The RUSC Guide to listening to The War of the Worlds

You've probably arrived here after reading The RUSC Guide to The War of the Worlds book, which is a deep dive into this amazing radio broadcast.

I've included the listen guide chapter below just in case you haven't yet read the book, or to make it easier for those who have got the book, but don't want to have to keep flitting between this page and the book.

There isn't a perfect copy of an audio recording of The War of the Worlds around, but the ones included below are pretty good, and the quality actually gets better once you get a few minutes into the production.

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Streaming Version

Click the play button below to listen to Orson Welles adaptation of The War of the Worlds online.

Getting ready to listen

Before you press play, consider setting the mood. Dim the lights, perhaps light a candle, and try to imagine yourself as a listener in 1938. Remember, radio was the primary source of news and entertainment, and the concept of "media literacy" was in its infancy. With this mindset, you'll be better prepared to appreciate the broadcast's impact. You might even want to gather around an old radio if you have one, or use a vintage-style speaker to enhance the authenticity of your experience.

The actual timings, shown in minutes and seconds, may vary depending on the recording you are listening to, but they will give you a rough idea of what to focus on and when.

Key Moments and What to Listen For

0:00-1:40 - The Opening

Notice how brief the introduction is. Many listeners who tuned in late would have missed this crucial context. Pay attention to Welles' tone - it's almost playful, giving no hint of the drama to come. Listen closely to the quality of his voice and how it sets the stage for what's to follow. The casual nature of his delivery is a stark contrast to the intensity that will soon unfold.

1:40-6:00 - Setting the Stage

Listen for the contrast between the mundane weather report and dance music, and the increasingly urgent news bulletins. Note how the music is interrupted mid-song, adding to the sense of realism. Pay attention to the pacing of these interruptions and how they become more frequent as the tension builds. The choice of music is also significant - it's light and carefree, making the transition to chaos all the more jarring when it happens.

6:00-11:30 - The Grover's Mill Landing

Pay close attention to the background sounds during Carl Phillips' report. You'll hear murmuring crowds, car horns, and other ambient noises that lend authenticity to the scene. The sound of the unscrewing cylinder (remember the pickle jar from the previous chapter?) is particularly effective. Notice how the crowd's reactions change from curiosity to fear, and how Phillips' voice reflects this shift. The layering of sounds here is masterful, creating a rich audio landscape that pulls the listener into the scene.

11:30-15:00 - First Contact and Attack

This section showcases the brilliant sound design. Listen for:

The alien's "humming" sound, which grows in intensity
The heat-ray effect, a combination of hissing and explosion sounds
The abrupt cut-off of Phillips' transmission
Pay attention to how these sounds are mixed together to create a sense of chaos and terror. The sudden silence after Phillips' cut-off is particularly chilling, leaving the listener's imagination to fill in the horrifying details.

15:00-24:00 - Escalation and Military Response

Notice how the pacing quickens here. Bulletins interrupt each other, creating a sense of chaos. Pay attention to the different voice actors and how they convey increasing levels of panic while attempting to maintain professionalism. Listen for the subtle changes in their vocal performances - the slight tremor in their voices, the quickening of their speech, the moments where they struggle to maintain composure. This section is a masterclass in using pacing and performance to build tension.

24:00-32:00 - The Fall of New York

This section is an excellent example of creating tension through sound. Listen for:

The bomber pilot's description of the Martian machines
The sound of sirens and explosions in the background
The chilling final transmission from New York

Pay close attention to how the sound effects are layered here. The distant explosions, the crackle of radio static, and the urgent voices all combine to create a vivid picture of a city under siege. The bomber pilot's description is particularly effective, allowing listeners to "see" the Martian machines through his eyes.

32:00-40:00 - Pierson's Narration

Here, the style shifts dramatically. Notice how Welles changes his vocal performance, adopting a more introspective, literary tone. The background sounds become subtler but no less effective. This section provides a moment of reflection amidst the chaos, allowing listeners to process the events and contemplate their implications. Pay attention to how Welles uses pacing and inflection to convey a sense of despair and resignation.

40:00-60:00 - The Aftermath and Conclusion

Pay attention to how the broadcast winds down, transitioning from the frantic news bulletins to a more traditional narrative style. Notice Welles' shift in tone as he breaks character at the end. This section serves as a denouement, allowing listeners to gradually return to reality. The contrast between this calmer section and the earlier chaos is striking, highlighting the emotional journey the broadcast has taken its audience on.

Advanced Listening Techniques

Sound Layering:

Throughout the broadcast, listen for how multiple sound effects are combined. For example, during the attack scenes, you might hear explosions, screams, and the alien "heat-ray" simultaneously. Try to identify individual sounds within the mix and appreciate how they work together to create a cohesive audio environment.

Vocal Performance Nuances:

Pay attention to how the actors modulate their voices. Notice the subtle tremors in their voices during tense moments, or how they adjust their pacing to convey urgency. Listen for changes in pitch, volume, and speed that convey emotional states without explicitly stating them.

Use of Silence:

Welles often employs strategic silences. These pauses, unusual for radio at the time, add to the tension and realism. Notice how these moments of silence create anticipation and allow the listener's imagination to run wild.

Music as Mood Setter:

When present, the music plays a crucial role. Listen for how it underscores the action without overwhelming it. Pay attention to the choice of music and how it transitions from light-hearted to tense as the story progresses.

Technical Jargon:

Notice how scientific and military terminology is used to lend credibility to the fiction. Terms like "incandescent gas," "proboscis," and "visual reconnaissance" add to the realism. Consider how these terms, while perhaps not fully understood by all listeners, contribute to the overall sense of authenticity.

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

Listen for references to real locations and institutions, like the Princeton Observatory or the National Guard armory at Trenton. These nods to actual places help ground the story in reality.

See if you can spot moments where actors might be playing multiple roles. This was common in radio dramas but is done seamlessly here. Try to identify distinctive voices and see if you can hear them pop up in different roles throughout the broadcast.

Pay attention to the "mistakes" and hesitations in the reporters' speech. These are actually carefully scripted to enhance realism. Notice how these imperfections make the performances feel more genuine and spontaneous.

Listen for how the broadcast subtly incorporates elements from the original novel, like the description of the Martians' appearance. These details serve as a nod to H.G. Wells' source material while adapting it for the radio medium.

Immersive Listening Tips

To fully appreciate the broadcast:

Use headphones if possible to catch subtle background details. This will allow you to pick up on the nuances of the sound design and stereo effects.
Listen in one uninterrupted session, as the original audience would have. This will help you experience the building tension and emotional journey as it was intended.
Keep a notebook handy to jot down observations or questions. This can be a great way to engage actively with the broadcast and record your impressions for later reflection.
After listening, try to identify which moments you found most convincing and why. Consider discussing your experience with others to gain different perspectives on the broadcast's effectiveness.
Consider listening multiple times, focusing on different aspects each time. You might concentrate on the performances in one listen, the sound effects in another, and the overall structure in a third.

By focusing on these elements, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship behind the broadcast. You'll understand how Welles and his team used the audio medium to create a vivid, immersive experience that blurred the lines between fiction and reality. This innovative use of radio as a storytelling medium paved the way for future developments in broadcasting and laid the groundwork for our modern understanding of media's power to shape perception.

As you listen, remember that you're experiencing a pivotal moment in media history. This broadcast not only showcased the power of radio as a medium but also highlighted the potential for media to influence public perception. It's a testament to the skill of the performers, the ingenuity of the sound designers, and the vision of Orson Welles. By understanding the techniques used in this broadcast, you'll be better equipped to appreciate not just radio dramas, but all forms of audio storytelling, from modern podcasts to audiobooks.

So, dim those lights, settle in, and prepare to be transported back to 1938. You're about to experience one of the most influential broadcasts in radio history. Enjoy the journey, and don't forget - it's just a story... or is it?