After having a hold on "The Greatest Old-Time Radio Shows of the 20th Century" Audio CD for many months, it finally came in. I am currently in the middle of the first show “The War of the Worlds” which was broadcast on 10/30/1938 and I have to admit, it’s pretty impressive. This radio play was adapted for radio from H.G. Wells story, but during the broadcast of this show in between 8:00-9:00PM EST in 1938 thousands of listeners thought that what they were hearing was true and became hysteric as they heard “first hand” reports of invaders from Mars attacking the Earth.

I can realistically imagine people becoming afraid and freaking out while listening. It sounds so real, and at a time when television and internet were not available, it would be hard to quickly disput what you were hearing in the “news” report. It sounds so authentic! Although the program was previously listed in the newspaper as "Today: 8:00-9:00--Play: H. G. Wells's 'War of the Worlds'--WABC.", I’m sure that many people did not receive the paper, or neglected to read the radio schedule—especially if they turned on their radio part-way in.

Check out this thorough site for 1938 news reports and other detailed information.

text of the radio play