W A R O F T H E W O R L D S
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1967 BBC Version
First Show: 09 Jun, 1967 Last Show: 14 Jul, 1967
Number Shows: 6 Audition Show: none
Series Description:
The most well-known radio show of all time is THE MERCURY THEATER OF
THE AIR presentation of "War of the Worlds" directed by Orsen Wells.
This H. G. Wells classic science fiction story may also be one of the
most-often dramatized work on radio. Besides Wells' October 30,
1938 rendering, there is an Australian version in 1957 (in 6 30-
minute episodes), a Lux Radio Theater adaptation of George Pal's film
(1 hour long), a West Coast version centered on San Francisco from
1961 (1 hour), a version from South Africa done in early 1957 (6 30-
minute episodes). There are others plus a couple of readings done on
radio.
The British Broadcasting Corporation presented it in 1950 and again
in 1967, both times as a series of 6 30-minute episodes. The BBC's
1967 version places the action in 1967 but stays close to H.G. Wells'
origional. Portraying it in 6 30-minute episodes offers ample
oppurtunity to develop characters and plots. Sound effects and
acting are first rate, making it an enjoyable listen. The only flaw
is that most copies available are not of pristine quality.
If you've only heard the Orsen Wells version, you owe it to yourself
to try this one. It's one of the BBC's better science fiction
dramas.
Chronological Log:
Date Day Num Title
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09 Jun, 1967 Fri 1 "The Red Planet"
16 Jun, 1967 Fri 2 "The First Deaths"
23 Jun, 1967 Fri 3 "The Fighting Machines"
30 Jun, 1967 Fri 4 "The Black Smoke"
07 Jul, 1967 Fri 5 "The Red Weed"
14 Jul, 1967 Fri 6 "Conclusion"
Last Update: May 20, 2004
This log is informational only and does not imply that I have these
shows for trade or sale. The shows are still protected under
copyright law and should be obtained only from authorized dealers.
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Passage, 109 Elmwood Road, Verona, NJ 07044 (email: wb2ntp@arrl.net).