Laura Keyes presents this informative and entertaining lecture on Orson Welles' "War of the Worlds" broadcast - a perfect prelude to Halloween!
On the eve of Halloween 1938, a young actor/director broadcast a radio drama based on a 40-year-old novel: The War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells. While the original broadcast had a relatively low audience, the impact it had, and continues to have, on American culture is staggering. But how much of that impact was reality, and how much has been exaggerated over the years? Were there riots in the streets from panicked listeners, or did most of the audience simply enjoy a well-done piece of theatre? Did Orson Welles know he would frighten listeners, or was this an unintended accident?
Laura Keyes graduated from UW-Madison with a Master's Degree in Library Studies and has been presenting on historic topics for over ten years. She enjoys researching literary symbolism, and is contracted to write a book on that subject. In her non-existent spare time, Laura is a wonderful baker and accomplished vocalist. Ms. Keyes is currently the Director of the Dunlap Public Library District in Dunlap, Illinois.
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AGE GROUP: | Adults |
EVENT TYPE: | History / Genealogy | Books / Book Clubs / Writing | Art / Film / Music |