A phony broadcast was all over the airwaves, except no one knew it was a hoax ! And so began the biggest controversy of the decade as millions of Americans shrieked in terror as to what they thought was the world coming to an end! It was actually a very well acted radio play that put the nation into a perilous frenzy. It also changed how we approached radio and television forever. On October 30, 1938, normally discerning Americans became so totally captivated by Orson Wells' dramatic radio show that they forgot that it was the night before Halloween. Listeners were moved to hastily get into their cars and try to escape. Throughout New York, families left their homes in a panic. Those fleeing in cars became ensnared in traffic jams. In Newark, New Jersey, in a single block more than twenty families rushed out of their houses with wet handkerchiefs and towels over their faces to flee from what they believed was to be a gas raid. Some began moving household furniture. Thousands called the police, radio stations and newspapers in these and other cities in the U.S. and Canada seeking advice on protective measures against the raids. Phone lines were overloaded. Scores of people required medical treatment for shock. This program examines the frailty of the world in 1938, its real horrors, and the fallout of Wells popularity in which he never recovered. The real horror of the 1930's only escalated with this broadcast.