Whether you're a fan of the radio adaptation by Orson Welles or the original novel by H.G. Wells, the story of a Martian invasion will captivate you. From the aliens, to the characters, to the looming Martian colony, War of the Worlds is a classic story that will never be out of style. Here are some things you should know about the classic novel and radio adaptation.
Orson Welles' radio adaptation
The Mercury Theatre on the Air broadcast the Halloween episode "The War of the Worlds" on October 30, 1938. The radio adaptation was based on the novel by H. G. Wells. It was broadcast live at 8pm ET. Welles portrayed the characters and the escalating tension between man and alien species. It is an entertaining and memorable listen, and a classic work of radio drama.
H.G. Wells' novel
War of the Worlds is a science fiction novel written by English author H. G. Wells. It was originally published serially in Cosmopolitan and Pearson's Magazine in 1897, and published in hardcover in 1898 by William Heinemann. The novel is a classic in the genre, and continues to inspire scientists and writers today. In addition to being a popular science fiction novel, War of the Worlds has many important historical and scientific implications.
Martian invasion
A fictional extraterrestrial race, the Martians, attempt to take over Earth in the novel "War of the Worlds." Known as the Invaders, they use advanced extraterrestrial weapons to destroy the human population and claim the planet for themselves. The story is told from the perspective of a first person narrator, who sees the invasion unfold. The novel is also set in the year 2149.
Characters in the novel
The novel begins with an invasion by tentacled creatures that cut through entire countrysides with ray guns. A vision of humanity's demise is followed by the defeat of these creatures. The unnamed narrator learns that humanity has escaped and returns home to reunite with his wife. International aid packages begin to arrive, and the hope for a second invasion grows, though this is tempered by the fear of another war.
Influence on sci-fi genre
War of the Worlds is widely credited for influencing the sci-fi genre. Wells's novel, which was known as a scientific romance in its time, made alien invasions a common theme in sci-fi fiction. Other important writers who followed Wells's example are Arthur C. Clarke and Robert A. Heinlein. Other popular sci-fi works from the time period include The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen and Alan Moore's comic book series.
Other adaptations
The BBC adapted the classic 1897 novel in a three-part miniseries. In this adaptation, Gene Barry and Ann Robinson play Martians who come to earth. This film inspired countless science fiction movies to come. A recent adaptation starring Tom Cruise and Dakota Fanning has become one of the most popular versions. In addition to a starring role for Cruise and Fanning, the film features narration from Morgan Freeman.
