Martian Mania: The True Story of The War of the Worlds (TV 1998)

Director:

Melissa Jo Peltier

Writers:

Melissa Jo Peltier, W.W. Weiner

Stars:

Steve Allen, James Cameron, Orson Welles

Cast

Credited cast:
Steve Allen	...	Himself
James Cameron	...	Host
Orson Welles	...	Himself (archive footage)

Storyline

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Plot Keywords:

war of the worlds broadcast

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Genres:

Documentary

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

30 October 1998 (USA)

Also Known As:

La verdadera historia de la guerra de los mundos

Filming Locations:

Los Angeles, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

MPH Entertainment Productions

Technical Specs

Color:

Black and White Color

User Reviews

Outstanding Documentary

Outstanding documentary on what has been dubbed "The Night that Panicked America". Filmmaker James Cameron narrates a behind the scenes look at the infamous "War of the Worlds" broadcast of 1938 by Orson Welles and the Mercury Theater Company. Includes rarely seen/heard footage of the great huckster and his statement to the world following the harrowing night of the hoax, and even a footnote of a greater tragedy that took place following a similar broadcast in Mexico two decades later. For fans of old time radio, WW2 and Scifi, this is a must see. I particularly liked the real comments from residents of New Jersey who listened to the actual broadcast on that Halloween eve. While we have heard stories about the various fears and panics of persons who witnessed the events of that night, this is the one documentary I have seen or heard that truly puts it all into perspective. As a companion piece, I recommend the film, "The Night that Panicked America" which starred John Ritter.