The Fake Radio Company
specializes in re-enactments of old radio shows with period costumes, dated
microphones and taped special effects. In celebration of Halloween, they
recreated Orson Welles’ famous 1938 CBS radio broadcast adapted from H.G. Wells
sc-fi novel. This is the one that caused people to panic and run for their
lives. Yes, a fleet of Martians had landed in New Jersey and were marauding
across the State into New York City with thousands fleeing and dying before
them.
Hey, after sitting there eyes closed, with only my ears to give me the
news, I often felt the urge to get up and run myself – it was that well done!
Less imaginative souls
watched the actors as they read from the original script so they knew this was
theater not breaking news. Deep inside I knew it too, but if I’d been listening
back in 1938 you might have seen me dashing through the Holland Tunnel with all
the rest of the fools.
Old-Time Radio Comedy
Troupe, now in its 10th year, perform under the direction of David
Koff. Next up is their annual Christmas show, “It’s A Wonderful Life,” with Ray
Romano joining this delightful company. That’s December 18 at 8 pm at The Steve
Allen Theatre, 4773 Hollywood Blvd.
A Fun Note: In 1966, the
FCC enacted a rule that explicit disclaimers must be stated at close intervals
on any such broadcasts to avoid misunderstandings. In 1974, WPRO-AM in Rhode Island
aired it with the original storyline but said the landing was on Rhode Island and
widespread panic ensued. In 1988, National Public Radio aired a remake - starring
Steve Allen! - who as a kid had listened to the original broadcast 50 years
before. This was nominated for a Grammy as “Best Spoken Word Recording.” No
word of a panic in Hollywood.
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