"Another classic dramatic presentation brought to you by 'Studio One', originally a radio program brought out as an Emmy winning weekly television program shown on the CBS television network from 1948 to 1958.. This particular episode centers on the tale of the 1939 (sic, it was 1938) Halloween night radio broadcast of the Mercury Theater's 'The War of The Worlds'." (originally by H.G. Wells)
"Narrated by Edward R. Murrow, this program presented a dramatization of the studio end of the broadcast as well as audience reactions through vignettes. Guest stars abound in this episode (which opened the tenth season of this program), including Ed Asner, Vincent Gardenia, James Coburn, Warren Oates and a youthful Warren Beatty," according to the DVD sleeve's synopsis.
Alexander Scourby (as Phillips, the host) is a good substitute for the original Orson Welles, who should have been mentioned, at least. Mr. Welles was (along with John Houseman) largely responsible for "The Mercury Theatre on the Air". And, it was Welles' confident, convincing voice that helped throw listeners into a panic. (What did Welles do, turn down an interview with Edward R. Murrow?)
This teleplay does seem to capture the "moment" well, with a large cast performing necessarily small roles, given the actual running time. Don't overlook the uncredited John Astin, when perusing the cast; in his first appearance before a camera, Mr. Astin is as good as fellow débuting Jim Coburn. Warren Beatty and Warren Oates are ordinary college card players. Ed Asner has great hair. And, as always, Vincent Gardenia shows up any Tom, Dick, or Harry.
****** The Night America Trembled (9/9/57) Tom Donovan ~ Alexander Scourby, Vincent Gardenia, John Astin
"Narrated by Edward R. Murrow, this program presented a dramatization of the studio end of the broadcast as well as audience reactions through vignettes. Guest stars abound in this episode (which opened the tenth season of this program), including Ed Asner, Vincent Gardenia, James Coburn, Warren Oates and a youthful Warren Beatty," according to the DVD sleeve's synopsis.
Alexander Scourby (as Phillips, the host) is a good substitute for the original Orson Welles, who should have been mentioned, at least. Mr. Welles was (along with John Houseman) largely responsible for "The Mercury Theatre on the Air". And, it was Welles' confident, convincing voice that helped throw listeners into a panic. (What did Welles do, turn down an interview with Edward R. Murrow?)
This teleplay does seem to capture the "moment" well, with a large cast performing necessarily small roles, given the actual running time. Don't overlook the uncredited John Astin, when perusing the cast; in his first appearance before a camera, Mr. Astin is as good as fellow débuting Jim Coburn. Warren Beatty and Warren Oates are ordinary college card players. Ed Asner has great hair. And, as always, Vincent Gardenia shows up any Tom, Dick, or Harry.
****** The Night America Trembled (9/9/57) Tom Donovan ~ Alexander Scourby, Vincent Gardenia, John Astin