaking to you directly from London, England.
00:18:00Neville Chamberlain, Britain's Prime Minister, is just about to begin a critical speech...
00:18:06Must we?
00:18:08Oh, I'm sorry, sir.
00:18:09I thought that perhaps since it was of world importance, some of the guests might be interested.
00:18:14To that? I think not.
00:18:17These people have heard enough of this wartime scare bugaboo during the day.
00:18:22They say, sir, there may be a final Hitler ultimatum from tonight's speech.
00:18:26Hitler ultimatum? Nonsense. Absolutely ridiculous.
00:18:31These people understand that he simply wants living room for his people. That's all.
00:18:39He saved them from economic disaster, the Bolshevik threat.
00:18:44He's lifting them up by their bootstraps.
00:18:51It's 7.49. Eleven minutes to airtime.
00:18:56Good evening, Mr. Wells.
00:18:58Good evening, sir.
00:19:04How do you know what goes on out there? We go first class.
00:19:09Here we are. Revised cue sheets.
00:19:24Paul, I've been working on the boy...
00:19:26I understand, Clarence. I'm sorry.
00:19:28No, I really have it down good. I really have it.
00:19:30Here, why don't I do some of it for you?
00:19:32It's from the network. Norman says you cannot do Roosevelt.
00:19:36Well, it's an insult. That's what it is. I'll talk to Orson about it.
00:19:39We'll see what he has to say.
00:19:40Secretary of Interior would be acceptable to continuity.
00:19:43The Secretary of the Interior? I don't know what he looks like, much less what he sounds like.
00:19:47No, no, I do Roosevelt. That's it.
00:19:51There's no way on this one, Orson.
00:19:55It's all right?
00:19:57Uh, Secretary of the Interior, what does he sound like?
00:20:02Orson said he sounds like Roosevelt.
00:20:11I think we'll have a good one tonight.
00:20:13Looks like a nice one.
00:20:15I think we'll have a good one tonight.
00:20:17I think we'll have a good one tonight.
00:20:19I think we'll have a good one tonight.
00:20:21I think we'll have a good one tonight.
00:20:23Looks like another big night for Charlie McCarthy.
00:20:27Please stand by.
00:20:29Please stand by.
00:20:46The Columbia Broadcasting System and its affiliated stations presents
00:20:50Orson Welles and the Mercury Theatre on the Air
00:20:53in a radio play by Howard Koch
00:20:55directed by the H.G. Welles novel The War of the Worlds
00:21:00THE WAR OF THE WORLDS
00:21:22Ladies and gentlemen, the director of the Mercury Theatre
00:21:25and star of these broadcasts, Orson Welles.
00:21:30We know now that in the early years of the 20th century
00:21:35this world was being watched closely by intelligences
00:21:39greater than man's
00:21:42and yet as mortal as his own.
00:21:45We know now that as human beings busied themselves about their various concerns
00:21:50they were scrutinized and studied
00:21:53perhaps almost as narrowly as a man with a microscope
00:21:56might scrutinize the transient creatures
00:21:59that swarm and multiply in a drop of water.
00:22:02With infinite complacence
00:22:04people went to and fro over the earth about their little affairs
00:22:08serene in the assurance of their dominion over this small
00:22:12spinning fragment of solar driftwood
00:22:16which by chance or design
00:22:18man has inherited out of the dark mystery of time and space.
00:22:23Yet across an immense ethereal gulf
00:22:26minds that are to our minds
00:22:28as ours are to the beasts in the jungle
00:22:31intellects, vast, cool and unsympathetic
00:22:36regarded this earth with envious eyes
00:22:39and slowly and surely drew their plans against us.
00:22:46In the 38th year of the 20th century came the greatest illusion
00:22:50it was near the end of October
00:22:53business was better
00:22:55Hey Oral
00:23:00Hey it's all right
00:23:01let me have some of that action you can get through with
00:23:06There you go
00:23:09What's in that machine that's got you so excited now, buddy Joe?
00:23:13I ate them candies, that's for sure.
00:23:16The war scale was over
00:23:20the poor men were back at work
00:23:22the sales were picking up
00:23:37You gonna sulk all night on account of I won't let you go over there and fight Germans?
00:23:46More men were back at work
00:23:48on this particular evening
00:23:50October 30th
00:23:52the Crossley service estimated
00:23:54that 32 million people were listening in on the radios
00:23:57reported over Nova Scotia
00:23:59causing a low-pressure area to move down rather rapidly over the northeastern states
00:24:10Steppen
00:24:11Steppen
00:24:12Steppen
00:24:13Steppen
00:24:14Steppen
00:24:16Steppen
00:24:35causing a low-pressure area to move down
00:24:37bringing the forecast of rain accompanied by winds of light-gale force
00:24:41Maximum temperature 66, minimum 48
00:24:44This weather report comes to you from the Government Weather Bureau
00:24:48We now take you to the Meridian Room in the Hotel Park Plaza in downtown New York
00:24:53where you'll be entertained by the music of Raymond Rickello and his orchestra
00:25:12Good evening, ladies and gentlemen
00:25:14From the Meridian Room in the Park Plaza in New York City
00:25:17we bring you the music of Raymond Rickello and his orchestra
00:25:21With a touch of the Spanish
00:25:23Raymond Rickello leads off with La Paloma
00:25:26La Paloma
00:25:38I hate that music
00:25:40I hate that music
00:25:42Harrison, would you please put something on the radio?
00:25:45Yes, miss
00:25:46Oh, all this is awful
00:25:47Marjorie, would you please get these out of my life now?
00:25:50Ellie
00:25:51No, I mean it
00:25:52I mean, this isn't the kind of music I'd recommend for a party
00:25:54Don't you all agree?
00:25:56Yes
00:26:01Oh, I love it
00:26:02It's so awful
00:26:03I absolutely love it
00:26:05Come on, put those down and dance with me
00:26:08Sure
00:26:10Now
00:26:19What the devil is she doing?
00:26:22Anyway, the girls were there for their mom, you know
00:26:25They said that at least the passion made the trains run on time
00:26:30Kelly, what are you doing?
00:26:31Ladies and gentlemen, we interrupt our program of dance music
00:26:33to bring you a special bulletin from the Intercontinental Radio News
00:26:3820 minutes before 8 central time
00:26:40Professor Farrell of the Mount Jennings Observatory
00:26:42in Chicago, Illinois
00:26:43reports observing several explosions of incandescent gas
00:26:47occurring at regular intervals on the planet Mars
00:26:49Daddy, what's a little gas?
00:26:50The spectroscope indicates the gas to be hydrogen
00:26:52and moving toward the Earth with enormous velocity
00:26:55Professor Pearson of the Observatory of Princeton
00:26:57confirms Farrell's observation
00:26:59and describes the phenomenon as, quote
00:27:01like a jet of blue flame shot from a gun, unquote
00:27:05We now return you to the music of Ramon Mariano
00:27:07playing for you in the Meridian Room of the Park Plaza Hotel
00:27:10situated in downtown New York
00:27:23I thought you gave up smoking
00:27:25How would you know?
00:27:33I want to know where you're going
00:27:36I don't know
00:27:37I know where I can find a job
00:27:40Oh, I don't believe that
00:27:43I don't believe one word you've said to me
00:27:45You just take it easy, I want the kids to hear this
00:27:47You sure you got everything?
00:27:53How about this, Mr. Free Spirit?
00:27:57You are to be invited
00:27:59I don't remember hearing that
00:28:01That night in the car at the Palace Theatre
00:28:03I don't remember hearing that
00:28:06Where were you?
00:28:07...favor of the ever-popular Cocktails for two
00:28:10Ramon Mariano
00:28:12Where were you?
00:28:13...favor of the ever-popular Cocktails for two
00:28:16Ramon Mariano and his orchestra
00:28:21How do you remember that?
00:28:24I don't remember
00:28:43music playing
00:28:50I just turned it on
00:28:52Honest!
00:29:00Ladies and gentlemen, following on the news
00:29:02How many times have we told you?
00:29:04Your mother and me, that when you go to sleep
00:29:07there's no way you can sleep, understand that?
00:29:10Because you...
00:29:12Your sister...
00:29:20You go to sleep now, huh?
00:29:23No more radio
00:29:41In a few moments we will take you to the Princeton Observatory
00:29:43at Princeton, New Jersey
00:29:45We return you until then to the music of Ramon Raquello
00:29:48and his orchestra
00:30:04We are ready to take you to the Princeton Observatory
00:30:06at Princeton, where Carl Phillips, our commentator
00:30:08will interview Professor Richard Pearson, famous astronomer
00:30:11We take you now to Princeton, New Jersey
00:30:19Good evening, ladies and gentlemen
00:30:20This is Carl Phillips
00:30:22Daddy, must we listen to this?
00:30:24I'm standing in a large semi-circular room
00:30:27This is such a bore, come on, let's get some fresh air
00:30:30Come on!
00:30:31Through this opening I can see a sprinkling of stars
00:30:33that cast a kind of frosty glow
00:30:35over the intricate mechanism of the huge telescope
00:30:38The ticking sound you hear is the vibration of the clockwork
00:30:41Professor Pearson stands directly above me
00:30:44on a small platform, peering through the giant lens
00:30:47I ask you to be patient, ladies and gentlemen
00:30:50during any delay that may arise during our interview
00:30:53Besides his ceaseless watch of the heavens
00:30:55Professor Pearson may be interrupted by telephone
00:30:58or other communications
00:31:00During this period he is in constant touch
00:31:03with the astronomical centers of the world
00:31:05Professor, may I begin our questions?
00:31:08At any time, Mr. Phillips
00:31:10Professor, would you please tell our radio audience
00:31:12exactly what you see as you observe the planet Mars
00:31:14through your telescope?
00:31:16Nothing unusual at the moment, Mr. Phillips
00:31:18A red disk swimming in a blue sea
00:31:20transverse stripes across the disk
00:31:23Quite distinct now, because Mars happens to be
00:31:25at the point nearest the Earth
00:31:27In opposition, as we call it
00:31:29In your opinion, what do these transverse stripes
00:31:32signify, Professor Pearson?
00:31:34They're not clouds, I can assure you, Mr. Phillips
00:31:37although that's the popular conjecture
00:31:39of those who imagine Mars to be inhabited
00:31:42From a scientific viewpoint, the stripes are merely
00:31:45the result of atmospheric conditions peculiar to the planet
00:31:48And you're quite convinced as a scientist of living intelligence
00:31:51as we know it does not exist on the planet Mars
00:31:53I should say the chances against it are a thousand to one
00:31:56How do you account for these gas eruptions
00:31:58occurring on the surface of the planet at regular intervals?
00:32:01Mr. Phillips, I...
00:32:03I cannot account for it
00:32:05By the way, Professor, for the benefit of our listeners
00:32:08how far is Mars from the Earth?
00:32:10Approximately 40 million miles
00:32:12Well, that seems a safe enough distance
00:32:15Just a moment, ladies and gentlemen
00:32:17Someone has just handed Professor Pearson a message
00:32:19While he reads it, let me remind you
00:32:21that we are speaking to you from the observatory
00:32:23in Princeton, New Jersey
00:32:25We are interviewing the world-famous astronomer
00:32:27Professor Pearson
00:32:28One moment, please
00:32:30Professor Pearson has passed me a message
00:32:32which he has just received
00:32:33Professor, may I read the message to the listening audience?
00:32:36Certainly, Mr. Phillips
00:32:38Ladies and gentlemen, I shall read you a wire
00:32:40addressed to Professor Pearson
00:32:41from Dr. Gray of the National History Museum, New York
00:32:44Of course I don't agree with everything Hitler does
00:32:46but you've got to understand his position
00:32:48especially considering what you're listening to
00:32:51Seismograph, registered shock of almost earthquake intensity
00:32:54occurring within a radius of 20 miles of Princeton
00:32:57Please investigate
00:32:58Signed Lloyd Gray, Chief of Astronomical...
00:33:00What's that about Princeton?
00:33:01Professor Pearson, could this occurrence
00:33:03possibly have something to do with the disturbance
00:33:05observed on the planet Mars?
00:33:07Hardly, Mr. Phillips
00:33:09This is probably a meteorite of unusual size
00:33:12and its arrival at this particular time
00:33:14is merely a coincidence
00:33:17However, we shall conduct the search
00:33:19as soon as daylight permits
00:33:20Thank you, Professor
00:33:21Ladies and gentlemen, for the past 10 minutes
00:33:23we've been speaking to you
00:33:24from the observatory at Princeton
00:33:26bringing you a special interview
00:33:27with Professor Pearson, noted astronomer
00:33:30This is Carl Phillips speaking
00:33:32We now return you to our New York studio
00:33:35Charlie McCarthy!
00:33:44I couldn't figure out what it was
00:33:46Maybe you had a snoop for me
00:33:48Oh, now, see what you did?
00:33:50You made me miss the opening
00:33:51He'll be back
00:33:57I don't care, I ain't gonna listen to that
00:34:01Now, here at home
00:34:02comes a special announcement
00:34:03from Trenton, New Jersey
00:34:05It's reported that at 8.50 p.m.
00:34:10Hey, turn that back
00:34:11Or forward
00:34:12Let's hear that report
00:34:14A huge flaming object
00:34:15believed to be a meteorite
00:34:17fell on a farm
00:34:18in the neighborhood of Grover's Mill, New Jersey
00:34:2022 miles from Trenton
00:34:22The flash in the sky
00:34:23was visible within a radius
00:34:24of several hundred miles
00:34:26And the noise of the impact
00:34:27was heard as far north as Elizabeth
00:34:29We've dispatched a special mobile unit
00:34:31to the scene
00:34:32and will have our commentator, Mr. Phillips
00:34:34give you a word description
00:34:35as soon as he can reach there
00:34:36from Princeton
00:34:38In the meantime, we take you
00:34:39to the Hotel Martinette in Brooklyn
00:34:41where Bobby Millette and his orchestra
00:34:43are offering a program of dance music
00:35:07We take you now
00:35:08to Grover's Mill, New Jersey
00:35:12Ladies and gentlemen
00:35:14This is Carl Phillips again
00:35:15at the Wilmot Farm
00:35:16Grover's Mill, New Jersey
00:35:18Professor Pearson and myself
00:35:19may be 11 miles from Princeton
00:35:21in 10 minutes
00:35:22Well, I hardly know
00:35:23where to begin
00:35:24to paint for you
00:35:25a word picture
00:35:26of the strange scene
00:35:27before my eyes
00:35:28like something out of
00:35:29a modern Arabian Nights
00:35:31Well, I just got here
00:35:32I haven't had a chance
00:35:33to look around yet
00:35:35I guess that's it
00:35:36Yes
00:35:37I guess that's the
00:35:38thing
00:35:42Must have struck
00:35:43with terrific force
00:35:44The ground is covered
00:35:45with splinters of a tree
00:35:46It must have struck
00:35:47on its way down
00:35:48What I can see
00:35:49of the object itself
00:35:50doesn't look very much
00:35:51like a meteor
00:35:52or at least not the meteors
00:35:53I've seen
00:35:54It looks more like
00:35:55a huge cylinder
00:35:56It has a diameter of
00:35:58What would you say
00:35:59Professor Pearson?
00:36:00About 30 yards
00:36:01About 30 yards
00:36:03The metal on the sheath
00:36:04is, well
00:36:05I've never seen
00:36:06anything like it
00:36:07The color is sort of
00:36:08a yellowish white
00:36:09Curious spectators
00:36:10now are pressing
00:36:11close to the object
00:36:12in spite of the efforts
00:36:13of the police
00:36:14to keep them back
00:36:15They're getting in front
00:36:16of my line of vision
00:36:17Would you mind
00:36:18standing on one side, please?
00:36:21While the policemen
00:36:22are pushing the crowd back
00:36:25I guess that's
00:36:26about enough of that
00:36:27No, leave that
00:36:28I thought you wanted
00:36:29to hear Charlie McCarthy
00:36:30Oh, never mind
00:36:31Charlie McCarthy
00:36:32for once, will you?
00:36:33Go get the tables
00:36:34Something's happening
00:36:35right in our own backyard
00:36:36Ain't you interested?
00:36:37Closer and louder, please
00:36:38Louder, please
00:36:39Yes, sir
00:36:40All while I was
00:36:41listening to the radio
00:36:42I was kind of drowsing
00:36:43that the professor fellow
00:36:44was talking about Mars
00:36:45So I was half dozing
00:36:46Yes, Mr. Wilmer
00:36:47Then what happened?
00:36:48Isn't there
00:36:49no one named Wilmer?
00:36:50Listening to the radio
00:36:51Yes, Mr. Wilmer
00:36:52That means Wilson
00:36:53Can't figure out
00:36:54how he missed that
00:36:55First off
00:36:56I heard something
00:36:57And what did you hear?
00:36:58A hissing sound
00:36:59A hissing sound
00:37:00A hissing sound
00:37:01A hissing sound
00:37:02A hissing sound
00:37:03A hissing sound
00:37:04A hissing sound
00:37:05A hissing sound
00:37:06A hissing sound
00:37:07Like this
00:37:08We didn't see it
00:37:09No, sir
00:37:10Kind of
00:37:11kind of like
00:37:12a 4th of July rocket
00:37:13Then what?
00:37:14Oh, I turned my head
00:37:15out the window
00:37:16and would have swore
00:37:17I was to sleep
00:37:18and dreaming
00:37:19I seen a kind of
00:37:20greenish streak
00:37:21and then
00:37:22Oh, a zingles
00:37:23or something
00:37:24smacked the ground
00:37:25Knocked me clear
00:37:26out of my chair
00:37:27Well, were you
00:37:28frightened, Mr. Wilmer?
00:37:29Oh, I'm not quite sure
00:37:30I reckon I was
00:37:31kind of
00:37:32riled
00:37:33Thank you, Mr. Wilmer
00:37:34Thank you
00:37:35Ladies and gentlemen, you just heard Mr. Wilmot, owner of the farm, where this thing has fallen.
00:37:40I wish I could convey the atmosphere, the background of this fantastic scene.
00:37:45Hundreds of cars are parked in a field in back of us.
00:37:48Police are trying to rope off the roadway leading into the farm, but it's no use.
00:37:51They're breaking right through.
00:37:53Their headlights throw an enormous spot on the pit where the object's half buried.
00:37:56Some of the more daring souls are venturing near the edge.
00:37:59Their silhouettes stand out against the metal sheen.
00:38:02One man wants to touch the thing. He's having an argument with a policeman.
00:38:11I'll write you.
00:38:13Yeah, do that.
00:38:15I mean, I'll let you know where I am.
00:38:17Ladies and gentlemen, there's something I haven't mentioned in all this excitement, but it's becoming more distinct.
00:38:22Perhaps you've caught it already on your radio. Listen.
00:38:25Do you hear it?
00:38:32It's a curious humming sound that seems to come from inside the object.
00:38:36I'll move the microphone nearer. Here.
00:38:41There's nothing to be frightened about. They just fill those things up.
00:38:44Can you hear it now? Oh, Professor Pearson?
00:38:46Yes, Mr. Phillips.
00:38:47Can you tell us the meaning of that scraping noise inside the thing?
00:38:50It's possibly the unequal cooling of its surface.
00:38:53Do you still think it's a meteor, Professor?
00:38:55I don't know what to think. The metal casing is definitely...
00:38:59It is just a radio show, so when are you going to tell them?
00:39:03I'll tell them as soon as they ask me.
00:39:09Just a minute. Something's happening.
00:39:11Ladies and gentlemen, this is terrific.
00:39:14This end of the thing is beginning to flake off.
00:39:17The top is beginning to rotate like a screw.
00:39:20The thing must be hollow.
00:39:23SCRAPING NOISE
00:39:54SCRAPING NOISE
00:40:13SCREAMING
00:40:18Ladies and gentlemen, this is the most terrifying thing I've ever witnessed.
00:40:22Wait a minute.
00:40:24Someone's falling out of the hollow top.
00:40:26Someone or something is appearing out of that black hole.
00:40:30Two luminous disks are the eyes.
00:40:33It might be a face. It might be...
00:40:36Good heavens.
00:40:38Something's wriggling out of the shadow like a grey snake.
00:40:42Now it's another one.
00:40:44And another. They look like tentacles to me.
00:40:47There, I can see the thing's body.
00:40:50It's large as a bear, and it glistens like wet leather.
00:40:54But that face...
00:40:56It's indescribable.
00:41:00I can hardly force myself to keep looking at it.
00:41:03The eyes are black and gleam like a serpent.
00:41:06The mouth is V-shaped with saliva dripping out of it.
00:41:10The fingers quiver and pulsate.
00:41:12The monster, or whatever it is, can hardly move.
00:41:15It seems weighed down by possibly gravity or something.
00:41:19The thing's raising up.
00:41:21The crowd falls back. They've seen enough.
00:41:23This is the most extraordinary experience.
00:41:25I can't find words.
00:41:27I'm pulling this microphone with me as I talk.
00:41:30I'll have to stop the description until I've taken a new position.
00:41:34Hold on, will you please? I'll be back in a minute.
00:41:46My God, Hank.
00:41:48What is it? What's happening?
00:41:50Nothing, you see. Just take it easy now.
00:41:53It's just probably one of those things from a medieval...
00:41:57But didn't you hear what he said?
00:41:59I heard what he said.
00:42:04We are bringing you an eyewitness account of what's happening
00:42:07on the Wilmoth Farm, Grovers Mill, New Jersey.
00:42:16Let's see what else.
00:42:18Don't touch that dial!
00:42:20Maybe they know more about it on another station.
00:42:22They're saying no to...
00:42:26Pattern could mean...
00:42:28Six-nine.
00:42:30I'm not going to finish this story.
00:42:32Well, why not?
00:42:34Well, I'm not going to make a fool of myself.
00:42:36Turn it back. They don't even know it's happening.
00:42:38Wait a minute, will you?
00:42:40Walter, come on.
00:42:43Ladies and gentlemen,
00:42:45we now return you to Carl Phillips at Grovers Mill.
00:42:50Ladies and gentlemen...
00:42:52Am I on?
00:42:54Ladies and gentlemen, here I am,
00:42:56back to the stone wall that adjoins Mr. Wilmoth's garden.
00:42:59From here, I get a sweep of the whole scene.
00:43:01I'll give you every detail as long as I can talk,
00:43:04as long as I can see.
00:43:06More state police.
00:43:08More state police have arrived.
00:43:10They're drawing up a cordon in front of the pit,
00:43:12about 30 of them.
00:43:14No need to push the crowd back now.
00:43:16They're willing to keep their distance.
00:43:18The captain is conferring with someone.
00:43:20We can't quite see who.
00:43:22Oh, yes, I believe it's Professor Pearson.
00:43:24Yes, it is. Now they've parted.
00:43:26The professor moves around one side,
00:43:28studying the object,
00:43:30while the captain and two policemen
00:43:32advance with something in their hands.
00:43:34I can see it now. It's a white handkerchief
00:43:37Those creatures know what that means,
00:43:40what anything means.
00:43:42Wait! Something's happening.
00:43:44A hump shape is rising...
00:43:46Shut that thing off!
00:43:48What do you think, Joey?
00:43:50What's that?
00:43:52There's a jet of flame swinging from the mirror.
00:43:54And it leans right at the advancing men.
00:43:57It strikes with every good look.
00:44:02All right, buddy.
00:44:04What's going on in there?
00:44:06Huh?
00:44:12Don't you know what's happening?
00:44:14Come on, come on. You'll have to move the car.
00:44:16There's no parking along.
00:44:18Listen!
00:44:24Now the whole field's caught fire!
00:44:27That's just regular programming.
00:44:34It's spreading everywhere.
00:44:36It's coming this way,
00:44:38about 20 yards to my right.
00:44:54Let's go.
00:44:58Ladies and gentlemen, due to circumstances beyond our control,
00:45:01we are unable to continue the broadcast from Grover's Mill.
00:45:26We continue now with our piano interlude.
00:45:32Piano interlude
00:45:43Columbia Broadcasting System.
00:45:45What?
00:45:47Why, not that I know of.
00:45:49I believe it's only a play.
00:45:51That's right. It's just a play.
00:45:54That's what's on our program schedule.
00:45:56You're welcome.
00:46:02Ladies and gentlemen, I've just been handed a message
00:46:05that came in from Grover's Mill by telephone.
00:46:07At least 40 people, including six state troopers,
00:46:10lie dead in a field east of the village of Grover's Mill,
00:46:13their bodies burned and distorted beyond all possible recognition.
00:46:16The next voice you hear will be that of Brigadier General Montgomery Smith,
00:46:20commander of the state militia at Trenton, New Jersey.
00:46:24Okay, General. Over here.
00:46:26Over here.
00:46:28Yeah.
00:46:31I have been requested by the governor of New Jersey
00:46:34to place the counties of Mercer and Middlesex
00:46:37as far west as Princeton and east to Jamesburg under martial law.
00:46:41No one will be permitted to enter this area
00:46:44except by special pass issued by state or military authorities.
00:46:48SIREN BLARES
00:46:57Head for cover. It's on the radio. Quick!
00:47:02SIREN BLARES
00:47:08Mommy.
00:47:10We had a bad nightmare.
00:47:13I want to sleep in your room.
00:47:16Oh, it's all right.
00:47:19It's all right.
00:47:21I understand.
00:47:23No.
00:47:25The strange creatures, after unleashing their deadly assault,
00:47:28crawled back in their pit and made no attempt to prevent the efforts
00:47:31of firemen to recover the bodies and extinguish the fire.
00:47:34Let's get out of here!
00:47:41Ladies and gentlemen, I've just been informed that we have finally
00:47:44established communication with an eyewitness of the tragedy.
00:47:47Professor Pearson has been located at a farmhouse near Grover's Mill
00:47:50where he's established an emergency observation post.
00:47:53As a scientist, he will give you his explanation of this calamity.
00:47:57The next voice you hear will be of Professor Pearson,
00:48:00brought to you by direct wire. Professor Pearson.
00:48:03Of the creatures in the rocket cylinder at Grover's Mill,
00:48:06I can give you no authoritative information,
00:48:09either as to their nature, their origin, or their purposes here on Earth.
00:48:13Of their destructive instrument,
00:48:16I might venture some conjectural explanation.
00:48:24It's all too evident that these creatures have scientific knowledge
00:48:27far in advance of our own.
00:48:31They are able to generate an intense heat in a chamber
00:48:34of practically absolute non-conductivity.
00:48:37This intense heat they project in a parallel beam
00:48:40against any object they choose
00:48:43by means of a polished parabolic mirror of unknown composition,
00:48:46much as the mirror of a lighthouse projects a beam of light.
00:48:50And that is my conjecture of the origin of the heat ray.
00:48:54Thank you, Professor Pearson.
00:48:59Ladies and gentlemen, here is a bulletin from Trenton.
00:49:02It is a brief statement informing us that the charred body of Carl Phillips
00:49:05has been identified in a Trenton hospital.
00:49:08We have received a request from the militia at Trenton
00:49:11to place at their disposal our entire broadcasting facilities.
00:49:16In view of the gravity of the situation
00:49:19and believing that radio has a definite responsibility
00:49:22to serve in the public interest at all times,
00:49:25we are turning over our facilities to the state militia at Trenton.
00:49:29Well, it's about time they got the military involved.
00:49:34Mr. Matlock.
00:49:38We take you now to the field headquarters of the state militia
00:49:41near Grover's Mill, New Jersey.
00:49:44I need some artillery up there.
00:49:57This is Captain Lance Ely, signal corps attached to the state militia
00:50:01now engaged in military operations in the vicinity of Grover's Mill.
00:50:05The situation arising from the reported presence of certain individuals
00:50:09of unidentified nature is now under complete control.
00:50:13The cylindrical object, which lies in a pit directly below our position,
00:50:17is surrounded now on all sides by eight battalion...
00:50:21Daddy, what's the matter?
00:50:23You go to sleep.
00:50:25Why is Mommy crying?
00:50:27Well, Mommy has a headache. That's why she's crying.
00:50:29I can't go to sleep. I'm afraid my bad dream will come back.
00:50:33Oh, no, you know why?
00:50:35You come in the other room with Daddy.
00:50:37You sleep on the couch, huh?
00:50:44Everything's going to be all right.
00:50:47Everywhere, it's an interesting outing for the troops.
00:50:52We've got attack uniforms crossing back and forth now in front of the lights.
00:50:56It looks almost like real water.
00:50:59What? Oh, yeah.
00:51:01There appears to be some slight smoke in the woods bordering the mills now.
00:51:05How are we going to fight these things just with our shotguns?
00:51:08You just keep your eyes peaceful.
00:51:10Don't you worry about that heat ray.
00:51:13First, let's just fight.
00:51:15Then we'll give them something to worry about.
00:51:19Aren't you looking for a fight?
00:51:22Mr. Matlock, sir, please.
00:51:25Listen, don't get involved in things you don't understand.
00:51:37Say, have you been listening?
00:51:44What are you going to do?
00:51:46I don't know what to do.
00:51:48You know the piercers down the hall?
00:51:50They're putting everybody in the car.
00:51:52I figured they'll be safer across the river in New York.
00:51:55You're going to New York?
00:51:56We're leaving here now.
00:51:57What do you mean, we're leaving here now?
00:51:58Me too.
00:51:59We're leaving here now.
00:52:00I'm going to pack up the kids.
00:52:01Honey, you don't feel good right now.
00:52:02You better lie down, honey.
00:52:03You don't feel good.
00:52:04It's like...
00:52:05What is it?
00:52:06You know Pete the handyman?
00:52:08He says it's the Germans.
00:52:10It's the Germans?
00:52:12Wait a minute.
00:52:13I see something on the top of the cylinder.
00:52:15No, nothing but a shotgun.
00:52:17Well, troops are on the edge of the Wilmers Farm.
00:52:20We have 7,000 armed men closing in on an old metal tower.
00:52:27Wait a minute.
00:52:29That wasn't a shadow.
00:52:31Something moving.
00:52:33Solid metal.
00:52:34Kind of a shield-like affair, rising up out of the cylinder.
00:52:38And higher and higher.
00:52:40Standing on legs, actually rearing up on a sort of metal framework.
00:52:44Now it's reaching above the trees.
00:52:48Hold on!
00:52:56Ladies and gentlemen, I have a grave announcement to make.
00:52:59Incredible as it may seem, both the observations of science and the evidence of our eyes
00:53:03lead to the inescapable assumption that those strange beings who landed in the Jersey farmlands tonight
00:53:08are the vanguard of an invading army from the planet Mars.
00:53:11The battle which took place tonight at Grover's Mill
00:53:14has been one of the most startling defeats ever suffered by an army in modern times.
00:53:187,000 men armed with rifles and machine guns
00:53:21pitted against a single fighting machine of the invader from Mars.
00:53:25120 known survivors.
00:53:27The rest strewn over the battle area from Grover's Mill to Plainsboro
00:53:30crushed and cradled to death under the metal feet of the monster
00:53:33or burned to cinders by its heat ray.
00:53:36The monster is now in control of the middle section of New Jersey
00:53:39and has effectively cut the state through its center.
00:53:42Communication lines are down from Pennsylvania to the Atlantic coast.
00:53:45Call Chief Lawrence at the police station.
00:53:47Yes, sir.
00:53:48Discontinued except routing some of the trains through Allentown and Phoenixville.
00:53:52Highways to the north, south, and west are clogged with frantic human traffic.
00:53:56Police and army reserves are unable to control the mad flight.
00:53:59By morning, the fugitives will have swelled Philadelphia, Camden, and Trenton, it is estimated,
00:54:04to twice their normal population.
00:54:06At this time, martial law prevails throughout New Jersey and...
00:54:09Hey, Orville, it is a radio program, ain't it?
00:54:11It ain't no radio show.
00:54:13Now shut up, will you?
00:54:15The Secretary of the Interior.
00:54:18Citizens of the nation,
00:54:20I shall not try to conceal the gravity of the situation that confronts the country,
00:54:30nor the concern of your government...
00:54:34It's Roosevelt.
00:54:36What's that idiot doing now?
00:54:40However, I wish to impress upon you,
00:54:44private citizens and public officials...
00:54:47There is no answer, sir.
00:54:48All of you,
00:54:50to urge and plead a calm and resourceful attitude.
00:54:56Fortunately, this formidable enemy is still confined to a comparatively small area,
00:55:06and we may place our faith in the military forces to keep them there.
00:55:14In the meantime, placing our faith in God,
00:55:19we must continue the performance of our duties, each and every one of us,
00:55:26so that we may confront this destructive adversary
00:55:32as a nation united, courageous,
00:55:35and consecrated to the preservation of human supremacy on this earth.
00:55:42I thank you.
00:55:48You have just heard the Secretary of the Interior speaking from Washington.
00:55:52Bulletins too numerous to read are piling up in the newsroom here.
00:55:55We are informed that the central portion of New Jersey is blacked out from radio communication
00:55:59due to the effect of the heat ray upon power lines and electrical equipment.
00:56:06Here is a special bulletin from New York.
00:56:08It was received from English, French, German scientific bodies offering assistance.
00:56:15Astronomers report continued gas outbursts at regular intervals on the planet Mars.
00:56:22Majority vote opinion...
00:56:25Their apparent objective is to block the resistance to Mars.
00:56:34Hey, boy, where are you stopping for? We got to get out of here.
00:56:37I just want to find out where the fire is at, that's all.
00:56:39Fire? Are you serious?
00:56:41Yeah, you see, you were going about 80 miles.
00:56:43Are you crazy? Don't you know what's happening? Ain't you hurt?
00:56:45Just listen.
00:56:47...to blow up second invading unit before a cylinder can be opened on the Martian fighting machinery.
00:56:52Martians, yeah.
00:56:54They've landed on Earth. New Jersey's under martial law.
00:56:57I'm serious.
00:56:58Just listen, listen.
00:57:01Another bulletin from Langham Field, Virginia.
00:57:04Scouting planes report enemy machines...
00:57:06Now will you let me go? I got to get back to the farm.
00:57:09You ain't getting nowhere.
00:57:11I got to get out of here. We got a favorite now.
00:57:15Hold it.
00:57:18...within 10 miles of plane fields.
00:57:21Here is a bulletin from Winston's Field...
00:57:23That's a radio play, old buddy.
00:57:25Yeah.
00:57:31Now turn around.
00:57:33Atta boy.
00:57:35Oh, hell, I know it was a radio play.
00:57:38...in adjacent villages to give you direct reports in the zone of the advancing enemies.
00:57:43First, we take you to the battery of the 22nd Field Artillery...
00:57:46...located in the Watchung Mountains.
00:57:53Range, 32 meters.
00:57:56Projection, 39 degrees.
00:57:59Fire.
00:58:04140 yards to the right, sir.
00:58:07Shift range, 31 meters.
00:58:10Projection, 37 degrees.
00:58:13Fire.
00:58:19I hit, sir. We got a tripod in front of them. They've stopped.
00:58:22Come on. Come on.
00:58:24Go inside and get your coat on.
00:58:26No, honey, you can't take doors, I'm afraid.
00:58:28Projection, 27 degrees.
00:58:30Hi, honey.
00:58:32You're not a goby.
00:58:34You gotta be kidding me.
00:58:36They're letting off a smoke.
00:58:38Well, how could they?
00:58:40A black smoke, sir, moving this way.
00:58:42What do you want me to do?
00:58:43It's moving fast.
00:58:45Oh, okay. All right, I'll see what I can do.
00:58:48Paul, we got trouble.
00:58:50Listen, people are taking this thing seriously.
00:58:52That's ridiculous.
00:58:53Well, we gotta do something about it.
00:58:54Well, we'll give them a disclaimer.
00:58:56Well, where?
00:58:58Well, where else? At the station break.
00:59:0023 meters.
00:59:0223 meters.
00:59:05Projection, 22 degrees.
00:59:0722 degrees.
00:59:10I don't understand, but please do not ask for advice.
00:59:14Harrison, don't just stand there.
00:59:16Call someone.
00:59:28Mr. Matlock.
00:59:29Let me go.
00:59:30Mr. Matlock, perhaps we're reacting precipitously.
00:59:32What are you talking about?
00:59:33Perhaps we should try to understand them.
00:59:35Understand them?
00:59:36The Martians.
00:59:37The Martians.
00:59:38They may have been forced into this.
00:59:40Last of living space.
00:59:42You're mad.
00:59:43Perhaps they could even try to help us.
00:59:46Pull us up by our bootstraps, so to speak.
00:59:52Maybe they could even help us to get the trains to run on time.
01:00:07Army bombing plane V843 off Bayonne, New Jersey.
01:00:10Lieutenant Voight commanding eight bombers.
01:00:12Reporting command of Fairfax Langham Field.
01:00:14Let's see what's going on, Palmer.
01:00:16Go ahead.
01:00:19This is Voight reporting command of Fairfax Langham Field.
01:00:22Enemy tripod machines are now in sight.
01:00:25Reinforced by three machines from the Morse Town cylinder.
01:00:28There are six now altogether.
01:00:30One machine partially crippled.
01:00:32Believed hit by a shell from army gun.
01:00:35Where, damn it? Where?
01:00:38Guns now appear silent.
01:00:40A heavy black fog is hanging close to the earth now.
01:00:44Extreme density, nature unknown.
01:00:47No sign of heat ray.
01:00:49Enemy now turns east.
01:00:51Crossing Mosaic River into Jersey Marshes.
01:00:54Another straddles the Pulaski Skyway.
01:00:58They're on the skyway.
01:01:00They're pushing down a high tension power station now.
01:01:03Machines are close together.
01:01:05We are ready to attack.
01:01:07Planes circling, ready to strike.
01:01:13A thousand yards and we'll be over the first.
01:01:20Eight hundred yards.
01:01:23Linda.
01:01:24Linda!
01:01:26Hey!
01:01:33Hmm.
01:01:39Four hundred.
01:01:44Two hundred.
01:01:53Linda!
01:01:57Do you know?
01:01:58Linda, no!
01:02:00Come on, we got to get out of here.
01:02:02By the sacred place.
01:02:03Safe.
01:02:04This is our home.
01:02:05This is the safest place.
01:02:07No harm can come to you.
01:02:09No harm, the Martians are taking over.
01:02:11Martians, no, no.
01:02:13They are the angels of darkness.
01:02:15The forces of evil.
01:02:16Come on, we're getting married.
01:02:17What?
01:02:18We're getting married right now.
01:02:20Now?
01:02:21Now, I love you, we're getting married.
01:02:23Under the resurrection there shall be no marriage.
01:02:26After giving of hands unto Mary.
01:02:28You will be like the angels of heaven.
01:02:30I love you.
01:02:31Please.
01:02:32Stephan.
01:02:33We wrestle not against flesh and blood.
01:02:35Okay, the first church we fought, okay?
01:02:36Are you coming with us?
01:02:37Against the forces of darkness.
01:02:39Talk to him.
01:02:40Every war and rumor of war.
01:02:43But take ye no heed.
01:02:44There shall no harm come to us.
01:02:46For I see it now.
01:02:48Alpha and Omega.
01:02:50It is the beginning and the end of the revelation.
01:02:55Let it come down.
01:02:56Let it come down like buckets of blood.
01:02:59There shall be a new heaven and a new earth.
01:03:02Let it come down.
01:03:03Give it to us, oh Lord.
01:03:05No, no, no.
01:03:07This is my home, my sanctuary.
01:03:09There is no sanctuary, no antichrist.
01:03:11This is an invasion from Mars.
01:03:13No.
01:03:14They're spraying us with flames.
01:03:282,000 feet.
01:03:29Engines giving out now.
01:03:31No chance to release bombs.
01:03:34Only one thing left.
01:03:37Drop on them plain and all.
01:03:41We are dabbing on the first one.
01:03:44Do you understand?
01:03:45We're helpless against them.
01:03:46Listen.
01:03:47Listen.
01:03:48Get in there.
01:03:49Revelation.
01:03:50We'll be there.
01:03:57This is the end of the world.
01:03:59No, no.
01:04:00It's not the end of the world.
01:04:01It's the end of our world.
01:04:02They're going to be all right.
01:04:03They'll still be here when they're done with us.
01:04:05Get in.
01:04:06No man was made in God's image.
01:04:09These are mechanical monsters.
01:04:11Bugs.
01:04:12Maybe God is a mechanical bug.
01:04:14Would you get in?
01:04:15No.
01:04:16No.
01:04:17No.
01:04:18No.
01:04:19Father.
01:04:20No.
01:04:21Come on.
01:04:22Come on.
01:04:23Sanctuary.
01:04:26Not bug.
01:04:27Sanctuary.
01:04:29Reverend Davis.
01:04:30Father.
01:04:31Reverend Davis.
01:04:32Come on.
01:04:34Come on.
01:04:35Come on.
01:04:38Father.
01:04:41Get the kid out of the house.
01:04:45This is Bayonne, New Jersey, calling Langham Field.
01:04:47This is Bayonne, New Jersey, calling Langham Field.
01:04:49Come in, please.
01:04:50Good evening.
01:04:51Columbia Broadcasting System.
01:04:52We've had no calls from the airport.
01:04:54It's the Mercury Theater.
01:04:55That's correct.
01:04:56No, there's no need to call the police.
01:04:58It's just a play.
01:04:59Good evening.
01:05:00Columbia Broadcasting System.
01:05:01You're welcome.
01:05:02Columbia Broadcasting System.
01:05:04Disconnected on that.
01:05:05It's a play called War of the Worlds.
01:05:07I'm sorry I can't give you that information.
01:05:09You're welcome.
01:05:10They all act like the world is coming to an end.
01:05:12What in the hell are they doing up there?
01:05:14This is Bayonne, New Jersey, calling Langham Field.
01:05:16This is Bayonne, New Jersey, calling Langham Field.
01:05:18Come in, please.
01:05:19Come in, please.
01:05:20This is Langham Field.
01:05:21Go ahead.
01:05:22Eight army bombers in engagement with enemy tripod machines over Jersey Flats.
01:05:26Engines incapacitated by heat rays.
01:05:28All press.
01:05:31One enemy machine destroyed.
01:05:32Enemy now in the stock.
01:05:34This is Jersey One.
01:05:36Poisonous black smoke burrowing in from the Jersey Flats.
01:05:39They'll seal tunnels when the gas is near.
01:05:41They used to use birds for poison gas detection.
01:05:45Automobiles is at 7, 23, 24.
01:05:49Destroyed congested areas.
01:05:51Smoke now spreading over Raymond Boulevard and P.J.
01:05:54Raymond Boulevard?
01:05:56Mommy!
01:05:59Hold on!
01:06:01Are you okay?
01:06:02Yeah.
01:06:25We'll get it.
01:06:27We'll get it.
01:06:29We're getting out of the car.
01:06:31I want everybody to hurry up.
01:06:33Leave everything here. Hurry up now.
01:06:35Take it easy. Hurry up.
01:06:37Come on. Let's go. Everybody out.
01:06:39Don't take everything.
01:06:41Take the food. Come on.
01:06:43You don't need this. You don't need this.
01:06:45Come on. Hurry up. Take it easy.
01:06:47Direct to all.
01:06:49Calling CQ.
01:06:51Direct to all.
01:06:53Calling CQ.
01:06:57Direct to all.
01:06:59Calling CQ.
01:07:01I don't need anything.
01:07:03I don't need anything.
01:07:05No.
01:07:07How did he get home?
01:07:09He's not to me.
01:07:11He's not to me.
01:07:13It's not to me.
01:07:15It's not to me.
01:07:17He's not to me.
01:07:19He's not to me.
01:07:21It's not to me.
01:07:23It's not to me.
01:07:25Hudson, out, out, out.
01:07:27Come here.
01:07:322X2L calling 8X3R.
01:07:36Come in, please.
01:07:392X2L calling 8X3R.
01:07:43Come in, please.
01:07:45This is 8X3R coming back at 2X2L.
01:07:49How's reception?
01:07:50How's reception?
01:07:52Kay, please.
01:07:54Where are you, 8X3R?
01:07:57What's the matter?
01:07:59Where are you?
01:08:03I am speaking from the roof of Broadcast Building, New York City.
01:08:06The bells you hear are ringing to warn the people to evacuate the city as the Martians approach.
01:08:11Estimated in the last two hours, three million people have moved out along the roads to the north.
01:08:15Hutchinson River Parkway was kept open and motor traffic is still moving along nicely.
01:08:20Avoid bridges to Long Island. Hopelessly jammed.
01:08:23All communication with Jersey Shore closed ten minutes ago.
01:08:26No more defenses. Army wiped out. Artillery, Air Force, everything wiped out.
01:08:30This may be the last broadcast.
01:08:33We'll stay here to the end.
01:08:35People, as you can hear, are holding service below in the cathedral.
01:08:41Now I look down the harbor.
01:08:44All manner of boats overloaded with fleeing population pulling out from the docks.
01:08:49The streets are jammed.
01:08:51Noise in the crowds like New Year's Eve and...
01:08:55Wait.
01:08:56Enemy now in sight above the palisades.
01:08:58Three, four, five great machines.
01:09:01The first one is crossing the river. I can see it from here.
01:09:04Wading the Hudson like a man wading to a brook.
01:09:07Seems to be timed. There's faith.
01:09:10Now the first machine reaches the shore.
01:09:14Oh, no.
01:09:16All right, thanks.
01:09:18That was the switchboard. Now the police are starting to call in.
01:09:21I can't talk now. We're almost two minutes over.
01:09:23Well, where's that disclaimer?
01:09:25I forgot. I didn't have enough time to finish it.
01:09:27Oh, all right, all right. I'll take care of it.
01:09:30My God, how did he think this was real?
01:09:32You're not going to scrub the second half of the show.
01:09:35I don't know.
01:09:37Austin's not going to like a disclaimer.
01:09:39Radio...
01:09:48Looking over the city.
01:09:50His steel, collish head is even with the skyscrapers.
01:09:54He waits for the others.
01:09:56They rise like a line of new towers on the city's west side.
01:10:00They're lifting their metal hands.
01:10:02I see it.
01:10:04Smoke is coming out.
01:10:06Black smoke drifting over the city.
01:10:09People in the streets see it now.
01:10:12They're running towards the East River.
01:10:14Thousands of them dropping in like rats.
01:10:17And now the smoke is spreading faster.
01:10:19It has reached Times Square.
01:10:22People trying to run away from it.
01:10:25But it's no use.
01:10:27They are falling like flies.
01:10:29And now the smoke is crossing 6th Avenue, 5th Avenue.
01:10:34100 yards away.
01:10:3650 feet.
01:10:482L.
01:10:502XCQ.
01:10:522X.
01:10:532L.
01:10:542XCQ.
01:10:562X.
01:10:572L.
01:10:582XCQ.