Anglais: Text Orson Welles and the War of the worlds

« QUERCY Justine Text Orson Welles and the War of the worlds.

1) Explain what kind of programme it is? It is CBS radio with the participation of Orson Welles, which decides to broadcast on the evening of October 30, 1938, a “war of the worlds” adaptation of Welles science fiction.

This tells the story of the invasion of Earth by extraterrestrials from the planet Mars.

2) What made this story realistic? Orson Welles, recognized as one of the most brilliant directors of this generation, will use false news flashes, false testimony, as well as a false official speech which will give his.

3) Go through the text and highlight everything that is fake? What is wrong in this text is the fake news flash, false testimony and special effect sounds on the radio.

As the text shows us, ‘live reporting from newsmen, many of whom “die” on the air, killed by poison gas or the aliens’ heat ray.

As the aliens march towards New York, destroying everything in their path, the army is called out.

Battles are reported as the background.

Air force planes are destroyed by the heat ray.

The aliens are unstoppable.

4) What was the reaction of the radio listeners? This programme of October 30, 1938 is one of the most significant events in the history of broadcasting the world.

Collective memory wanted to remember that this had caused a wave of panic across America, it is not the case however.

If the listeners were surprised, that many phone calls were made during the night and that some fled in the face of fear of an alien invasion, the program was not so popular on the other side of the Atlantic.

This legend was especially forged by the newspapers of time, which saw radio as a new medium threatening the written press.

By relaying a supposed collective hysteria, they wanted to prove the doubt around the legitimacy of the information medium.

One thing is certain, Orson Welles’ popularity only grew, which allowed him to direct many films including the masterpiece Citizen Case.

5) What did Orson Welles do when he heard about people who panicked? Orson Welles ended the show on the radio by telling listeners "I hope the audience enjoys the halloween special".

But he created a great illusion and especially in New Jersey and New York. Going further, in a chat with H.G Welles, Orson Welles reflects on the “excitement” caused by the show, and admits to not being aware of its true scope.

Paradoxically, Welles gives in an interview that leaves us to imagine that Welles predicted the reaction of those who would listen, even that he hoped that it would go as far as real panic.. »